Error Message: 403: {"message":"Forbidden","errors":["Exceeded partner item limit of 500. This is the maximum number of published + newly pending VAPs & SAs allowed"]}
This error occurs when you attempt to Publish or Update an item on Target+ using the Acenda Admin Tool, but Target blocks the request. The block occurs because your total count of published, live, and newly pending Variation Parent Items (VAPs) and Standalone Items (SAs) across all submissions has reached Target's current quota, which is determined on an account basis.
Troubleshooting Steps: Resolving the Item Limit Error
Since the error is triggered by the item count on the Target side, you must manage your current listings to free up space for new ones.
1. Verify Item Count on Target Partner Portal
Confirm your current item count directly on the Target+ platform to understand how many items are contributing to the limit.
Action: Log in to your Target Partner Portal account.
Navigation: From the Navigator, please visit Partner Settings > Item Listings Settings.
Verify: Locate your current item limit and the number of currently active/pending VAPs and SAs.
2. Identify and Archive/Deactivate Items (Acenda Admin Tool)
To successfully push new items from the Acenda Admin Tool, you must first reduce the number of active/pending items by retiring old products in the main Acenda system.
Prioritize: Identify products that are out of stock, discontinued, or have low sales performance.
Action: Log in to the Acenda Admin Tool.
Unlist: Navigate to your product listings and UNLIST the selected items on the channel mapping tab. This sends an instruction to Target to retire them, which will free up space in your quota.
Note: Ensure the Item Retirement action is enabled for the Target+ integration at Acenda.
Goal: Reduce your total published/pending count to safely below the current account item limit (e.g., 95 or less).
3. Re-submit the Item (Acenda Admin Tool)
Once you have reduced your active item count and the updates have been processed on the Target side (allow a few hours for feed processing), re-attempt the submission.
Action: Return to the Acenda Admin Tool.
Re-run: To force Target's system to re-sync your product listings, you must make a minor, superficial edit to the product description or bullet points. Here’s more information.
Verification: Check the status in the Acenda Admin Tool and the Target Partner Portal to confirm the item is successfully submitted, pending review, or published.
Next Step: Requesting a Higher Item Limit
If your business requires listing more than 500 items, you must contact Target directly to request an item quota increase.
Target Contact: Reach out to your Target Category Manager or designated Partner Support contact.
Justification: You will need to provide a clear business case and sales performance data to justify the need for a higher quota.