a.i. descriptions are rubbish

[mr.mxyzptlk99]

So 'A.I' (so-called artificial intelligence) has found its way into ebay listings - but it's rubbish! It tells you nothing about the condition of an item, or its function - it just puts together a load of waffle based on the item specifics. Nothing 'intellegent' about it at all - just a quick fix for lazy sellers!

[stevenseagalisking]

Well said. It's a disgrace! I'm not sure how, but we have to push to get
rid of it. Itbis indeed the perfect haven for dishonest sellers

[philnikhan]

I'm guessing we are a small minority. Firstly we make the effort to post on here and I assuming most buyers and sellers are happy with the system. I've noticed a lot of normal advertisements in the media use these generic descriptions and buzz words.

If I ever see the word " elevate " I fear I might well have a breakdown

[philnikhan]

Here's a few " a playful twist on functionality" from a well known U.K. clothing manufacturer describing a draw cord on a jacket. Same manufacturer " it allows men to wear the style for various occasions, from country walks to city nights " A kitchen cabinet with doors " pests and other contaminants are kept clear from the inside of your cupboards "

A bed "  zen-like sanctuary of calm, " an estate agents " they're the go-to choice for buying and selling homes". 
All from the U.K. trouble is once you see them you can't stop.

I will reserve my anger for EBay items as it involves specific buying which does involve a certain amount of trust in the seller

[podpages]

All so true and 8 months on its only got worse. Is ebay run buy idiots?? Or has it been taken over by AI which of course thinks more AI is the solution to every question. I can't take much more 

[nissanat]

cannot STAND it. Another classic case of Ebay making solutions for non-existent problems. 

[iluvneighbours]

This was part of an email I got from EBay executive escalations in reply to my email outlining a number of concerns:

We are disappointed to hear you are having success difficulty with the AI systems and as this is a new function this will continue to improve as this is a new function.  

[sp834]

That sounds like it was generated by AI 🤣

[moldosgifts]

I know someone that speaks in AI,

Very odd chap.

[purplepoppy8]

the AI used in descriptions is the worst thing for buyers, lazy sellers use this although i can't understand why? If Ebay read these comments, i'm sure thy would find it hard to find any fans of this feature, could we go back to old fashionned "do it yourself" , im sick of having to message sellers for a real description, if you have to state brand, condition, size, colour.... suerly you can add sizes, materials etc to the list of item specifics needed

[ntpntp]

If I have reason to contact a seller about an item (eg. it's something I know about and they've got it obviously wrong, or maybe it is something I could be interested in buying and I want to know more detail)   I now make sure to ask them to replace the rubbish AI text with their own,  as it fails to describe salient facts about the item and the meaningless waffle risks putting people off buying.  To paraphase one of the strings of garbage  the AI regularly trots out: "With its AI generated text it is sure to impress - NOT!" 🙂
Whether the seller takes the suggestion on board or just dismisses as "none of your business" is totally up to them of course, but if regular sellers can be educated and realise the harm they're doing to their selling activities they might think twice about using the AI. 

[iluvneighbours]

In the old days I remember we had to fill out certain item specifics.  I used to use Turbolister and if I didn't complete the relevant details it wouldn't upload.  It wouldn't be difficult to code it into the system so this information is included and would be a better use of their time than tinkering with AI.

[stevenseagalisking]

Brilliant!

[funkydory44]

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />

But eBay are not listening

[lanzylover2020]

Totally useless. No sentiment, no soul just jibber jabber. I listed a vintage Hornby train set and the stupid bot explained it as the most up to date modern addition to anybody's train collection.  

[lanzylover2020]

EBay. Get a grip *bleep*!

[micbutte-8]

I agree 100%. In fact I usually move on from any item with an obvious AI description, without putting it on my watch list. It just shows a lazy seller who cannot be bothered to put their own words together. I will always go for a personally written description; it shows that the seller is prepared to put some effort into selling, and has probably therefore cared for the item better while in their ownership.

[ali290537]

You're right.  I buy used Lego sets on eBay and what I want to know is whether the set has all the pieces?  AI doesn't help with this at all.  I would never buy anything based purely on an AI description.

[ozmonaut]

I'm not buying anything with an AI description on it. As people on this forum topic have said before, it is used by lazy sellers. It tells me nothing about the item and is the start of decline of sales. Who wants to read a load of waffle about something elevating your style when what you want are specifics about that item. SHOVE IT eBay!

[shave.india]

hi im new to the form not the site 

im browsing posts 

IF you are a serious seller? you are completly bang on its just waffle and can be misleading 

Dont get me wrong i use the waffle but just insert it 

i dont and NO BODY should use to sell an item 

now you have brought to my attension im gonna stop using it as

my LISTING selling rules are 

describe your item this confirms to the seller that thats what your selling as its in the listing not just the title 

to me it makes me actually look what i have . 

describle as much as you can be light and factual 

listing all damage ALL damage 

if its got batteries Does it work is the compartment clean 

Ive always been taught pictures always take presidence over description 

TAKE 24  PICS if you need then to show it in the raw 

i Use a Drinks can in atleast i picture for scale 

i put a measuring tape to the item and take pictures 

just to make sure im right 

this makes sure alls good and ive done as much as i can 

People dont ask questions 

i think this is due to the return policy lazy buyers not reading listings and its easy to get money back 

So yes you are totally right until AI can do what i can 

im afraid listing takes a little work and time cheers neil

[ebtyson]

This is a massive problem eBay. This feature needs to be turned off. The output is irrelevant garbage, and allows sellers to avoid stating condition and damage. "It was the AI" isn't an excuse. I won't buy anything used with an AI description.