If you’re not using eBay’s Advanced Search tool, you’re really missing out on a streamlined shopping experience. This easy-to-use feature helps you filter your searches so your results are tailored to exactly what you’re looking for. That saves you time while you save on money! Read on for everything you need to know about this handy search function.
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How To Use eBay Advanced Search
To pull up the advanced search, all you have to do is click “Advanced” on the right side of the “Search” box on the eBay homepage. You can also directly get to it here. This will bring you to a new page where you can further filter your search results. Here are some easy ways to use the Advanced Search Tool:
Find auctions that are ending soon.
Under “Show Results,” checkmark the box next to “Listing” and make sure the dropdowns say “Endings within” and “1 hour.” This will filter your results to items that are ending soon, so there’s less waiting and more active bidding. You can also find items with little to no bids to increase the odds of winning the auction at the lowest price.
Find auctions with low amounts of bids.
You’re able to filter your search by the number of bids in the advanced search console. This can help you find listings that not many shoppers have found to increase your chance of purchasing them. Combining this with the above tip can help you find the best deals.
Questions about eBay’s bidding system? Find everything you need to know here.
Easily find sale items (real sale items, that is).
Sometimes sellers will claim their listing is at a discounted price even though it’s not. But by checking the “Sale Items” box, you can narrow your results to items that have been discounted. You’ll still have to watch out for false deals, but this will cut out at least some of the duds.
Get the best price with eBay Best Offer.
With eBay Best Offer, you’ll have the opportunity to offer the seller what you think is the best price for their item. The seller can then either accept or reject your offer or make a counter-offer for you to accept or reject. This bit of haggling helps you get the item at a steeper discount than the Buy It Now price. Not all listings include the Best Offer option, however, so check-marking the “Best Offer” box in your advanced search will allow you to easily find them.
TIP: Try not to lowball sellers with your best offer, as it can cause them to decline your offer outright without sending a counter offer. They won’t consider you a serious bidder. A reasonable best offer for most items is 5% to 10% less than the asking price.
More eBay Search Tricks
- Skip a’s & the’s: eBay’s search system normally displays matches to your entire search phrase. Removing unnecessary articles, like a’s and the’s, can increase the number of matches to your search.
- Keep your search short: Along with removing articles, try to keep your search phrase short and sweet to maximize results.
- Start broad and narrow your search with fIlters: Once you have a good search phrase, narrow your search results by using filters. You can specify if you want a new item versus a used item, or an auction listing versus the Buy It Now listings.
Check out all options before buying: Don’t buy or bid on the first item you see. The beauty of eBay is that sellers are also competing against each other to attract customers and win a sale. Scroll through all the listings to make sure you’re not missing out on a better deal from a different seller.
