Online selling
Make a product catalog index for a small shop
An index gives each product one code, one canonical name and one set of source facts, with a note on where each listing lives. When a detail changes, update the index first and then every listing, so channels do not drift apart.
A text to start with
Here are my products as they appear across my listings: [items with the names, codes and specs used on each channel]. Build a catalog index with item code, canonical name, variant, source facts and current listing location. Where two entries describe the same product differently, list the conflict instead of choosing one. Do not invent codes or specs.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Product catalog index
Item code: [ ] Canonical name: [ ] Variant: [ ] Dimensions: [ ] Materials: [ ] Included items: [ ] Source of these facts: [ ] Date facts last verified: [ ] Current listing location: [ ] Other channels carrying this item: [ ] Name used on each channel: [ ] Conflicting spec found (rows or channels involved): [ ] Decision and who made it: [ ] Code shared with another product: [ ] Resolution: [ ] Rows with no stated source: [ ]
Shared codes and conflicting specs
Look for two different products given the same item code, which can send the wrong stock or details to a buyer. Look also for one product whose dimensions, materials or included items differ between listings. Each conflict needs a decision from whoever holds the real item, not from the draft. Check that variants have their own rows rather than being folded into the base product. Confirm each row names where its source fact came from, such as a supplier sheet or a measurement, and mark rows without a source as unverified.
Ask another agent to check the result
Scan this catalog index for two products that share one item code and for any single product whose specs conflict between rows or channels. List each case with the rows involved and the conflicting values. Then list every row that has no stated source for its facts. Do not choose between conflicting values.
Resolve conflicts, then use the index
Settle each flagged conflict by checking the physical item or supplier record, and write the answer into the index. Correct the listings that disagree. From then on, change the index first whenever a product changes and update listings from it. Review the index when you add a product or variant so codes stay unique.