Planning Your Catalogue

Catalogue reviews

If you are planning major changes to your product catalogue, get in touch. We can arrange a review, and may be able to suggest ways to improve your listings.

It can be preferable to do a few updates and request feedback, before embarking on a whole raft of changes.

Selecting products

While we refer to listings as a 'Product Catalogue’ it is not always helpful to itemise every individual product as a separate listing. This can be overwhelming for specifiers. 

Before you start adding products it's best to quickly review your products and how they would best fit into your EBOSS catalogue. Your stock inventory may list multiple variations of the same product individually, which on EBOSS may be inappropriate and make the product difficult to find for specifiers.

We recommend avoiding adding duplicate versions of the same product just to account for different options (eg colours, sizes, accessories). Simply create one product and list the available variations in the product description and features.

Systems, Collections, Accessories, Variations:

Specifiers are usually not looking for a single product, they are looking for a whole solution to a problem. When planning your product listings think about the 'big picture' and what specifiers are looking for.

• Systems or Solutions:

Where a product is used with others to form a complete system we suggest listing the system as a whole, not the individual components. For instance an architect wants a Paint System for Exterior Steel — they do not want to have to find the individual primer, undercoat, and top coat.

• Variations:

Where the same product is available in various sizes, finishes, or colours — consider creating one listing that outlines the different options. If the product variations are all suitable for the same job — it can be one listing. 

Where the product variation provides a unique advantage making the product suitable for a different use, this should be a separate listing.  (Heavy Duty Carpet, Low Profile Roof Vents)

• Accessories:

These should generally be listed as options under the main product. For example the trim, finishing boards, and fascia for weatherboards, should be part of the Weatherboard System listing.

• Collections: 

Where products are distinct, but carry the same style, such as tapware or tiles, consider grouping these together. 

Audience

When creating your catalogue keep the audience in mind. EBOSS is directed at architects, specifiers, and builders, not homeowners or consumers. Product listings should provide concise, factual information. See Writing Style for more information