Choosing the Right Category & Attributes
Understanding categories
Categories are the broad “shelves” of the Kapsule marketplace. They tell customers where to find your products and group your listings with similar items.
- A main category is the top-level section (e.g., Electronics, Clothing, Homeware).
- A subcategory narrows it down (e.g., Electronics > Mobile Phones).
When listing a product, you must assign both.
Always choose the most specific category available – this makes your listing more precise and improves discoverability.
Understanding attributes
Attributes are specific details that define your product. These may include:
- Size
- Colour
- Material
- Brand
- Model number
- Technical specifications
They provide customers with essential information and help them filter products during browsing.
“Think of attributes as the product’s ID card – they define exactly what the item is.”
How to choose the right category
- Start with your product
Ask: “What is the core function of this product?”
Example: A blender belongs in Home & Kitchen > Appliances > Blenders.
Search existing categories
Use the Kapsule category search tool.
Review where similar products are placed.
Avoid mis-categorisation
Don’t put items in a broader category just because you can’t find the exact one.
Contact support if unsure.
Mis-categorised items may be hidden, removed, or lead to account warnings.
How to assign attributes correctly
Check mandatory attributes
Some categories require specific attributes (e.g., clothing requires size and colour).
Fill in optional attributes where possible
The more details you add, the easier it is for customers to find your product.
Be precise
Avoid vague descriptions like “assorted” or “mixed” unless that truly reflects the product.
Stay consistent
Ensure your attributes match your product description and images.
Inconsistent attributes (e.g., colour listed as “red” but photo shows blue) can result in disputes or returns.
Best practices
- Do competitor research: Check how top sellers categorise similar products.
- Use attributes to highlight strengths: For electronics, include power rating; for clothing, note fabric type.
- Keep it customer-friendly: Write attributes in plain, easy-to-understand terms.
- Update when needed: If you update stock with new colours or models, refresh the attributes.
Create a master spreadsheet of your product SKUs, categories, and attributes to stay organised and consistent across your store.
FAQs
1. What happens if I choose the wrong category?
Your product may not appear in the right search results, which reduces visibility and sales. Kapsule may also remove the listing if it is misleading.
2. Do I need to fill out every attribute?
Not always. However, filling out as many as possible increases customer confidence and improves search filtering.
3. Can I change the category after publishing a listing?
Yes, you can edit the category in your Vendor Dashboard. Make sure changes are accurate to avoid confusion.
4. Are attributes different from product descriptions?
Yes. Attributes are structured fields that appear in filters, while product descriptions are free text. Both should align.
5. What if I don’t see the right category for my product?
Choose the closest available option and contact Kapsule Support to request a new category if necessary.
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