Oct
6
When eBay announced the Fixed-Price 30 listing option, they also mentioned that the Best Match algorithm will advantage fixed-priced listings over auction-style listings in some categories and auction-style listings over fixed-priced listings in other categories. Of course, they did not specify which categories would favor which type of listing format — so I’ve spent the time and done the analysis to figure out which categories and sub-categories provide an advantage to which listing type in the Best Match search results.
Knowing what listing style is favored by Best Match in a particular category - and more significantly a particular sub-category - is important when you are posting an item on eBay. If you pick the wrong listing type, you could end up ranking lower in the search rankings than you would like. Lower rankings = less bids.
Methodology
Here’s the methodology I used to determine which category favors traditional style auction listing types and which favor fixed-price auctions.
I calculated the ratio of auction style listings to fixed-priced listings on the first page of results for each category. Then I compared that to the ratio of auction style listings to fixed-price listings category wide. If the difference was in excess of 25%, I considered the category to provide a significant advantage to auction style listings. If the difference was in excess of -20%, I considered the category to provide a significant advantage to fixed-priced style listings.
Some other details:
- The category or sub-category needed to have more that 1,000 listings to be evaluated.
- Auction style listings that also feature a Buy It Now price were considered to be auction style listings in this evaluation.
- The first page of the listing results was limited to 25 listings.
- Sub-categories can vary significantly than their parent category. For example, the Business & Industrial category significantly favors auction style listings (39%), but the Packing & Shipping sub-category heavily favors the fixed-price style of listings (-32%).
The chart below indicates which categories favor auction style listings (indicated in yellow) and which provide an advantage to fixed price listings.
Again, I must stress that sub-categories can differ significantly from their parent category. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting an a detailed analysis of each category starting tomorrow with the Antiques category and sub-categories.
To summarize, Books, Music, DVD’s & Movies, and Everything Else appear to heavily favor auction style listings, while Gift Certificates and Baby favor the fixed-price listings.
Aug
20
“Time Ending Soonest” is no longer a factor in the Best Match algorithm for fixed-priced auctions. Best Match is the new method by which eBay determines how listings are sorted in the site’s search results. Another factor will be replacing “Time Ending Soonest” for fixed-priced listings - “Recent Sales.” Apparently, only listings offering multiple quantities can reap the advantages of this factor. According to eBay, recent sales from a particular multiple-quantity listing will advantage that listing over others that don’t have recent sales. This means higher rankings in the search results and more subsequent sales as a direct result.
The more sales you have per listing, the greater the opportunity for better visibility and standing apart from the competition.
This provides an obvious incentive to offer multiple quantities if you sell via the fixed price venue.
eBay has also announced that the Best Match algorithm will advantage fixed-priced listings over auction-style listings in some categories and auction-style listings over fixed-priced listings in other categories. Of course, they did not specify which categories would favor which type of listing format — so I’ll be researching that for you after these changes are placed into production live on the site.
eBay clarified that “Time Ending Soonest” was still a significant factor in the Best Match search results ranking algorithm for auction-style listings.
eBay did not specify when the changes would be placed into production. However, one would assume (is that safe to do with eBay?) that the changes would coincide with the new fixed-priced listing fee schedule that will be effective on the 16th of September.
Jul
21
eBay Compromising on Best Match?
Filed Under Best Match | 2 Comments
According to AuctionBytes:
eBay is starting to roll out (or test) the new search-results design that shows a scrolling horizontal gallery with “auctions ending soonest” above regular search results.
This is something eBay has been testing extensively on their Italian site.
This was first reported on the eBay Observer Blog where you can see a screen shot of how a scrolling horizontal gallery of listings that are ending soonest are posted above the regular Best Match search results.
This appears to be a fairly limited test in the U.S. affecting a very small sample of visitors to the auction site.
However, it could mean eBay is considering a compromise for the disaffect buyers and sellers who are dissatisfied with the Best Match sort order in the search results.
Will eBay put this new feature into production? It really depends on the impact to their bottom-line. If it generates additional revenue - they will almost certainly make this feature a mainstay of the search result pages. If it doesn’t impact sales either way, I would imagine that they would make the change anyway - so they can tell those users who don’t like Best Match that, “You talked, and eBay listened!” If the feature detracts from their revenue - forget about it!
The fact that they have decided to test it on the eBay.com site after analyzing the data from their initial experiments on the Italian site is a positive sign though. It obviously worked well enough to move along to the next phase of the evaluation.
Jul
14
A recent post in the eBay Chatter Blog discussed some of the factors that influence and auction listing’s placement in the Best Match search results. Some of them have not been officially or unofficially confirmed before. Since one of my goals for this blog is to be the single best source for Best Match information, I thought I would mention them. Of course, this information will be included in the next version of my free Best Match eBook.
A couple of variables that influence Demand Factors include:
- Picking the right category for your item
- Using Item Specifics
- Item Specifics is a relatively new feature. According to eBay:
Sellers can add value to their listings by adding Item Specifics to their listings.
- Item Specifics are determined by the category in which you sell your item. For example, the Item Specifics available in an apparel category would be related to size and style, while Item Specifics in a CD music category could refer to genre and condition. Item Specifics are also determined by additional characteristics that buyers would use to find an item in that category and related categories (for example, Antique Rugs or Rugs in Home & Garden).
- Item Specifics you provide are displayed at the top of your item description and are used by buyers to search for items.
- In most categories supporting Item Specifics, this information is optional. However, it is definitely to your benefit to complete as many of the details as are applicable.
Some factors that can influence Listing Factors include:
- Format (fixed vs. auction)
- Geographical distance from the buyer
- Having a return policy on the item
Interestingly, the post specifically mentions:
Having a return policy is good for raising item visibility in Best Match.
Therefore, its important to to specify your return policy on the Sell Your Item form when creating your listing. If you have a return policy, but only provide details in your item’s description, the Best Match algorithm isn’t going to give you credit for it when it determines the search results sort order.
How to specify your return policy
In the Additional Information section of the Sell Your Item form, take the following steps:
- Select the “Returns accepted” check box.
- Select the time limit within which the buyer must return the item to you.
- Select the type of refund you will give if the item is returned.
- Enter all other details about your return policy in the Return Policy Details text box.