Some of you have been wondering about these new eBay item pages and how they will effect you, as well as what Vendio has needed to do thus far to adapt.
Note eBay's plan on rolling out this new page is as follows:
"Our launch plan
We'll be phasing in our latest variations of this page with very small groups of members (less than 1%) in the next week or so. If you're part of this initial launch, you'll see a link at the top of page where you can send us your feedback – and please do! You'll also be able to opt out of the new page if you wish. As time goes on, we'll be expanding the number of members who see the new page by default."
The details are pretty vague, but from what we've seen so far, it is simply about making the page more narrow and showing a sidebar along the right side of the page with other items for sale. Also thus far it does appear that users will have the option to opt out of the new page if they want, when it is made available to more than just the 1/2% that get to see it now.
We're going to be losing some horizontal space on the eBay template side, with horizontal scrolling occurring at 710 pixels (vs. 940 today).
So far the only change we have had to make is with our gallery options, as it needs to be made a little more narrow to fit properly within these new sized windows.
Again this isn't something most anyone will see yet, unless your part of the lucky few that eBay uses to test it, but this is (for now) going to be the new size limit so everyone will need to comply.
As for changes you may want to consider making on your own - I would just be sure that if you display your images at their full size (without the click to view image album option below them) - avoid using templates that put them side by side, rather use the layouts that stack these images one atop the other.
This way it won't force your buyers to scroll right/left to view all of your pictures on the same page.
posted on June 26, 2008 01:45:04 PM new
Chris - How about LINK policy? IS it true we just get 5 links - and if so what about the 4 Vendio links that are already on my listings? Are you going to take them off? What about links to Vendio Store (aka gallery - see all my items?)
What about our existing humongously wide listings - will they just be resized or will they be dumped for resizing?
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posted on June 26, 2008 02:15:42 PM new
Hi, Chris -- I believe the "opt out" feature will relate to viewers, not listers. In other words, if I'm stuck looking at the new design when I'm shopping and I don't like it, I can opt out of that for now, or I can leave feedback about it, etc .... just as eBay has been doing with their awful new search results page test.
What we're trying to get a handle on -- and are hoping you guys can find out for us -- is whether or not they will allow us to launch through Vendio, to use the templates we've been using, etc.
There will be many new requirements, including, as the previous poster said, only a certain number of links on the page, and only to very specific types of outside pages. We'll also have to be able to address some new required information fields, such as shipping costs, processing time, etc. It sounds as if these will be in a very specific format.
And, according to internet rumor anyway, the elimination of third-party check-out and/or extremely stringent requirements for third-party check-out.
It has appeared to me over the years that eBay has a "don't tell unless they ask" policy, and they just launch stuff and then we all scramble to learn-fix-launch.
I'm hoping we can all avoid that this 'round if someone there can take on the role of advocate for those of us who don't have access to the eBay machine, and wouldn't know what to ask even if we did.
Thanks.
[ edited by sunnyjo on Jun 26, 2008 02:16 PM ]
posted on June 26, 2008 02:51:21 PM new
What we need right now is the function for "Processing Time." Can't Vendio find one of these functions lying around the office?
We all know what to do about links, both on the Me Page and in the item descriptions. Vendio will do what has to be done with its links, when the time comes.
As for third party checkout, ebay does not plan to enact this until 2nd Qtr 2009. We have plenty of time.
It is also my understanding that third party providers plan on continued use of templates in some form.
posted on June 26, 2008 03:24:35 PM new
Bill, if we are limited to 5 links per listing and Vendio puts 4 LINKS on the bottom of each listing, that doesn't leave us much to work with.
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In case you missed the announcement, this is what eBay has said about their new links policy:
There is no mention about the number of links one can use, unless eBay made a separate announcement about this elsewhere, but it sounds like just message board rumors.
Nothing has changed so far that would prevent the use of templates. That isn't to say that eBay won't change the rules again and make everyone use the same uniform template (eBay bans individuality!) - but hopefully that'll never happen.
posted on June 26, 2008 04:43:50 PM new
Hmmmm .... so if someone has a Vendio store that contains items not offered on eBay, then there can't be a link to Vendio anymore, right?
It depends on where your link points TO. That part is actually the same rule they have had for a long time now. The link WE put in your ads to your Vendio store only shows items on eBay.
If you then opt to click on the categories on the left, THEN and only then, can you see items that aren't eBay listings.
We have to format that initial link to show a gallery of just your eBay listings to remain ok with the eBay rules, but that has been that way for years now.
posted on June 26, 2008 04:54:29 PM new
I'm not putting any links on my page for Vendio, so yes, I was referring to the links that Vendio puts in there.
Fasten your seatbelts, boys: it's going to be a bumpy ride!
posted on June 26, 2008 04:55:10 PM new
You're right, Chris. I can't find the 5 links limit in any of the announcements and the only reference to "5 links" has to do with Store pages. I am sorry. Ebay is so bizarre these days, it's hard to tell what is REAL and what isn't anymore - none of it makes sense.
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