Recently implemented eBay changes require that all sellers include product identifiers on their new and refurbished items. By September 2017 you will need to ensure that product identifiers are entered correctly for Good ‘Til Cancelled’ listings. And, by October 2017 you must include product identifiers for all seller refurbished items.
Though eBay previously announced that you would be able to add new types of product identifiers (including Amazon, Google and self-created product identifiers) and that the ‘Does Not Apply’ option would be removed, this is no longer the case. We do however advise keeping a close eye on eBay Seller Centre for updates on this.
What are product identifiers?
Product Identifiers such as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), European Article Numbers (EANs) and Universal Product Codes (UPCs) etc. work much like barcodes and help your buyers find what they are looking for.
Product identifiers go beyond the name of your item to define the product you’re selling in the global market place. According to eBay, ‘’Adding product identifiers to your listings will allow eBay to serve your listings better and make an accurate match between your product and your customer’s search query.’’ In addition, ‘’Items which include product identifiers are eligible for inclusion in more deals and promotions, plus you’re well prepared for future enhancements, such as new product reviews.’’
Why Should I Use Product Identifiers?
- Product identifier requirements have been enforced since February 2016.
- Helps improve product placement in search engines
- Makes your items eligible for inclusion in promotions and future enhancements
- Makes pricing more accurate when listing
- Matches items with products in eBay’s catalogue
- Alerts you when listings are priced lower than trending price
How to find Product Identifiers?
Manufacturers will list identifiers like the GTIN directly on the product or its packaging.
When listing or re-list a product using a product identifier, you are essentially matching your product to the eBay catalogue and the unique identifiers are included automatically in your new listing.
While we can’t say if eBay will widen its scope on what brands, categories or items the recent changes will affect, we do recommend that those sellers without a record of product identifiers begin to collate one and begin to use them in listings.
For more information: https://sellercentre.ebay.co.uk/business/product-identifiers-and-item-specifics
Need help adding Product Identifiers?
We can help!
Step 1. We send you a list of the items in your store
Step 2. You provide the product identifiers
Step 3. We bulk edit your store in no time at all!
