Seller News June 2010

What are seller's product photos in catalogues?

In some categories, a product catalogue of photos, item descriptions, and specifications is being offered. Sellers can use content from this product catalogue when creating their listings. Since March 2010, to increase the amount of photos available, eBay has begun selecting photos that were uploaded to the site.

If a photo is chosen, the following incentives are given:

• Since March 2010: Attribution including the seller's user ID and a link to their profile page next to the photo every time it’s displayed on the product details page.
• From 2 July 2010: 5 free listing subtitles for every new photo selected, in addition to attribution. The 5 free listing subtitles will apply automatically to the next 5 fixed price or auction-style listings with a duration of less than 10 days, and must be used within 90 days.

How to join

All sellers are automatically opted to join in the programme.

Sellers who previously opted out but would now like to join again and get 5 free subtitles, can do so by following the instructions set out in the Frequently asked questions section below.

Sellers may also opt out at any time. However, any picture selected during the period whilst sellers are opted in may still be used for the catalogue.

Take action

By when	Take action
Now	List with product details whenever they're available to make sure your listings appear on the eBay product pages.
Now	To increase your chances of having your photos selected, upload clear, high resolution photos (min 1000 x 1000 pixels)
Now	Opt out if you do not want to be part of this programme.
Now	Review our Seller Checklist

1. Why is eBay adding sellers’ photos to their product catalogue?
2. How do I opt in, or opt out, of sharing my photos with the eBay product catalogue?
3. If my photo is selected, how long will it take for me to receive the attribution or credit for 5 free listing subtitle upgrades?
4. What about sellers whose photos were selected before 2 July 2010?
5. Can I choose to have some photos included but not others?
6. Will I be notified if my photo is selected?
7. Can my photo be replaced?
8. What is a catalogue product details page?

1. Why is eBay adding sellers’ photos to their product catalogue?

Having the right photos in listings will help create a better visual experience for buyers, making it easier to search, browse and buy. In creating a community resource of stock photos, all eBay sellers will benefit in being able to pick the right photo for their listing and create listings more quickly and easily.

2. How do I opt in, or opt out, of sharing my photos with the eBay product catalogue?

Sellers can choose to opt in, or opt out, of this programme at any time. Follow these steps:

• Go to My eBay and click on Account.
• Click Site Preferences on the left hand margin.
• Locate Selling Preferences and click Show located to the right of Share your photos.
• Click Edit located next to "Consider photos I upload in the listing process for inclusion in the eBay product catalogue and other product offerings."
• Tick the box to opt in, and un-tick the box to opt out.
• Click Submit.

Remember that even if sellers are opted in to the programme there is no guarantee that any of their photos will be selected.

3. If a seller’s photo is selected, how long will it take for them to receive the attribution or credit for 5 free listing subtitle upgrades?

As soon as a seller’s photo is used for the catalogue, the seller will receive an attribution for it. It may take several weeks between the time the photo is uploaded and the time it is selected. The attribution to a seller’s user ID will stay as long as their photo is used to display that product in the catalogue.

From 2 July 2010, when a seller’s photo is selected, they will also automatically receive 5 free subtitle upgrades for the next 5 fixed price or auction-style listings with a duration of less than 10 days, which must be used within 90 days of being issued.

4. What about sellers whose photos were selected before 2 July 2010?

Sellers whose photos were selected before 2 July 2010 will also be entitled to receive the 5 free listing subtitles, and will be notified.

5. Can sellers choose to have some photos included but not others?

At this time, sellers can't choose which photos they’d like us to consider and which ones not. If sellers have any photos they don’t want us to use, they should opt out of the programme.

6. Will sellers be notified if their photo is selected?

From 2 July 2010, sellers will be automatically notified in My eBay when their photo has been selected. At this point, sellers have the choice of opting out of the programme if they don’t want their photo to be used, but they must opt out within 7 days of receiving the notification. (Sellers whose photos were selected before 2 July 2010 do not have this choice.)

If sellers remain in the programme, they will receive an attribution to their user ID and profile page every time their photo is displayed on the product details page. In addition, they will receive 5 free listing subtitles to use in their next 5 fixed price or auction-style listings lasting less than 10 days.

7. Can my photo be replaced?

Yes. If another photo is found that is a better fit for the product, a seller’s photo may be replaced. Only the owner of the new photo will get the attribution. The offer of 5 free listing subtitles will still apply for the initial seller whose photo was used.

8. What is a catalogue product details page?

The product details pages are used in categories like DVDs, music, mobile phones, consoles, digital cameras and camcorders. When a buyer searches for an item and eBay finds relevant products that are in high demand, they’ll be shown in a “Popular Products” section at the top of the search results page.

The “Popular Products” section tells buyers how many listings are available for each product and the price range. Clicking on one of the products takes buyers to a product page that gives information on the product, items available for purchase and community reviews.

To ensure a seller’s item appears on the product page, sellers should complete the product details when they list their item. They’ll be prompted to do this in the Sell Your Item form if it is available for that category.