A supplier with thousands of product lines needs more than another place to upload photographs. Buyers need to identify the right part, stock quantities need a reliable source, and the seller needs a workable process for orders and dispatch. This guide sets out what to prepare before adding a catalogue to Prime Marketplace.
1. Start with an identifiable part
Give every product a stable internal SKU. Record the manufacturer or brand, the part number shown on the item or its packaging, and any separately verified alternative references. Keep these fields distinct: an internal stock code is not a manufacturer part number.
- Photograph the part, labels, stamped numbers and packaging where available.
- Keep the complete reference, including suffixes and revision letters.
- Record an EAN or GTIN when one is available; do not invent a number to fill an empty field.
- Explain which accessories, fittings or additional components are included.
Describe provenance accurately. If you offer a product as genuine OEM, retain supporting purchase or product records. An aftermarket equivalent should be identified by its actual brand and supporting references; a similar shape or an unverified cross-reference is not enough to establish its origin.
2. Separate condition from age
An unused part can still have damaged packaging, surface marks or deterioration after storage. Describe the item you inspected, rather than assuming that every old-stock line has the same condition.
Distinguish unopened stock, opened packaging, unused items with storage marks and previously fitted or used items. Show defects clearly. If a range is obsolete or no longer supplied through your usual source, explain what you can substantiate; rarity alone does not establish a selling price or guarantee demand.
3. Make compatibility traceable
Keep a record of the source used to establish fitment, such as the manufacturer’s catalogue or documented application data. Match the exact reference and any relevant variant, engine, production period, side or connector detail. A broad vehicle name or matching model year may leave important differences unresolved.
If compatibility has not been established, say so and provide the identifiers needed for the buyer to check. Keep product photographs and dimensions available to resolve questions before dispatch. Do not treat an asking price from another listing as proof of compatibility or of a completed sale.
4. Protect single-quantity stock
For a rare part with only one unit, establish which system is responsible for its available quantity. Map each listing to the same SKU and agree what happens when an order, cancellation or return changes the stock position.
- Identify the system that controls stock for your website and eBay.
- Check for duplicate listings representing the same physical unit.
- Agree how reservations, sales and stock adjustments reach each supported channel.
- Confirm the response to a failed update or an order that cannot be fulfilled.
These are onboarding checks, not a promise of instant synchronisation. The update method and supported workflow need to be confirmed for the seller’s actual setup.
5. Use your existing eBay catalogue where suitable
If your products and stock quantities are maintained on eBay, you can connect your existing eBay seller account to Prime. Applicable listings and stock information can then be brought onto Prime Marketplace without recreating thousands of listings individually.
Review the imported product identifiers, photographs, condition, compatibility and quantities before going live. Product acceptance is subject to review. If a separate website or inventory system controls stock, tell us which system it is so that we can assess a suitable feed, API or other connection. See the Marketplace onboarding FAQs.
6. Plan dispatch and seller payments
You can hold the stock and dispatch Prime orders from your own premises. Prime fulfilment is optional and separately charged. Agree handling requirements and the appropriate delivery service for your range, including any products requiring specialist transport.
Use packaging suited to the item and keep the product identity connected to the order and shipment. Prime releases seller funds after courier tracking confirms that the goods have reached the customer. Confirm the tracking arrangements during onboarding; delivery confirmation does not specify an immediate bank-settlement time.
Return handling responsibilities should be clear before launch. Confirm the process for communication, inspection, return postage and refund decisions in the seller agreement. This guide does not introduce a separate returns policy.
7. Start with a representative catalogue trial
Choose an agreed selection covering your typical data and handling needs: a clearly identified standard part, an older or obsolete line, an item with variant-dependent compatibility and single-quantity stock. Include an electrical item only where it is suitable and accepted.
Check the resulting listings, the stock-change process, order information, dispatch tracking and payment reporting before expanding the catalogue. Record any missing data and who will correct it. A successful setup check confirms the workflow; it does not predict future sales.
Marketplace charges to plan for
The Marketplace subscription is initially waived. An 8% sales commission and £0.30 processing fee per order apply from the first sale. After sales exceed £1,000 in one month, Prime discusses and agrees a subscription with you before charging it.
No minimum commitment applies, and cancellation requires 30 days’ notice. Applicable charges remain payable. Fulfilment, software and third-party channel charges are separate. Check current service pricing and your written agreement for VAT treatment and selected services.
Your questions, answered
Do I have to stop selling through eBay or my own website?
No. Prime does not require exclusivity. You can keep your other sales channels; confirm how stock and orders will be managed across the supported connections.
Do I have to send my stock to Prime?
No. Marketplace sellers can retain their stock and dispatch orders themselves. UK receiving, storage and fulfilment can be discussed as separately charged services.
What should I prepare before a supplier discussion?
Prepare your product range, stock location and quantities, available catalogue information, current stock-management system and preferred dispatch arrangement. A representative sample helps identify data gaps before a wider import.