Hints to help you find what you're looking for

General Search Tips

• Try different search words
  There are many words to describe any item. Imagine which words a seller might use for the item you're seeking. Try several different options and combinations—but use just two or three words at a time to be sure you get a variety of results.

• Use specific words instead of general ones
  For example, a search for "Beatles poster" will return fewer, more-targeted listings than a search for "Beatles."

• For a closer match, specify a date, color or brand
  For example, to find a particular Barbie item, don't just type Barbie in the search box. If you're looking for a Barbie dress made in the 1960s, enter: Barbie dress 196*. (Learn more about the using an asterisk for wildcard searches in search commands.) If you want only red dresses, type: Barbie red dress. Remember: be specific and narrowly define your search!

• Search titles and descriptions to get more matches
  Search always looks for your keywords in the title of the items for sale. Click on "search titles and descriptions" under the search box to also search item descriptions. You'll get many more results.

• Add or remove the letter "s" for more results
  For example, you'll get two different lists of items when you search for "diamond rings" and "diamond ring." Try your search with and without the final "s."

• Be careful when using "and," "or," and "the"
  eBay's search engine searches for "and," "or," and "the" just like it would any other word. Use "and," "or," and "the" only if you're searching for items containing these words, such as "Diana Ross and the Supremes" or "Truth or Dare". (To search for one term and/or another, learn eBay's search commands.)

• Don't use extra punctuation
  Only use punctuation in your search if you expect it to be in the item title or description you're searching. Examples include "t-shirt," "N-Sync" and "Dr. Watson." (Learn the search commands for punctuation commands that narrow your search.)

• Consider browsing
  If you're not searching for something specific, try browsing the category listing pages for surprising discoveries.

Related Help topics:

• Searching Overview
• Search Commands