What is Best Match? Best Match Review

Influencing factors

How well your business listing matches the buyer's search terms

How popular is the product?

Price of the product

Listing quality, such as description, photos, etc.

Is the list complete?

Terms of service, such as your return policy and processing times

Record as a seller

Ranking Algorithm

1) Recall

When a buyer searches for a product, eBay servers collect matching listings and then sort the results into auctions and fixed price listings (BIN).

At this point, the listings are not sorted in any particular order, which is obviously not the best way to present them to potential buyers. So eBay then starts sorting them to present the most valuable items to buyers.

In the example below, green indicates sellers with normal DSR scores, and red indicates sellers with low DSR scores.

2) Arrange your listings

Items in the form of auctions are sorted by the time the items are removed from the shelves. This is eBay's traditional sorting method. Generally speaking, the closer the items are to being removed from the shelves, the easier it will be for buyers to find them.

Fixed-price items are sorted by the most valuable, so they are ranked higher. eBay believes that the most valuable items will receive the greatest exposure, and the currently recognized measurement standard is the ratio of the number of times they appear in eBay search results to the number of sales that have occurred.

Substandard sellers are demoted to the bottom of the list, and it is difficult for their listings to rise in the rankings. It is particularly worth noting that this also includes auction items. If you are unfortunately demoted, your auction item listing will also be relegated to the bottom of all auction items, even if you are a standard seller or a super seller and your new listing is not immune to this fate.

3) Promote search results

Some sellers’ products will appear on the first page of the search page, which is most likely because he is a super seller or the item is free shipping.

eBay won’t tell you how many levels a listing will be upgraded to, but eBay has made it clear that upgrading to a super seller is the most important and primary one, and free shipping will be the icing on the cake.

4) Final sorting

After the ranking of auction items and fixed-price items is determined, eBay will merge and sort the rankings of the two and finally present them to buyers.

Auctions sorted by item end date and fixed-price items sorted by most valuable will appear alternately in search results, and upgrades received by fixed-price items with free shipping will also be taken into account.

Optimization direction

1. First of all, we provide competitive prices, reasonable transportation and excellent customer service.

2. Create a complete and accurate list

(1) Write a clear and concise title with correct spelling and no more than 80 characters

(2) Add an accurate description, using product details from the eBay catalog whenever possible

(3) Use high-quality photos taken from all angles and showing any blemishes or scratches. You can include up to 12 photos for free.

3. Choose a reasonable way to list items

(1) Choose the auction format

Unsure of your item's value and looking to sell quickly, item is unique or hard to find.

(2) Choose a pricing method

Know the value of your item or the price you would like to get for it

There are multiple items that can be grouped into multiple quantities or multiple variant lists

Have a large inventory and want to minimize your insertion costs

We hope your products will be displayed to buyers within 10 days.

List in the right category

Select the category most relevant to your product.

4. Provide all your sales terms

Make sure your terms and conditions of sale are clear. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Include shipping and handling charges, accepted payment methods, and return policies

Clearly state any international restrictions in your return policy or guarantee

5. Maintain a positive sales history

Make sure your items reach your buyers on time and use tracking where possible

Describe your item clearly and accurately

Track your inventory to avoid canceled sales

Frequently asked questions

1. What changes have been made to the best match ranking for items in the categories “Art”, “Antiques”, “Coins”, “Collectibles”, “Dolls & Bears”, “Pottery & Glass”, “Toys”, “Stamps”, “Sports Memorabilia” and “Entertainment Memorabilia”?

In these categories, as in other categories, auction listings will still receive high exposure towards the end of the auction period. However, fixed-price listings will receive greater exposure the closer they are listed.

2. Why do fixed-price items in these categories see increased exposure based on listing date rather than based on product performance scores?

In these categories, buyers are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items, and new listings are the most relevant. Improving the ranking of new listings can provide buyers with a wider range of choices.

3. Can free shipping improve the seller’s position in search results?

Yes. Fixed-price products with free shipping will receive additional exposure. Auction products will no longer receive additional exposure. As always, keeping costs in balance will continue to be the best approach. Auction and fixed-price product listings with excessive shipping costs will be demoted in search.

References

• 1. Best match optimization direction: Official website [reference date 2018-05-20T16:00:00.000Z]