eBay Suggested Categories – not helpful

[siddieswans]

First I know it’s Friday.

I used to find eBay Suggested Categories quite helpful. I list a lot of different vintage / antique items and sometimes they would suggest a category I hadn’t thought of. Mind you, I would then always the check sold items in that category to see if it really was a good idea.

Today my title was

VINTAGE SILVER METAL AUSTRALIANA NOVELTIES ABORIGINAL MAN KANGAROO KOALA

I was thinking “Souvenirs” but thought I would check with eBay first. They suggested

Clothing Shoes and Accessories - Men - Men's Accessories - Hats

Stamps - Australia - By Type - Sets

Collectables - Paper, Postcards - Playing cards

Wow! Really left field. Then I had this one that could really have fallen into several categories so I checked this title

1908 AUTOGRAPH ALBUM PENGUIN TASMANIA RUBY LEILA THOMAS / SHEPHERD 100s OF NAMES

They suggested

Clothing Shoes and Accessories - Women - Women's Clothing - Tops

Coins - Coins - Australian Coins - Decimal

Clothing Shoes and Accessories - Women - Women's Clothing - Dresses

Whoops. Last chance eBay; this should be a really simple one – silver? spoons?

6 1930s LINTON AUSTRALIAN SILVER WILDFLOWER LESCHENAULTIA COFFEE SPOONS 46gms

Nooo, this time they suggested

Coins - Coins - Australian Coins - Decimal

Crafts - Sewing - Quilting - Quilt patterns

Health & Beauty - Vitamins & Life Style Supplements - Vitamins & Minerals.

Makes me reconsider when I see people are listing in the wrong category – maybe they are just following eBay’s suggestions. I can’t remember it ever being this whacky – maybe AI?

[davewil1964]

I use my categories. I have never used eBay categories nor alleged AI. I prefer to control how my listings are displayed/categorised.

Can't help.

[countessalmirena]

The more that I see AI-generated content (or what passes for it), the more I am able to recognise it in fewer nanoseconds and feel my nose screwing up in distaste. It feels so very fake. I find it particularly egregious in information about books and classical music, but it’s everywhere, like a bad smell in a small lift with a bean-eater.

Those category suggestions are bizarre. It’s enough to make one cry over a fruit salad.

[siddieswans]

The AI generated descriptions are all over Jewellery & Watches, I assume they are everywhere. For a depressing exercise put the word “elevate” ( a term I would not naturally associate with jewellery) into the search bar, including Item Description.  Be further depressed to see 290,000+ results; like these:

“Elevate your style with this exquisite piece of jewellery that will surely turn heads wherever you go.”

“Elevate your jewelry game and capture the essence of refinement with every wear.”

“Whether you're attending a cocktail party, a romantic dinner, or your special day, these earrings will elevate your style and leave a lasting impression.”

“Elevate your everyday with XXX. A versatile classic that completes any look with ease.”

In a way it surprises me, because I thought no-one read Descriptions any more, especially not those using the app. That’s the impression I get from the number of questions I get for information that is already clearly detailed in the description. Do any potential buyers actually find this blather impressive?

[twyngwyn]

from the U.S. boards:

Solved: Help! How do I get Ebay search to narrow it down t... - The eBay Community