What to put for Item Specifics for mixed lots

[msau4301]

Hello,

Just wondering what the best way to deal with listing mixed lots now that they have the new Item Specifics.

If I'm selling a mixed lot of dolls with different manufacturers (Mattel, Kenner, Hasbro) all in the lot from different countries, different sizes, different genders, hair colour, sizes, etc. what is supposed to be the way to categorize the lot? I've been tending to choose one item (maybe the one I think would be most popular) and/or leaving some areas just blank. Even with my one item listings I don't fill in all the "specifics", there are so many and some I don't know the answer to.  People have still been finding me but maybe more would if I had more info filled? Anyone else do mixed lots, how do you choose what to put? And do you fill out all the specifics?

[ricarmic]

I live in the stamps world and I sell a lot of mixed lots.

Generally I only fill out the required specifics.

Generally my specifics are around grading, I simply mark everything as ungraded and uncertified because each item has its own grade.

There are also condition items like "mint" or "used" (to simplify it), sometimes my lots contain or may contain both. I'm able to put in my own specific like "used some mint possible" or "used and mint" or "mint and used".

I'm not sure if "make up your own" item specifics works in other categories, in mine mixed lots have been a staple forever, long before the internet, so that might be why they entertain the make your own options.

PS as far as I'm concerned, I don't think folks find me because of the specifics, even for ones where it might work when it is an individual item. I think they find me via searches. In the online world I don't even put grades on individual stamps because what I think is an "excellent" copy might not be to someone else, and if I have good, expandable pictures the buyer can decide for themselves. So far this works for me.

[intimewithmusic]

Thanks for posting the question.

Lots are a big problem for me in Item specifics too. There are two considerations: Having your item found and properly identifying each item for buyers.

I tend to use the ISs to describe one of the items. That said a lot of ISs can be customized. Many of the boxes accept multiples IE: [#1 Good-#2Better-#3Best]. I know it defeats the purpose of the search function but I still do it sometimes if it helps the buyer. 

For item descriptions this is a great reason to use templates. Templates with repeatable headers ensure you don't forget details the buyer needs. Item 1 yadayadayada, Item 2 yadayadayada Item 3 yadayadayada. 

The only problem is eBay has seperated descriptions on phones from ITs so buyers have to find it. 

I hope eBay crafts a better listing form allowing for lot inclusions within Item specifics. As well there could be a radio button for Condition when it comes to lots something like the one near the bottom in the pricing section.  There's no "one size or one condition" fits all when it comes to selling lots. 

IT

[msau4301]

Thank you! Yes I agree it sure needs some tweeking! I know it automatically checks off "Lot" in the specifics so too bad there wasn't something connected, once they've already defaulted us to "lot" that would make it (even a little) easier!

[clemowbooks]

For me this problem comes up with sewing patterns for mixed garments.

While in some cases I can tick multiple boxes (skirt, pants, jacket/coat, top) I also use the "Add your own" to include "wardrobe".

In others, I use n/a.

I believe that Item Specifics are less likely to be used by customers than by search engines like Google, which is why a Book with the title and author in the Title, has Required IS of "title" and "author".