Just had this back from eBay now. Not the answer we'd hoped for but you can't argue with it for thoroughness of response...
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Hello Michael,
Thank you for writing to eBay with regard to Classic car parts category.
I apologise for the delay in replying to your email, and any
inconvenience this may have caused. We know that some of our members are
familiar with the Classic car parts category. Changes on eBay are made
after prolonged consideration and keeping in view the satisfaction and
ease of our members. I can understand that it is indeed very difficult
to adapt with something when you're habitual of using something for long
time. I have explained reasons why Classic car parts category has been
merged and how you/your buyers can still search for them easily.
How you/your buyers can still search for Classic car parts:
Though the category structure has been changed, the search functionality
remains the same. Keyword searches will still direct buyers to listings,
as was the case before the category changes. Refining search will make
this task easy for you. For example, to find parts for Mini clubman.
Type Mini clubman in the search box, select Car Parts category from
refine search options (from the left hand side of the search result
page). Now, you will see Mini Clubman under Model, click on the link
Mini Clubman link to get the result for Mini Clubman.
The rationale behind merging classic car parts into car parts is that it
removes the ambiguity about what is meant by 'Classic' car parts. It's
not clear where you would expect to list or find a Golf Mk2 part.
Additionally, lots of parts fit vehicles found previously in the
'Classic' and 'non-classic categories' this removes the confusion about
where to find and list these items too. With this change, categories
will represent part types, rather than vehicle manufacturers. Given that
so many parts fit vehicles from different manufacturers, it makes more
sense to have the categories this way around. Sellers can specify the
make(s) of vehicle that their part fits using item specifics. This item
specifics will help buyers to narrow down their search to get exact
result.
The primary reasons for making the change, i.e. combining 'Classic Car
Parts' into a universal 'Car Parts' structure, are that:
- There isn't a clear, universally accepted definition of 'Classic' it
is generally subjective. Some definitions are based on the date of
manufacture, whereas others are based on the age of the vehicle itself,
which changes with time. Some definitions are a reflection of how iconic
the vehicle is.
- Because of unclear and confusing definition of classic, a split
structure forces sellers to decide where to list their car parts. This
led to buyers having to search in multiple categories or else risk
missing inventory that they were interested in.
- These changes are part of a wider initiative to bring Fitment to the
site alongside the MVL (Master Vehicle List). This initiative is most
beneficial when car parts are not split across categories as with 'Car
Parts' and 'Classic Car Parts'.
- The category structure has changed to parts-based rather than
manufacturer-based in order to solve these problems. Before the category
changes some buyers were used to browsing by category (the categories
were car manufacturers, e.g. MG, Lotus, Jaguar etc.).
I hope I've explained everything clearly. If you need any more
information please get in touch.
Kind regards,
Oliver Davis
eBay Customer Support
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