Product Material

Via Excel Upload

This guide will explain how to accurately provide material information for your products when uploading via Excel templates to the Seller Center. Each product category has a unique Excel template, and understanding the nuances of material fields is important for a successful upload.

General Rules for Material Specification

Mandatory Material Composition: You must always specify the material composition for your products.

Material Component Requirements by Category

• Lined Bags and Backpacks: A minimum of two different material components (=clusters) are required. Percentage values are not added for non-textile categories.

• Shoes: Three components (=clusters) are required: outer material, inner material, and sole material.

• Lined jackets: Two components are required: outer material and inner material.

• Other Accessories: Only the material needs to be specified. Percentage information is generally not required for accessories.

Approved Material Lists:

All materials must comply with the About You approved materials list. This list can be found in Column E - Material Composition Materials of the "Product Feature Information" tab within your specific category's Excel template. Ensure you use the exact spelling provided in this list.

"Other Material" Option:

If a material is not explicitly listed in Column E - Material Composition Materials of the "Product Feature Information" tab, you can select "Other material." However, "Other material" should not exceed 15% of the total composition where percentages are required.

Understanding Material-Related Excel Fields:

It's important to distinguish between the various material-related columns in the Excel templates. The exact column letter may vary slightly by category, but the descriptions remain consistent.

Material Composition Materials (e.g., "Product Feature Information" tab, Column E):

This column lists all the acceptable specific material types (e.g., "Cotton," "Polyester," "Leather," "Gold"). You must select materials from this list and use the exact spelling.

Material Composition Clusters (e.g., "Product Feature Information" tab, Column D):

This column provides broader categories or clusters for material components (e.g., "Material," "Outer Material," "Lining," "Sole"). You will use these clusters to group your specific materials.

Material Composition (1952) (Non-Textile) / Material Composition (1797) (Textile) (e.g., "List Your Products Here" tab, Column T or U):

This is the primary column where you will enter the detailed material breakdown. The specific column name might vary depending on whether the product is textile or non-textile, and the category.

• For textile products: this column is named "Material Composition (1797) (Textile)" and requires percentage values.

• For non-textile products: this column is named "Material Composition (1952) (Non-Textile)" and does not require percentage values.

How to add the Materials in Excel:

Check the "Material Composition" column (tab "List Your Products Here"). Adding the materials in this column in a certain way is critical for product upload.

1. Always specify a Material Component=Cluster: Before indicating the material, you must specify the relevant cluster from the "Material Composition Clusters" list (Column D in the "Product Feature Information" tab). Do not use the generic word "Composition." If you only have one material component, "Material:" would be recommended.

2. Use Approved Materials and Exact Spelling: Ensure that you only use materials listed in Column E of the "Product Feature Information" tab and use the exact spelling provided.

3. Combine Component=Cluster and Material Entries: You need to combine both the material cluster and the specific material entries.

4. New Line for Each Component=Cluster: If your product consists of multiple material components (e.g., outer and inner material), each material component must be entered on a new line within the same cell.

Examples:

• Format for Textile Products (with percentages) [cluster1]: [material]=[fraction]; [material2]=[fraction2]; [cluster2]: [material]=[fraction]; [material2]=[fraction2]; Material: Textile=70; Polyester=20; Polyester=10; Lining: Silk=100

• Format for Non-Textile Products (without percentages) [cluster]: [material]; [material2] Material: Leather; Gold

Key Takeaways for Material Entry:

Consult "Product Feature Information" Tab: Always refer to Column D (Material Composition Clusters) and Column E (Material Composition Materials) in the "Product Feature Information" tab of your specific category's template for allowed values and exact spelling.

Accurate Column Selection: Pay close attention to the specific "Material Composition" column required for your product type (textile vs. non-textile) as they have different formatting requirements.

New Line for Each Cluster: For products with multiple material components (clusters), ensure each cluster begins on a new line within the same cell in the "Material Composition" column.

Dropdown Menus: Utilize the dropdown menus in the "Material (Multiselect)" columns whenever possible.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate and compliant material information uploads, leading to a smoother product listing process on About You. If you encounter any additional challenges or have specific questions not covered here, please reach out to [email protected] for support.