Using eBay Blackthorne with Custom Templates

Blackthorne and Custom Templates

While KD Web Hosting & Design Services can install your template in Channel Advisor, Solid Commerce, InkFrog and other web based listing venues, eBay Blackthorne users must install their own templates since the software is installed locally.

While this tutorial is specifically written for installing advanced eBay listing templates purchased from us, it also can apply to eBay listing templates purchased from other companies.

Along with your template code, you are given a list of “Custom Fields” and “Global Autotexts” that you will have to set up in eBay Blackthorne. Only eBay Blackthorne Pro users will be able to install Custom Fields.

CUSTOM FIELDS and GLOBAL AUTOTEXTS (GATs)

Some template designs will need more data fields than supplied, and because our templates use Stylesheets for formatting and some Javascript to prevent keyword spamming and other special functions, you will need to set up your Custom Fields and GATs. GATs must be set up for Stylesheets and Javascript because eBay Blackthorne’s editor strips these out of the code.

“Custom Fields” and “Global Autotexts” can be found under TOOLS in the top menu bar.

GATs

Open the file named GATs.txt. You will see a list of your Global Autotexts (GATs) that will need to be set up in eBay Blackthorne.

There are 2 parts to setting up a GAT. 1) Entering the name of the GAT (shown in blue); 2) Entering the script/text that applies to the GAT (shown in yellow). When copying the script/text to enter into the GAT, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not copy extra line returns or spaces.

For the GATs, select MANAGE GLOBAL AUTOTEXTS under TOOLS in the menu bar. Select NEW and enter the name of the first GAT. Click OK.

Select the GAT you wish to enter the information into, click on the empty window on the right and copy/paste the information from the GATs.txt file. Click OK. You will need to do this for every GAT you need to set up.

Custom Fields

For the Custom Fields, select MANAGE CUSTOM FIELDS, enter the first Custom Field Name, make sure Type is a “Text Field” and check “Use predefined allowed values” and “Allow users to enter other values”. Then select OK. A alert will pop up letting you know that the “Type” selected can not be change, click OK. Repeat this for each Custom Field in c-fields.txt making sure the “Name” you enter is exactly like supplied to you.

LOADING YOUR LISTING TEMPLATE

In the top menu select ITEMS ACTIONS –> AD TEMPLATES.

Select NEW and enter the name of your template. Click on OK.

Select OPTIONS from the bottom tabs, choose MANUAL for the layout.

Select the HTML VIEW tab from the bottom, delete all the code showing in the window then copy/paste the code from the template.txt file. Click OK. Click DONE.

When entering your listing, you will need to click on the INVENTORY tab to enter the data for your custom fields.

Since you are using a custom Photo Gallery, you will need to select one photo for your eBay gallery photo. This photo also will show as your thumbnail.

Enter your description. Make sure you refer back to template-notes.txt for formatting examples of your description. Select your custom template. Next to the description is a PREVIEW button. Once you have all your data entered, you can select the PREVIEW button to view your listing.

eBay Blackthorne – The Official Guide