SayPro Marketplace Category Optimization Audit

SayPro Identify gaps, duplicates, misplacements, or underutilized categories within SayPro Marketplace from SayPro Monthly February SCMR-17 SayPro Quarterly Marketplace Categories by SayPro Online Marketplace Office under SayPro Marketing Royalty SCMR

Objective

This component of the audit aims to critically analyze the structure and performance of the SayPro Marketplace’s categories and subcategories in order to:

• Uncover gaps where demand exists but no suitable category is available
• Identify duplicates or overlapping categories that may confuse users or dilute traffic
• Detect misplaced categories or subcategories incorrectly grouped
• Flag underutilized categories with poor performance or minimal listings

This review ensures the marketplace remains user-centric, streamlined, and strategically positioned to meet customer and vendor needs.

Methodology

1. Comprehensive Data Extraction
   • Pulled full list of marketplace categories and subcategories from the CMS
   • Mapped against:
     • Product tags
     • Vendor input forms
     • Search and traffic analytics
2. Performance Indicators Evaluated
   • Product count per category
   • Page views and bounce rates
   • Conversion rates (visits-to-sales)
   • Vendor usage statistics
   • User search behavior (frequency of untagged search terms)
3. Internal Criteria for Evaluation
   • Underutilized: <1% of total product listings or <0.5% of traffic share
   • Duplicate: Similar title and/or purpose as another existing category
   • Misplacement: Logical misalignment with parent category or product nature
   • Gap: Significant user search or vendor activity not matched to a specific category

Findings

1. Gaps Identified

Total Gaps: 6 Key Areas

• AI & Automation Services – High vendor interest and search volume noted
• Online Education Platforms – No specific category despite growing product count
• Eco-Friendly Packaging – Multiple listings under unrelated categories (e.g., “Office Supplies”)
• Local Artisan Products – Misplaced across “Crafts” and “Handmade”, lacks identity
• Mental Health & Wellness Tools – Growing niche lacking categorization
• Digital Art & NFTs – No formal category despite listing growth

2. Duplicates Identified

Total Duplicates: 4

• “Mobile Accessories” and “Smartphone Accessories” – Merge recommended
• “Women’s Shoes” and “Ladies’ Footwear” – Redundant naming
• “E-Learning Tools” and “Digital Learning Resources” – Merge into unified “Digital Education”
• “Natural Beauty” and “Organic Skincare” – Highly overlapping product sets

3. Misplaced Categories

Total Misplacements: 5

• “Freelance Services” currently under “Business Supplies” – Recommend move to “Professional Services”
• “Pet Nutrition” placed under “Health & Wellness” – Should be under “Pet Products”
• “Home Gardening” found under “Outdoor Equipment” – Better suited within “Home & Living”
• “DIY Furniture” under “Crafts” – Misleading, better fit under “Home Improvement”
• “Digital Coupons” under “Financial Services” – Suggest new category under “Retail Tools”

4. Underutilized Categories

Total Underutilized Categories: 7

• “Fax Machines & Accessories” – Legacy category, less than 0.1% activity
• “CD & DVD Storage” – Outdated, consider deactivation
• “Corporate Gifts” – Less than 10 products, recommend reevaluation
• “Traditional Advertising” – Low vendor input, potentially merge with “Marketing Services”
• “Smart Home Lighting” – Few listings, may be absorbed into “Smart Home Devices”
• “Game Consoles (Pre-2000)” – Niche with minimal traction
• “Legal Forms” – Limited offerings, assess viability or reclassify under “Professional Templates”

Recommendations Summary

Next Steps & Implementation Timeline

• Internal SCMR Review: March 1–5
• Vendor Communication & Feedback: March 6–10
• Category Restructuring Implementation: March 15
• Follow-up Performance Monitoring: April 1–30