The following search tips will help you save time searching for what you want, narrow your search to get a more precise match, and expand your search to get more choices.

Saving time

• Save your search. If you frequently search for the same items on eBay, you can save your searches to save time. You can then search for those items whenever you choose – no need to enter your search terms again and again. Also, we'll send you an email when matching items are listed, so that you’re always informed when there are new items for you to explore. Learn more about saving your searches.

• Install and use the eBay Toolbar. The eBay Toolbar works with your Web browser and provides quick access to eBay. The eBay Toolbar includes options for searching, checking the status of items you’re watching or bidding on, and protecting your account information. The eBay Toolbar also includes one-click access to eBay, My eBay, Shops, your Favourite Searches, and the eBay Community. Learn more about the searching using the eBay Toolbar.

Narrowing your search

• Start with two or three keywords. Start your search by using two or three keywords, for example, new DVD player. Note: Keywords are not case sensitive. For example, dvd returns the same results as DVD.

• Try different search words. There are many words to describe an item, for example, sofa or couch and shoulder bag or handbag. Try to 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 so that you get a variety of results.

• Use specific words instead of general ones. For example, searching for a Beatles poster will return fewer, more precise listings than searching for Beatles.

• For a closer match, specify a date, colour, or brand. Be specific, and refine your search. For example, to find a particular Barbie doll dress made in the 1960s, instead of typing Barbie in the search box, type Barbie dress 196*. If you want only red dresses, type Barbie red dress. Be careful when using the words and, or, and the in search criteria. eBay's search engine searches for the words and, or, and the just like any other word, so we recommend that you do not include these words in your search. Don't use extra punctuation. Punctuation such as commas (,), periods (.), slashes (/), or exclamation marks (!) are ignored by the search engine and are treated the same as a space. For example, Dr. Watson will return the same results as Dr Watson, so you can use a space instead of a period.

• Using search preferences to narrow your search. After you’ve done an initial search, you can use preferences. Preferences are located on the left side of your search results page. With the options under Preferences, you can narrow your search by location, price or other options like completed listings.

Learn more about search commands.

Expanding your search

• Search titles and descriptions to get more matches. When you perform a search, the search engine looks for your keywords in the title of the items, but sometimes those keywords are in the description of the item, not the title. To search the item descriptions, select the Title and item description check box located under the Preferences heading.

• Search using both plural and singular forms. You may get different results if you try searching for an item in both its plural and singular form. For best results, use both singular and plural keywords together, such as shoe and shoes.

• Try different spellings of the same keyword. In some languages, the alternative spelling without special characters such as accents (á), umlauts (ü) or tildes (õ) may not be grammatically correct, but since sellers may not use the special character variation, trying different spellings may produce additional results. For example, trying both “gray” and “grey”.

• Consider browsing. If you're not searching for a specific item, try browsing the all categories pages. You might discover some nice surprises.

• Try a Want It Now posting. If you're looking for a hard-to-find item, you can tell millions of sellers what you want by creating a Want It Now posting.