Store category question.

[Pantlandia]

So I'm going to be making a few changes (shocker I know!) to my inventory on Pantlandia and want an opinion about store categories.

When I only sold stamps I had my top level category as the main areas of the world and my sub categories as different countries. I easily used 250+ of the available categories.

I'm adding a few other items so am thinking about changing my top level categories to the item type (stamps, covers, postcards) and sub categories as just a little more generic. For example:

Stamps--Africa
Postcards--International

it used to be:

Africa--Kenya
International postcards--Buildings

Do you think the more generic categories will turn off buyers?

[val2525]

I don't collect either, but the first option you have (stamps-Africa, etc) - the proposed new way I guess? - is more logical to me.

[SA]

1. I never use sellers store categories. The more categories, the bigger turnoff it is to me.

2. I like the newer categories/subcategories better

I don't search for / collect stamps. But when I search for other stuff on eBay, especially used, I like to broaden my search and try to put as little restrictions/subcategories in my search as possible to see all that's out there. Maybe stamp people are more specific?

ETA:  I just checked out your stores.  I think the categories were perfectly set up without too many options/fuss.  Easy to find!

[val2525]

LOL! I always use store categories when shopping. Are the categories showing now the new ones, Jeremy?

[Pantlandia]

Hello,

Thank you for the input. I typed of the original question on my phone So, it wasn't as precise as I wanted it to be.

But, yes, the categories showing now are the new format.

Before I only did stamps, so it was pointless to have Stamps as a main category level. So, the main category levels were the major areas of the world; Europe, Africa, Asia, British Colonies. And under them was each country that I had stamps for; Albania, Burkina Faso, Japan, Ascension for example. It made sense because there ARE collectors that only collect certain countries, so it was easier for them. However, I also used up 250+ categories with over 50 alone in the British Colonies tree.

So, since I've added other types of items (postcards, covers, etc), I figured I should make the top level categories be the item type (Stamps, US Postal History, Postcards, etc) and then just have a broader second level.

The change is what you see now. I did it last night at work. I think it will be fine. Still much better than most sellers who never bother with categories and have everything under Other.

[val2525]

I like it. Logical, easy to shop.