In last year’s Spring Seller Release, eBay urged sellers to include product identifiers in their listings. With this year’s seller update, to be announced later today, it’s no longer a request – it’s a requirement for certain types of listings.
eBay will begin requiring sellers to include product identifiers in their listings in certain categories. Not only is it designed to help shoppers find items on eBay, but using UPCs, ISBNs, and MPNs is a requirement for exposure on Google search results.
All new listings of branded items in new condition will be required to include the item’s brand, MPN, and GTIN in select categories later this year.
But rest assured, sellers who list used, collectible, vintage, or one-of-a-kind items will not be required to include unique product identifiers.
Categories that are impacted by the new requirement include:
Baby
Books
Business & Industrial (Test, Lab, and Office Equipment)
Cameras & Photo
Cell Phones & Accessories
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (Shoes only)
Computers/Tablets & Networking
Consumer Electronics
DVDs & Movies
eBay Motors
Health & Beauty
Home & Garden (Tools and Appliances only)
Music
Musical Instruments & Gear
Pet Supplies
Sporting Goods
Toys & Hobbies
Video Games & Consoles
eBay is also making major changes to fees in an effort to revitalize auctions, with some good news along with some fee increases. And as is typical with seller releases, eBay is also tweaking its categories. Stay tuned for updates about the Spring Seller Release on the EcommerceBytes blogs.
Update: Here’s the official March 17th eBay Spring Seller Update announcement.
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