Chalk it up to miscommunication in a classic case of eBay category chaos.

When eBay told clothing buyers and sellers in July it was changing the vintage clothing category structure, the response was positive. But when the changes rolled out in late August, users were begging eBay to change things back to the way they were.

On July 8, 2003, Maeve@ebay.com posted a message in the Vintage Clothing & Accessory discussion board. Maeve explained that eBay would be making several enhancements in the Vintage clothing, shoes & accessories categories based on feedback from the community. "Please see the changes below. Your feedback is welcomed," Maeve wrote.

But it seems users did not grasp the way the eBay planned to implement the changes. When August 27 rolled around, however, it became painfully clear. And it all comes down to how shoppers browse for vintage clothing. Does a typical shopper of vintage clothing look for the type of clothing (shirts, for example), then by era (1950s), or would a shopper prefer to browse 1950s items and dip in and out of type of clothing?

The consensus of the fashion divas on the Vintage clothing board is that people shop by era over type of clothing. Don't make a classic 1950s Grace-Kelly shopper wade through tie-dye Tshirts.

"Things were much better when they were organized by period, then by item," one user wrote. "The point of vintage is more about PERIOD OF TIME than by type of item! If I love 30s clothing, I don't want to have to look through thousands of 70s and 80s items to find them! Or have to click on each item type and then go in to the time period!"

eBay posted an announcement on August 29, concluding a community discussion was in order. The invitation defended the category changes, reporting that "The majority of new buyers shopping for clothing, shoes & accessories on eBay are very interested in vintage goods, but they are not familiar with shopping by time period."

Users will convene online September 4 to put forth their case and learn what eBay is willing to do to satisfy their needs.

http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jsp?forum=92&thread=2298547&modifed=20030831183124

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