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Draft Management

Draft management saves your work automatically when creating marketplace listings. You can leave and come back later without losing progress. Drafts work for all listing types: standalone, from collection, and bulk listings.

How Drafts Work​

Auto-Save​

When you create a listing, the system saves your progress automatically:

  • Saves every 10 seconds to your browser
  • Expires after 7 days of inactivity
  • Stores locally in your browser (not on the server)
  • Works offline - no internet connection needed

You'll see "Last saved: X seconds ago" while working on a listing.

Draft Types​

There are three types of drafts based on how you create listings:

Standalone Drafts:

  • Listings created without linking to collection items
  • Stored as listing_draft_standalone_[timestamp]

Collection Drafts:

  • Listings created from collection items
  • Stored as listing_draft_collection_[itemId]
  • One draft per collection item

Bulk Listing Drafts:

  • Bulk listing sessions
  • Stored as listing_draft_bulk_[timestamp]
  • Includes all selected items and their customizations

Local vs Backend Drafts​

Local Drafts (Auto-saved):

  • Saved to your browser automatically
  • Expire after 7 days
  • Deleted if you clear browser data
  • Fast and always available
  • Don't sync across devices

Backend Drafts (Manually saved):

  • Saved to the server explicitly
  • Don't expire automatically
  • Sync across devices
  • Require account login
  • Can be published directly

Draft Manager​

The Draft Manager is a central page for viewing and managing all your drafts.

Accessing Draft Manager​

  1. Go to Marketplace → My Listings
  2. Click Drafts in the navigation
  3. Or navigate to /marketplace/drafts directly

Draft Manager Features​

Search:

  • Search drafts by title
  • Finds matches in draft titles and item names

Filter:

  • All Types - Show everything
  • Standalone - Only standalone listing drafts
  • From Collection - Only collection-linked drafts
  • Bulk Listing - Only bulk listing sessions

Sort:

  • Drafts appear newest first by default
  • Based on last modified timestamp

Draft Table Columns​

Title:

  • Shows the listing title or item name
  • "Untitled Draft" if no title set yet

Type:

  • Standalone, Collection, or Bulk
  • Indicates how the draft was created

Status:

  • Complete (green) - All required fields filled
  • Incomplete (yellow) - Missing some required fields
  • Invalid (red) - Has validation errors or missing critical data

Source:

  • Auto-saved (local drafts) - Saved automatically to browser
  • Saved (backend drafts) - Manually saved to server

Last Modified:

  • Time since last save
  • Format: "Xd ago", "Xh ago", "Xm ago", or "Just now"

Working with Drafts​

Editing a Draft​

To edit a local draft:

  1. Find the draft in Draft Manager
  2. Click the Edit button (pencil icon)
  3. You're taken to the create listing page with fields pre-filled
  4. Continue working where you left off

To edit a backend draft:

  1. Find the draft in Draft Manager
  2. Click the Edit button
  3. Draft loads into the appropriate create page
  4. Fields populate with saved data

Publishing Backend Drafts​

Backend drafts can be published directly without editing:

  1. Find the backend draft in Draft Manager
  2. Click the Publish button (send icon)
  3. Confirm you want to publish
  4. System creates a live marketplace listing
  5. You're redirected to the published listing

This only works for complete backend drafts. Incomplete drafts must be edited and completed first.

Duplicating Drafts​

Backend drafts only - create a copy of a draft:

  1. Find the backend draft
  2. Click the Duplicate button (copy icon)
  3. A new draft appears with "(Copy)" added to the title
  4. Edit the copy independently

Use this to:

  • Create similar listings without re-entering data
  • Test different pricing or descriptions
  • List multiple similar items with minor variations

Deleting Drafts​

Single deletion:

  1. Find the draft
  2. Click the Delete button (trash icon)
  3. Confirm deletion

Bulk deletion:

  1. Check the boxes next to drafts you want to delete
  2. Click Delete (X) button at the top
  3. Confirm deletion

Deleted drafts cannot be recovered.

Selecting Multiple Drafts​

  1. Check the box next to each draft you want to select
  2. Or check the box in the table header to select all visible drafts
  3. Selected count shows in the button: "Delete (X)"
  4. Click to delete all selected drafts at once

Auto-Save Behavior​

When Auto-Save Triggers​

Auto-save occurs:

  • 10 seconds after stopping typing - Debounced to avoid saving every keystroke
  • Every 10 seconds if actively editing - Interval-based save as backup
  • When you navigate away - Final save before leaving the page

What Gets Saved​

All form data saves automatically:

  • Title, description, condition
  • Pricing and listing type
  • Shipping settings
  • Photos and their order
  • Advanced options
  • Custom fields
  • Form state and selections

Auto-Save Indicator​

Look for the save indicator while working:

  • "Saving..." - Auto-save in progress
  • "Last saved: X seconds ago" - Successfully saved
  • "Auto-save failed" - Error occurred, data saved to browser as backup

Save Failures​

If auto-save fails (network error, server down):

  • Data backs up to browser localStorage
  • You see an "Auto-save failed" message
  • Your work is safe in browser storage
  • Next successful save syncs to backend if applicable

Manual Saving to Backend​

While local auto-save happens automatically, you can manually save to the backend server for cross-device access.

How to Manually Save​

  1. While creating a listing, look for Save as Draft button
  2. Enter a draft title (or use auto-generated title)
  3. Click Save
  4. Draft saves to backend and appears in Draft Manager as "Saved" source

Benefits of Backend Drafts​

  • Access from any device where you're logged in
  • Don't expire after 7 days
  • Won't be lost if you clear browser data
  • Can be published directly without reopening
  • Can be duplicated to create similar listings

When to Use Backend Save​

Use backend save when:

  • You need to access the draft from another device
  • The listing isn't ready but you want to keep it long-term
  • You're creating template listings to duplicate later
  • You want to share draft with support (via draft ID)

Don't need backend save if:

  • You'll finish the listing in one session
  • You're on the same device
  • Local auto-save is enough for your needs

Unsaved Changes Warning​

The system protects you from accidentally losing work.

When you try to leave a create listing page with unsaved changes:

Browser Navigation:

  • Closing the tab
  • Closing the browser
  • Refreshing the page
  • Typing a new URL

You see a browser warning: "You have unsaved changes. Are you sure you want to leave?"

Internal Navigation:

  • Clicking links within the site
  • Using back/forward buttons
  • Command palette navigation

You see a confirmation dialog: "You have unsaved changes. Are you sure you want to leave?"

Confirming Navigation​

To leave and discard changes:

  • Click Leave or OK
  • Auto-saved drafts remain in Draft Manager
  • Unsaved edits since last auto-save are lost

To stay and keep working:

  • Click Cancel or Stay
  • No data is lost
  • Continue editing

Bypass Warning​

The warning doesn't appear if:

  • No changes made since loading the page
  • Changes were auto-saved within the last 2 seconds
  • You explicitly saved and didn't make new changes
  • Navigation is to publish/submit the listing

Draft Expiration and Cleanup​

Local Draft Expiration​

Expires after 7 days from last modification:

  • Draft becomes inaccessible
  • System removes it automatically
  • Prevents unlimited browser storage growth

Timer resets when:

  • You edit the draft
  • Auto-save runs while working
  • You load the draft into create page

7-day countdown example:

  • Day 1: Create draft
  • Day 4: Edit draft (timer resets to Day 1)
  • Day 8 (7 days after edit): Draft expires

Backend Draft Retention​

Backend drafts don't expire automatically:

  • Remain until you delete them
  • Accessible forever unless removed
  • Count against storage quota (if implemented)

Manual Cleanup​

Clean up drafts manually:

  1. Go to Draft Manager
  2. Find old or unused drafts
  3. Select and delete them
  4. Frees browser storage (local) or account storage (backend)

Automatic Cleanup on Load​

When you open Draft Manager or create a new listing:

  • System scans for expired local drafts
  • Removes drafts past 7-day expiration
  • Happens silently in the background

Draft Status and Completeness​

Status Indicators​

Complete (green checkmark):

  • All required fields filled
  • Passes validation
  • Ready to publish

Required fields for complete status:

  • Title (minimum 5 characters)
  • At least 1 photo
  • Condition selected
  • Listing type (sale, trade, both)
  • Shipping method

Incomplete (yellow warning):

  • Some fields filled, others missing
  • Can't publish yet
  • Shows percentage complete in some views

Invalid (red X):

  • No data or corrupted data
  • Missing critical information
  • May need to be deleted and recreated

Improving Draft Status​

To move from incomplete to complete:

  1. Edit the draft
  2. Fill all required fields
  3. Fix validation errors
  4. Save or let auto-save run
  5. Status updates in Draft Manager

Browser Storage Limits​

Storage Size​

Browsers limit localStorage to 5-10 MB per domain:

  • Local drafts count toward this limit
  • Large drafts with many photos use more space
  • Old expired drafts are cleaned automatically

When Storage Fills Up​

If you reach the storage limit:

  • New auto-saves fail
  • You see "Storage quota exceeded" error
  • Delete old drafts to free space
  • Or save to backend instead (doesn't count toward browser limit)

Clearing Storage​

Manually clear browser data:

  • Browser settings → Clear browsing data
  • Select "Site data" or "Cookies and site data"
  • All local drafts delete permanently

Draft Manager cleanup:

  • Delete drafts individually or in bulk
  • Only removes drafts, not other site data
  • Safer than clearing all browser data

Recovering Drafts​

After Browser Crash​

If your browser crashes:

  • Local drafts persist in localStorage
  • Return to the create listing page or Draft Manager
  • Most recent auto-save loads automatically
  • Changes since last auto-save (within 10 seconds) may be lost

After Accidental Close​

If you close a tab accidentally:

  • Draft remains in browser storage
  • Open Draft Manager to find it
  • Click Edit to continue where you left off
  • No data loss if auto-save completed

Cross-Device Recovery​

Local drafts don't sync across devices:

  • Drafts stay on the device where you created them
  • Use different browser = no access to local drafts

Backend drafts sync across devices:

  • Manually save to backend while working
  • Log in on another device
  • Access draft from Draft Manager on new device

After Clearing Browser Data​

If you clear browser data:

  • All local drafts delete permanently
  • Backend drafts remain safe on server
  • No way to recover cleared local drafts
  • Always save important work to backend before clearing data

Tips for Using Drafts​

Best Practices​

Save important work to backend:

  • Don't rely only on local auto-save for valuable listings
  • Use backend save for listings you'll publish later
  • Backend drafts won't disappear if you clear browser data

Use descriptive titles:

  • Name drafts clearly: "Nintendo 64 Console - Excellent Condition"
  • Not: "Untitled Draft" or "New Listing"
  • Easier to find in Draft Manager later

Clean up regularly:

  • Delete drafts you'll never finish
  • Frees browser storage
  • Makes Draft Manager easier to navigate

Don't rely on expired drafts:

  • Finish listings within 7 days
  • Or save to backend if you need more time
  • Don't wait until day 6 to continue working

Workflow Examples​

Quick Listing (Same Session):

  1. Start creating listing
  2. Local auto-save handles everything
  3. Finish and publish
  4. No need for backend save

Multi-Day Listing:

  1. Start creating listing
  2. Can't finish today
  3. Click "Save as Draft" to backend
  4. Come back tomorrow from any device
  5. Continue and publish

Template Approach:

  1. Create one detailed listing
  2. Save to backend as draft
  3. Duplicate the draft multiple times
  4. Edit each duplicate for similar items
  5. Publish all at once

Bulk Listing Recovery:

  1. Start bulk listing with 50 items
  2. Browser crashes after 30 items
  3. Return to bulk listing page
  4. Session restores from auto-save
  5. Continue from item 31

Troubleshooting​

"Draft not found"​

Causes:

  • Draft expired (7+ days old)
  • Browser data cleared
  • Draft was on different browser/device

Fix:

  • Check Draft Manager for other drafts
  • If important, recreate the listing
  • Next time, save to backend for longer retention

"Failed to load draft"​

Causes:

  • Corrupted localStorage data
  • Browser storage permission denied
  • Data format changed in app update

Fix:

  • Delete the problematic draft
  • Create a new listing from scratch
  • Contact support if this happens frequently

"Auto-save failed"​

Causes:

  • Network connection lost
  • Server temporarily unavailable
  • Browser storage full

Fix:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Try manual save to backend
  • Delete old drafts to free storage
  • Data is backed up to browser, work isn't lost

Duplicate drafts appearing​

Causes:

  • Opening create page in multiple tabs
  • Network timing issues
  • Browser sync conflicts

Fix:

  • Keep only the most recent draft
  • Delete duplicate drafts
  • Work in one tab at a time

Can't delete draft​

Causes:

  • Backend draft deletion permission issue
  • Network error during deletion
  • Draft already deleted but still showing

Fix:

  • Refresh the Draft Manager page
  • Try again with stable connection
  • Contact support if draft won't delete

Draft shows wrong status​

Causes:

  • Validation logic changed in update
  • Draft data format is outdated
  • Status calculation error

Fix:

  • Edit the draft and re-save
  • Fill in any newly required fields
  • Status recalculates on next save

FAQ​

Are drafts private?​

Yes. Local drafts are stored only on your device. Backend drafts are linked to your account and only you can see them. Support staff can't view your drafts unless you explicitly share a draft ID.

Do drafts count toward my subscription limits?​

No. Draft items don't count toward item limits. Only published marketplace listings count. You can have unlimited drafts regardless of your subscription tier.

Can I share a draft with someone?​

Backend drafts only - contact support with the draft ID and they can help with collaboration. Local drafts can't be shared as they're stored on your device only.

What happens to drafts if I cancel my subscription?​

Drafts remain accessible even if you downgrade or cancel. You can still edit, delete, or publish them. Drafts don't expire based on subscription status.

Can I export drafts?​

Not directly. To export draft data:

  1. Edit the draft
  2. Copy the data from each field
  3. Or publish the draft
  4. Export the published listing via collection export

Do drafts work offline?​

Local drafts work completely offline. Backend save requires internet connection. Auto-save falls back to local storage if offline.

Can I revert a draft to an earlier version?​

No. Drafts only store the current state, not version history. Each auto-save overwrites the previous save. Save to backend as multiple drafts if you want to keep versions.

How many drafts can I have?​

Local drafts: Limited only by browser storage (typically room for 20-50 drafts depending on photo count).

Backend drafts: No enforced limit currently. Clean up drafts you won't use to keep your Draft Manager organized.

What if I edit a draft on two devices simultaneously?​

Local drafts: Changes don't sync, so each device has its own version.

Backend drafts: Last save wins. Editing on two devices simultaneously can cause one device's changes to overwrite the other's. Avoid this by finishing on one device before switching.

Can I convert a local draft to backend draft?​

Yes. Edit the local draft and use "Save as Draft" to backend. This creates a backend copy. The local draft remains until it expires or you delete it.

Do photos in drafts use storage?​

Photos reference your uploaded images. The draft stores URLs, not the photos themselves. Deleting a draft doesn't delete the photos.

Can I schedule a draft to publish later?​

Not currently. Drafts can only be published manually. You can save a draft and publish it whenever you're ready, but there's no automated scheduling.