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Ebay makes another change...it's a grand-slam!!

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  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>One big lol @ people who can't find what they are looking for on ebay, regardless of how they list the categories. >>



    As previously mentioned a few times, searching categories nets some sweet deals when looking for bad titles/mispelling, i picked up a 1979 Gretsky (not Gretzky which is the correct spelling) rookie by going through PSA Vintage Hockey listings... >>



    /////////////////////////////////////


    Simply use fatfingers.com, to yield the same results.

    All of these possibles in one search:

    (greyzky, gretsky, gretzzky, greztky, grtezky, gretzy, gretky, grezky)


    results

    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • For me the only searches that will now not work are the ones that I would search to find pre-1980's oddball items, since all I had to do before was exclude "topps".
    I would find many items I never knew existed, plus items where the seller doesn't even include year or set name
    Looking for in PSA graded
    1. 75-76 Topps Keith/Jamaal Wilkes in Psa 8+
    2. 1971-72 Trio stickers PSA 8+
    3. BSKB 1977-78 topps psa 10

    Basketball Autos
    1992 Courtside Flashback
    Action Packed HOF Autos(need elvin hayes,both bill bradley,and the 1st bill walton)
    2001 and 2005 Greats of the Game
    UD=retro,epic,legends,legendary,generations and chronology
    2006 Topps Style 1952 Fan Favorites Autos #/10 (Refractor Autos)
    Press Pass Legends
  • mtcardsmtcards Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭
    I think ebay should be progressive and go to THREE categories

    1-Good Stuff
    2-OK Stuff
    3-Crap
    IT IS ALWAYS CHEAPER TO NOT SELL ON EBAY
  • packCollectorpackCollector Posts: 2,786 ✭✭✭
    I think some people are missingthe point , not everyone "searches" . I just buy things that I see, not things I was searching for. no way am I going to try to see things in 244,000 listings
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Duncan, some people always miss the point.


    Steve


    Good for you.
  • SDavidSDavid Posts: 1,584 ✭✭
    How long before ebay starts requiring sellers to start using their item specifics?

    It looks like that's how they want to eventually categorize everything, but they can't do that if sellers don't enter the information.

    Can you imagine having to select single, manuf, year, graded, grade, etc every time you list a card??
    '
  • I just jacked up my minimum bids ~ i suspect buyers will be few and far between ..........
  • bbcemporiumbbcemporium Posts: 684 ✭✭✭
    I actually sympathize with the users over at Net54 on this subject. When it comes to vintage and pre-war, I think a lot of buyers like to "browse" the categories and aren't always looking for specific items. Obviously there are some specialized search functions that can be set up, but do we honestly think that most buyers are savvy enough to do this?

    I just got off the phone with eBay asking for some rationalization on why this was done. I already knew I wasn't going to get a satisfactory answer, but good grief, I think my shoes have a higher IQ than the monkeys they have working at eBay. Anyway, I don't think this is the end of baseball cards on eBay, but I think it will cause some very short term problems, but like anything else, people will get used to it and learn to deal with it. We all know that card junkies aren't going to quit buying, they will always need their fix!
    Registry Sets

    "Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it"
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    I'd be curious to know if they bothered to consult with some of their major powersellers before making this change. If you look at the guys who sell tons of cards on Ebay, they can't help but be affected by this.

    You can't tell me there aren't hundreds of buyers out there that browse specific categories and buy things they didn't anticipate buying. I know. I'm one of them.

    Oh well, just laying the foundation for an eventual viable competitor to Ebay. It's only a matter of time.
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • bbcemporiumbbcemporium Posts: 684 ✭✭✭
    I'm curious why they haven't done the same to other collectibles such as coins, comics, etc. I checked the other night, and comics still have all of their sub-categories.

    I'm also a category browser. As a buyer, I'm not concerned, as I'll just have to make custom searches now, but as a seller.... I'm tempted to sit back a little and see what happens before I offer myself up as a guinea pig to this new and improved eBay experience.
    Registry Sets

    "Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it"
  • AhmanfanAhmanfan Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    Oh well, just laying the foundation for an eventual viable competitor to Ebay. It's only a matter of time. >>



    I hope the wheels of progress start turning a little quicker and we see this alternative hurry up and get here (and become popular)
    John
    Collecting
    HOF SIGNED FOOTBALL RCS
  • I spent a lot of time yesterday and this afternoon scanning cards to put in my store. Have about 200 ready to go but refused to list any cards until this situation is resolved. Anyone have any idea if this is ever going to be fixed and how long before it is?
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I spent a lot of time yesterday and this afternoon scanning cards to put in my store. Have about 200 ready to go but refused to list any cards until this situation is resolved. Anyone have any idea if this is ever going to be fixed and how long before it is? >>



    /////////////////////////////////

    I spoke to somebody "in the know," today.

    The new scheme will remain "substantially" as announced.
    Additional sub-categories of collectibles may or may not be
    nixed, in favor of Item Specifics (IS).

    The new push toward IS means that accurate/perfect titles
    AND correctly filled-out SYIFs are more important than ever.

    EBAY claims to KNOW that the importance of sub-cats to
    sales is TINY. (My personal traffic reports clearly show they
    are RIGHT, in non-collectible cats.)

    Based on what I believe/know to be true, it is silly to avoid
    listing - particularly in Stores.

    It is possible that there may be some confusion among a few
    buyers, but it will be very short lived.

    The worst case scenario is that card-buyers will learn to search
    for stuff just like buyers do in other categories.

    Type The Specific Name Of The Item In The Search Box And You Will Find That Item.

    .....................

    1952 TOPPS Mantle PSA

    1952 TOPPS Mantle

    1952 TOPPS


    T206

    T205

    etc.

    ................................................
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • rbdjr1rbdjr1 Posts: 4,474 ✭✭


    << <i>I may be of the minority, but I still think the new system is way too specialized. I think ebay should go to one category for everything in the world- "Things". >>


    Lee, sometimes simple things are just not that simple! image


    Dining out at Lee's:


    For my entree, I'd like a plate of baked things, plus I'll take two dishes of side things!

    Yeah sure! I'll start out with a bowl of some tossed things. Dressing things, on the side pleeeeeeze.

    To drink? Some freshly brewed things unsweetened of course!

    For dessert?

    I'll pass!

    Too many things already! image

    rd







    imageimageimageimageWho Knows? - Band of Gypsys imageimageimageimage

    imageimageimageimageSting - If You Love Somebody Set Them Free imageimageimageimage
  • rbdjr1rbdjr1 Posts: 4,474 ✭✭

    After a few clicks, I found this avail on ebay (via seller: www.stevenovella.com) image

    (...and of course you have to type-in, "1952 PSA 10"! LOL!)

    rd

    P.S. Heads-up: He's got some nice low pop 1962 Topps baseball cards PSA 9s that are cheap with two days to go (incl. some hi-numbers!)

    image







    imageimageimageimageWho Knows? - Band of Gypsys imageimageimageimage

    imageimageimageimageSting - If You Love Somebody Set Them Free imageimageimageimage
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,839 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree strongly with Packcollector....the new format is absolutely horrible for people like myself who usually just browse specific categories (like pre-1980 packs) and it will cost sellers a LOT of bids, IMO...


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • I was looking for 1975 football today and had to wade through baseball, basketball, hockey, baseball mini's... you name it. This blows.

    Sam
    Successful dealings with shootybabitt, LarryP, Doctor K, thedutymon, billsgridirongreats, fattymacs, shagrotn77, pclpads, JMDVM, gumbyfan, itzagoner, rexvos, al032184, gregm13, californiacards3, mccardguy1, BigDaddyBowman, bigreddog, bobbyw8469, burke23, detroitfan2, drewsef, jeff8877, markmac, Goldlabels, swartz1, blee1, EarlsWorld, gseaman25, kcballboy, jimrad, leadoff4, weinhold, Mphilking, milbroco, msassin, meteoriteguy, rbeaton and gameusedhoop.
  • Ebay moderator or whatever the hell he is, posted that the subcategories have been switched back. Hate to call him a liar but that was an hour ago and everything is still the same.

    Tried to list some cards tonight but refuse to list them in the general category of "Sports Memorabilia & Fan Shop, Cards, Baseball".
  • vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>One big lol @ people who can't find what they are looking for on ebay, regardless of how they list the categories. >>



    As previously mentioned a few times, searching categories nets some sweet deals when looking for bad titles/mispelling, i picked up a 1979 Gretsky (not Gretzky which is the correct spelling) rookie by going through PSA Vintage Hockey listings... >>



    /////////////////////////////////////


    Simply use fatfingers.com, to yield the same results.

    All of these possibles in one search:

    (greyzky, gretsky, gretzzky, greztky, grtezky, gretzy, gretky, grezky)


    results >>



    Typotracker.com gave me 130 combinations....
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "...Ebay moderator or whatever the hell he is, posted that the subcategories have been switched back...."

    ////////////////////////////////////////////

    The "subcats" he is talking about NEVER really left.

    Apparently, they are now being constructed from Item Specifics (IS) on the SYIF.

    Here is just a SMALL sample of cats that can be set to display on EVERY page
    that is returned in search.

    .....................

    Refine search

    In Baseball Cards
    Product
    Box
    etopps
    Pack
    Single
    Single - Insert
    Single - Parallel
    Set
    Team Set
    Uncut Sheet
    Lot
    Not specified
    Choose more...
    Card AttributesAutograph
    Piece of Authentic
    Rookie
    Serial Numbered
    Not specified
    Choose more...
    PSA
    SGC
    BGS
    BVG
    Year2010
    2009
    2008
    2007
    2006
    2005
    2004
    2003
    2002
    2001
    2000
    1999
    1998
    1997
    1996
    1949
    1948
    1947
    1946
    1945
    1944
    1943
    1942
    1941
    1940
    1939
    1938
    1937
    1936
    1935
    Choose more...ClearCard ManufacturerBowman
    Donruss
    Donruss/Playoff
    Fleer
    Goudey
    Just Minors
    Leaf
    O-PEE-CHEE
    Pacific
    Pinnacle
    Playoff
    Razor
    SAGE
    Score
    SkyBox
    Topps
    Tristar
    Upper Deck
    Choose more...

    MANY more optional choices are available.

    ANY such search can be "saved."

    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

    That folks are not understanding the "change" can ONLY mean
    that they are not reading the search-return page.

    FORGET what cat the items are "listed in." It is irrelevant.

    Currently, the best choice in the search box is "All Categories."
    (It will give you whatever you ask for, AND you may find some
    mislisted bargains.)


    //////////////////////////////////////////////////////

    Regarding stores:

    Store shoppers WILL find a store's inventory, IF they can find the
    store.

    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • All i know is ~ sellers are gonna get creamed .......

    and savvy buyers are going to have a fields day !!!



    also i used to search by category ~ 40's 50's 60's 70's etc ..... as some lots are mixed ~ sure seems like a lot of work locating this stuff now image



  • << <i>I agree strongly with Packcollector....the new format is absolutely horrible for people like myself who usually just browse specific categories (like pre-1980 packs) and it will cost sellers a LOT of bids, IMO... >>



    I also hate the new change. Half my searches+ where category searches. One set I collect every seller has listed it a different way in the title box.
    Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards.
    Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭

    So far, according to some of the CS folks at EBAY, the only
    folks complaining are the few-hundred "browsers."

    Some of those folks certainly do buy stuff, but many are akin
    to "window shoppers." Now, they can simply reorganize the
    windows they want to look in, and make them better than ever
    using Item Specific saved-searches.

    ..................

    AMZN got rid of the lookie-lous a long time ago. Now, they mostly
    have ACTUAL BUYERS.

    Daily time on site for amazon.com:

    Yesterday 6.0
    7 day avg 6.1
    1 month avg 6.2
    3 month avg 6.2
    3 month change 2%

    EBAY still has work to do in that regard:

    Daily time on site for ebay.com:

    Yesterday 14.2
    7 day avg 13.9
    1 month avg 13.9
    3 month avg 13.5
    3 month change 2%


    (Time On Site used to be a good metric to determine sales/profits.
    The results of the AMZN model prove that metric pretty worthless
    to Wall Street.)

    //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


    For sellers:

    Fugedabout the PREVIOUS importance of the first page of the SYIF.
    "Cards" is just fine, and will allow sellers to use Item Specifics to
    make their listings better and easier to find.

    The IS are totally customizable by the seller.

    There is TONS of info on using IS, on the EBAY A-Z page.

    a sample


    Providing item specifics

    How sellers add item specifics
    Advantages to including item specifics
    Tips for selecting item specifics

    Item specifics let you provide details about the item you’re selling, such as its condition, size, color, or style. These details appear at the top of your listing description, in a consistent format, making it easy for buyers to get the facts about your item.

    How sellers add item specifics

    When you create your listing, review and complete the Item specifics section for the item you’re selling. In this section, you’ll provide important details about your item’s features and condition.


    To include item specifics in your listing:

    In the Item specifics section of the Sell Your Item form, enter the suggested details for your item.

    For example, specify whether your item is new or used by selecting among the choices on the Condition drop-down menu.

    If any item specifics are prefilled for you, verify that they’re correct. If not, revise them.

    Add other item specifics that apply to your item by clicking the “+” sign next to the item specific.

    Tip: To add your own custom detail, click the “+” sign next to “Add your own item specific.” For example, you might create an item specific called “Material” and specify that your item is “plastic.”

    Remove any details that don’t apply to your item by clicking the “Remove” link next to the item specific.


    Advantages to including item specifics

    When you create your listing, we’ll suggest item specifics based on the category in which you’re selling your item. By filling out as many item specifics as possible, you’ll make it easier for buyers to find your listing and make an informed purchase.

    Item specifics tell buyers about your item.

    Item specifics are shown at the top of your description, telling buyers exactly what you’re selling. They make the basic facts about your item clear and accessible, helping buyers make a purchase decision.

    Item specifics help buyers find your item.


    The item specifics that you select can make your listing more relevant to a buyer’s search, which can bring it closer to the top of search results.

    The Refine search column, located on the left side of the search results page, lets buyers further narrow their search based on popular item specifics.



    Tips for selecting item specifics

    When selecting item specifics, keep these tips in mind.

    Add as many item specifics as possible.
    Don’t skip important item specifics, such as Condition.
    For example, if your item is new but you don’t choose among the options on the Condition drop-down menu, buyers who narrow their search results to look for new items won’t see your listing.

    When selecting item specifics (such as your item’s color, size, or style), try to choose among the options we’ve provided.
    For example, if your item’s color is mostly red, choose “red” rather than adding a custom color. Choosing among the options provided will make it easier for buyers to find your items when they're searching.

    Tip: If none of the choices are accurate, go ahead and create custom information for the item specific (for example, “striped”). We’re constantly reviewing our item specifics, and popular additions from our sellers may be included in the future.
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • mtcardsmtcards Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭
    Now a definitive answer of what IS is?
    IT IS ALWAYS CHEAPER TO NOT SELL ON EBAY
  • "So far, according to some of the CS folks at EBAY, the only folks complaining are the few-hundred "browsers."

    This would be the same CS folks that are convinced 90% of the changes the last couple years were changes we wanted or were to help us?

    Personally, I don't see why I would waste 30 min. to complain, eBay has made it pretty clear they are not concerned what I think.

    Mind you, it is the best game in town and I am not going to leave it.....but I am patiently waiting that viable eBay alternative with the collective.

    Clear Skies,
    Mark
    Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards.
    Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,839 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Many of these so-called browsers are big buyers, too...it makes absolutely no business sense to make changes just for the sake of change. There certainly isn't any benefit to the new format, for either buyers or sellers, just more carp to wade through.

    Edit: You can bet there will be a spike in keword spamming now, too.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "... just more carp to wade through. ..."

    /////////////////////

    The "browsers" can simply rebuild their Saved Searches, based
    on the Item Specifics - there are HUNDREDS of them - on the left
    side of each search-return page.

    They will get about the same selection they got with their previous Saved Searches.

    ..........................

    NOBODY likes to beat up on EvilBAY more than I do, but the case
    of replacing listing sub-cats with Item Specifics is a non event for
    anybody who is willing to understand how the "new/improved"
    scheme works.
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.


  • Mixed feelings and dont really mind it just back to the good ole days. Think it might be to the good as more will opt out of best match and worry about ending soonest more..
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,839 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "... just more carp to wade through. ..."

    /////////////////////

    The "browsers" can simply rebuild their Saved Searches, based
    on the Item Specifics - there are HUNDREDS of them - on the left
    side of each search-return page.


    Is there a search option for pre-1980 packs? Or do you have to use "packs" and wade through 25K listings for 1988 Donruss wax packs?

    I don't see coins being lumped together in one super category...can't imagine the uproar that will cause, or are sportcards collectors ebay guinea pigs?



    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • SDavidSDavid Posts: 1,584 ✭✭
    Anybody trying to browse by era (the way most people browsed before) using item specifics will only get to browse a fraction of what's out there.

    Even among the high volume card sellers who even use item specifics, many do not enter in the year. DSL, for example, seems to go no further than listing: sport, single, graded, psa.

    Is there a listing software that can feed the item specifics from the title or vice versa? If not, I don't see the bigger ebay card dealers putting much effort into them. They know that most people search by keywords anyway, so why should they double or triple their workload?

    I still browse, but not with item specifics. I look at items ending within 24 hours and then use keywords to capture cards from the era I feel like looking at. Item specifics are useless to me as a buyer--there's too good a chance that something I want will not be included in them. For any category, there's a keyword (or series of keywords) that accomplishes the same thing.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "...Is there a search option for pre-1980 packs? Or do you have to use "packs" and wade through 25K listings for 1988 Donruss wax packs? And clicking on each year to search packs from that specific year is labor-intensive compared to grouping them all together in one category...."

    //////////////////////////////

    Using Item Specifics (IS)

    Here is one path

    in SM&FS

    pack

    to

    cards

    to

    baseball

    to

    pack

    to

    Choose More

    Now you will see a popup box open and load

    Other options:
    Product
    Card Attributes
    Year
    Card Manufacturer
    Price
    Professionally Graded
    Original/Reprint
    Seller

    (Unlimited Options. Fully Customizable.)


    Build whatever you want, and save the search.

    ..................................

    The "labor" is a one time event; just like building the "old fashioned"
    saved-search was.

    There are HUNDREDS of options. The saved search can be as narrow
    or as wide as desired.

    While I am ONLY a keyword searcher, the "browsers" are CERTAINLY
    not being neglected under the new scheme. (I think they either don't
    understand how the thing works yet, or they don't want to take a few
    minutes to redo their old saved searches.)

    As time passes, more and more sellers will exploit the IS and will see
    a positive impact on their sales.

    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,839 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One positive aspect will be as a seller you won't have to edit categories for different items if they're all baseball cards.

    Storm, what about coins? Why haven't those cats changed? And will they be changing?


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "...Storm, what about coins? Why haven't those cats changed? And will they be changing?..."

    ////////////////////////////////


    In my view, EBAY believes the future of the "world's largest outlet mall" rests in:


    BIN w/'free" shipping.

    Item Specific SYIFs feeding a revamped BestMatch.

    A modified feedback scheme that will make more sellers look good.

    DOZENS of KMart style, "Designs By Famous Fashionista Exclusively For EBAY."

    A direct line into EVERY major electronic manufacturer; like WMT and AMZN.
    (Order fulfillment from the TOP distributor level.)

    .......

    Collectible sellers are just along for the ride.
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • I've e-mailed e-bay 3 times now to at least put back the categories. EX. pre 60 70's 80's etc..
    So much for there response time !! Still no answer.
    Takes forever to do searches now.
    Best to keep e-mailing them. Maybe they will get the hint that the change is so stupid it doesn't benefit anybody. Items sell for less so less fees generated for them. Great deals for the buyer i know but it takes to long to do searches now that i'll miss cards for sets.
    Trust e-bay to fix something that was never broken !!
    Steve
    Die Hard Toronto Maple Leafs Fan !!
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "...Takes forever to do searches now...."

    /////////////////////////////

    You can easily build/save any search you find useful.

    Out of the 200-million+ folks who might buy something,
    folks who were/are using sub-cats to search make up
    a TINY fraction.

    Item Specifics will produce better search-returns in EVERY
    category, once the sellers understand how to use them.

    Keyword searching is how almost everybody finds stuff.
    Those searches are just as fast now as they were before
    the change.
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • Not sure why there is such an issue here. I just searched for "Hooker" and came up with 1,965 listings which is about average.
  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    Im getting too old for this load of ebay bunk.Its going from simple for the buyer to needing a college degree to figure out all this ebay malarhy.
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
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