Frequently Asked Questions for Search Searching on eBay has changed. With a new look and updated technology, there are now more options to help you get the results you want. Here are some FAQs about the new search.
What's new in search?Our new new search engine gets more information from listings to give you better matching results for your search terms. Not only does the engine search titles of listings, it also checks categories, item specifics, and common spelling errors, abbreviations, and similar words. When you get a list of search results, you can:
refine your search with navigation options on the left side of the page click a "More choices" link to select multiple options narrow your search by adding terms to the "Narrow this search" box near the bottom of the left side of the page change the values in the boxes at the top of the search results list to narrow or expand your results
Why did you change search?Search only return results where item title keywords match the buyer's query. Often sellers don’t put crucial information about the item in the title and buyers often search using very broad queries.For example “Apple Ipod Nano Photo 8GB” describes the item in detail, but will not be returned for the query “MP3 Player”. Similarly, “BMW 316i Silver 1996 P” will not be returned in search for the query “Used Car”.
Search now looks at the category an item is listed in and any item specifics the seller provides. How can I refine my search?When you type in search terms, you'll be able to refine your results by clicking options on the left side of the page. The options you click will appear at the top of the search results list in boxes.
For example, you get a list of search results when you search for "digital camera". You decide that you want a “point & shoot” camera. At the top of the results list, you'll see a box with values in it
You can click the blue text in the boxes. When you click the blue text, a dialogue box appears where you can narrow or expand your search by making selections. Or you can click the red X to remove the box and its values from your search.
What does the "More choices" link do?The "More choices" link opens a dialogue box. In the dialogue box, you will see more options that are available. You can also select multiple options at one time. After you select the options you want, click the "Go" button.If you are too specific and end up without any matching search results, try removing some options to expand your search.
What does the "Narrow this search" box do?When you have a list of search results, and you want to narrow the results, just type the additional search terms in the "Narrow this search" box on the left side of the page. When you click the "Go" button, the updated search results list appears.For example, you searched for "digital camera" and the search results appear. You decide you want to add the term "SLR." The search results list is narrowed to items with "SLR digital camera" in the title or item specifics.
How do I change my sort order?Best Match is the default sort for most search results. To change your sort, on the top of the search results list, select another option from the "Sort by" dropdown menu. You can also change your default sort order from the "Customise" link.How do I search both title and description?By default, we search item titles and some item specifics, but not item descriptions. If you don't see what you are looking for, you can expand your search to include both title and item descriptions.To search item title and description, select the "Title and item description" check box on the left side of the page under the "Search options" section and click the “Go” button. How do I search for completed listings?Completed (or ended) listings let you see what a particular item has sold for.To see completed listings, click the "See completed listings" link on the left side of the page under the "Search options" section. The link will change to a "See active listings" link. Click the "See active listings" link to return to items that are available now. Also, you can use Advanced search to search for completed or ended listings. Just click the "Advanced search" link at the top of the search results list.Why do some of my saved favourite searches look different?Because of a difference in search options between the new search engine and the original search engine, some of your saved favourite searches may look different. We are working on converting the old saved searches to the new format.In the meantime, you can refine your saved favourite searches by going to My eBay and clicking the "Edit search" link. How do I opt out of the new search?We do encourage you to use the new search experience. However, if you are seeing the new search results and would like to switch back to the regular eBay search results, just click the "opt out" link at the top of the search results page.If you are having problems, you may want to clear your browser's cookies. Please check your browser's Help for more information. What do sellers need to know?As a seller, you don’t have to do anything different. The new search uses information you already provide, but it’s worth reminding yourself of these selling tips: Title: Include all relevant keywords of interest to buyers Category: List in the most appropriate category for your item Item Specifics: provide as much relevant information as you can
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