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.
What's changed?Our new search engine gathers 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, common spelling errors, abbreviations, and similar words. You can also refine your search using the options on the left side of the page to narrow your search results. The old search engine only returned results that matched the item’s title keywords. Since sellers often don’t put crucial information about the item in the title and buyers often search using very broad queries the results were not always relevant.
For example “Apple iPod Nano Photo 8GB” may not have return results for “MP3 Player”. Similarly, “BMW 316i Silver 1996 P” may not have return results for “Used Car”.
The new search function now looks at the category an item is listed in and any item specifics the seller provides to present more relevant search result 
For example, you search for digital camera and decide you want a compact camera. You tick the box next to the words ‘Compact’. The search results are now amended to include only these types of cameras. If you want to see all cameras again, deselect the box or click on the ‘clear’ link. 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. 
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.
How do I search for Stores and international listings?
To find items that have been listed in Stores on eBay.com.au, select the ‘Stores Format’ option on the left hand side of the page. For items that have been listed on other eBay sites around the world, select the ‘Worldwide’ option on the left hand side of the page.
You can choose more options by clicking on the ‘Choose more’ link within this ‘Search Options’ box. 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 bottom 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 is Window Shopping?Window Shopping is a new way to view items. In some categories, this will be the default view. Otherwise, users can choose it from the ‘View as’ menu.
The reason for this is that some categories lend themselves to visual browsing more than others. In those categories, the Window Shopping view allows users to skim through items, and get more information about those which are of interest by ‘hovering’ over them.
Tip for sellers: In categories where Window Shopping view is the default (for example, Women’s Shoes), make sure photographs are as clear and attractive as possible. 
As a seller, you don’t have to do anything differently. The new search uses information you already provide, but it’s worth reminding yourself of the steps involved in making listings easier to find. With the new search function, these will make more of a difference to whether your item is discovered or not. Title: Include all relevant keywords of interest to buyers (up to 55 characters).
Tip: Look at the terms buyers are using to find items like yours.
Category: List in the most appropriate category for your item (listing in more than one relevant category improves your listing’s visibility). Item specifics: provide as much relevant information as you can - brand, model, condition. Look at the item descriptors available to buyers (look at the left-hand side of search results pages, and click on any of the ‘More options’ links). Include any suitable words from these lists.
Item description: Ensure your description includes a comprehensive and accurate reflection of your listing. Find your product feature (if this is available in your search).
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