I have searched everywhere on the Vendio site and I have been unable to find any information regarding the availability (or non-availability) of macros. However, I saw mention on this board of %%Auction_Title%%
Are macros available? The only thing stopping me from switching to Vendio is this feature. I need macros.
Also, I sell items of which I have multiples, but limited multiples. So I need accurate inventory control and tracking. Would the on-line Selling Manager or the SM Pro be more suitable in my case?
posted on December 5, 2003 11:38:47 AM new
Hello Gopchick1,
What do you plan to do with listings that require you to have macros? We do not have any available to provide you with at the moment. If you can let us know what you are trying to accomplish, we may be able to suggest some workarounds for you.
posted on December 5, 2003 01:19:32 PM new
Hi Sonya,
I have a custom made template that I use. In it, I have %%ItemDescription%% in it so that I only have to type in a short description for each item and it is pulled into the template below the first picture (instead of having to scroll through TONS of HTML to manually change the description for each and every item).
I also have a macro %%PartNum%% (could be %%SKU%% or %%Misc%%) in the template because all my listings say "click here for more %%partnum%%" This way, I don't have to change EVERY single listing to say Lancome, Bobbi Brown, etc. The PartNum macro pulls that word in automatically so the link wording is always brand appropriate for each listing.
I also have %%image%% macros so that the images are placed in the description.
Here is an example of an auction using the template
This feature is the only reason I am sticking with SA Pro, but I am not pleased with SA Pro for post-sale management. I also like the idea of having my images and listing program all in one (like with Vendio).
posted on December 6, 2003 01:38:06 PM new
Hi there,
The macros you mention are unstable, and are unfortunately not supported through our service at this time. We do have a project for macro support on the horizon, but I do not know when this might be implemented. You may be able to use the macros in our templates, but be aware that we cannot offer support for problems that might arise from macro usage at this time.
posted on December 10, 2003 02:33:13 PM new
Hi Diana,
Is there a list anywhere of the macros? I understand that they are unstable and are not supported. I do not mind; I would still like to give it a try. I really want to use Vendio, but I do not want to lose my custom template.
Also, how do I save my custom template? I tried using Blank template, but there is no way to edit it (c&p my template into it).
posted on December 11, 2003 12:09:35 PM new
Hi there,
Unfortunately, I don't have a list of macros as I believe they are intended for internal use only. Note also that changes can be made to them frequently. We do intend to offer support for macros at some point, but right now we cannot publish a list for you.
If you are using the blank template, normally what you would do is copy/paste the template HTML into your item description as you create your ad. There is no place to save a custom template within our template system, but you could create an inventory profile item with the template HTML in the description field, and just apply the profile as you create your ads (this will save you from having to copy/paste HTML every time you create a listing.)
I'm sorry I can't be more helpful with regard to the macros...
posted on December 12, 2003 07:51:20 AM new
If you are familiar with dot.gifs and have the software to make gifs, they can serve the same purpose. If you are familiar with dot.gifs, then you can probably figure out what I mean. There answer is lengthy so I won't go any farther unless you'd like to try it.
posted on December 13, 2003 05:54:30 PM new
Ferretbee,
I just switched from Auctionworks, LOL!
I may switch back though
The reason I switched is because they refuse to implement paypal IPN and NONE of my buyers ever would use AW checkout. So, post-sale was becoming far too tedious. There is not even a "smart paste" feature to enter the payment/shipping info.
I do believe they are FAR superior with inventory and listing (macros make everything so fast).
However, Vendio is saving me some time post-sale and editing my photos. I can use the watermarks instead of manually typing my company name in text over each photo.
But, I really do not want to give up my custom template, which it looks like I will have to do with Vendio. I tried using a "blank" template, but it does not seem to be working.
I am NEVER going to find a program that suits me, I fear.
posted on December 13, 2003 06:22:44 PM new
Hi nycdesignsforless,
You're absolutely right. I've been telling Jerry at AW since eBay Live how many people hate their clickout. I was talking to the Owner at Live and even he couldn't get many people to use clickout. They suggested using stronger language like "YOU MUST USE OUR AUCTIONWORKS CHECKOUT FOR YOUR ORDER TO BE PROCESSED" (or something like that).
I think Vendio and AW need to integrate with eBay checkout. I've always hated eBay's checkout, but they forced my hand with the PayPal integration. AuctionHawk has done a nice job of integrating with eBay checkout.
There is no perfect auction management service yet, they all have their weak areas. I think most services and sellers, don't understand how important the post sale process is from the buyer's perspective. I treat it as a second "close". They need to be reassured and not hassled to prevent remorse and apathy. I hate the fact that Vendio and AW do not have post sale email macros for the buyer's first name. Once I have the name, I think it's impersonal to use their user ID.
The only way to use your custom template here is to do all the HTML for the description field in an outside application then copy and paste.
It sucks, especially if you need to make a change in standard info. I host my own .gifs for several things including payment banners to help, but that has limitations. For example, when c2it went away, I changed the image to a "PayingFast" logo to immediately update all my lsitings, but the link still goes to c2it. Actually, there may be a better way to handle it using the desktop Sales Manager application, but I haven't gone that far.
posted on December 13, 2003 07:13:38 PM new
Ferretbee,
I agree completely. The "close" of the deal is just as important as the actual purchase. Especially because I get a lot of "newbie" bidders.
I detest using Hello (ebay user id).
Have you checked out Shooting Star? They are FABULOUS (I am hooked) for post-sale, but no inventory or listing capabilities. I was trying to find ONE service to do everything but it does not look like that is possible.
I may keep using SS anyway for post-sale no matter which other service I decide on.
posted on December 13, 2003 08:40:02 PM new
I discounted ShootingStar very quickly because of the listing, scheduling, and Inventory issues. No eBay Store support either (as of early '03).
I decided against desktop applications in general. They take too long to sync-up for the way I work, and seem to lag behind the web-based API applications as far as keeping up with changes.
I spent months checking all of them out since I knew ManageAuction's days were numbered. In the end my top 3 were Vendio, AuctionWorks, and AuctionHawk. Vendio got my business because of the 9 step post-sale process (most only have 5). Unfortunatly, I've found those steps greatly reduced in value since you can't sort certain steps from others, or view the key bar in most views, or even sort them in any meaningful way. The lack of a search function in 'Active View' was also very dissapointing. I was so busy looking at the details I assumed basic data functionality would be here.
If one of them doesn't get it together by Spring I'm building my own eBay API application. I should have done this to begin with, it would have been less work in the long run.
