Ebay Listing issue – item categories

[russellmattin]

Has anyone noticed a recent change in `suggested categories` when listing new items...eg 

Item title…..

5 x BARBARA STREISAND VINYL LP RECORD ALBUMS 1970s

Change category…..

Suggested

Coins > Coins > World > Latin America/Caribbean

Coins > Coins > World > Asia

Crafts > Needlecrafts & Yarn > Crocheting & Knitting > Other Crocheting & Knitting

WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH …A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. THESE SUGGESTIONS WERE WORKING VERY WILL UNTIL AROUND END OF MARCH AND WERE PROBABLY 98% ACCURATE BEFORE…NOW THEY ARE ABOUT 2% ACCURATE.  Whatever has been changed needs to be undone, if its using AI then just scrap it!

[rclark8449]

yes this has been going on for weeks now , i worry that if the correct categories are not being suggested , when a customer searches does it make the same mistake and take them somewhere else  

[lucy_farmer]

Yep, something has gone wrong somewhere....there's a posting in seller central from somebody trying to list a book about braking systems and was suggested 'Canadian Stamps' !

(I wonder if it's an unwanted side-effect from all the huge changes happenning associated with the BPF , S.D.  and etc..... the AI has got too much on it's plate and keeps dropping *bleep*..... if you'll pardon my mixed metaphors 😆)

Edit....Oh for heavens sake.... I only wanted to say 'dropping small round objects used in sports like tennis' 😠 !! get a sense of proportion ebay.....

[alvisinwales]

I think the answer to this might be explained by the following email I received from eBay. Why they had to mess with something which always used to work very well is beyond me. Maybe they're using Artificial Ignorance as it seems to be the latest fad.

The old API doesn't work at all now and just gives an error.

Dear Developer,

We're reaching out to remind you that the GetSuggestedCategories API will be decommissioned and cease to function on 06/30/2025. We understand that this change might impact your current development efforts, and we want to assist you in making a smooth transition.

A modern API that provides similar functionality is called getCategorySuggestions. We ask you to transition your integration over to this newer API as soon as possible. By doing so, you will ensure that your application has uninterrupted access to the eBay platform.

To help with your transition, we've made documentation available at getCategorySuggestions. Here, you'll find detailed information about the API, including examples and tips to help make your integration a success.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Developer Technical Support.

Sincerely,

eBay Developers Program