How to Search eBay Stores for an Item

Often on eBay, buyers strive to find sellers that specialize in specific categories. For example, a buyer might search for a collector’s plate and then wish to find other plates in that particular series or category. EBay sellers often sell many related products. Although these items are related, they are usually sold separately in a number of individual auctions. EBay Stores allow sellers to list all of their products together and buyers to explore all of the auctions and products available from an eBay seller of particular interest.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. EBay Stores are categorized for easy browsing. Begin by finding the link for “Specialty Sites” on the upper left of the eBay home page. From here you can find eBay stores in various product categories.
2. If you are simply wondering if a certain seller has an eBay store, the solution is to look for a small eBay Store icon in his/her user information. An icon in the shape of a small red door signifies that a seller has an eBay Store. To enter the seller’s store, simply click on the red door.
3. Once you have entered the eBay Store, you are given access to all of this particular seller’s auctions. Instead of viewing many individual auctions, you can get a sense of the types of items that this person is dealing in.
4. Save your favorites. Like all searches, you may save a list of your favorite sellers in your "My eBay" account. From here you will be able to locate and access this eBay Store more easily.
5. Use “My eBay” in different ways. Throughout your history of eBay usage you may have saved favorite searches, seller names and eBay Stores. Any favorite category or result that you have saved may be easily accessed and managed with “My eBay.” “My eBay” will also serve as a hub for all messages sent to you form buyers and sellers.

Tips & Warnings

• EBay Stores will often provide you with more reliable contact information, as it serves as an advertisement for the seller’s online business.
• Some collectibles are a part of a larger set. EBay Stores can help you to find several related items, or items in a series.
• By communicating with the owner of the eBay store, you may be able to combine items in different auctions to minimize your shipping and handling costs.
• EBay Stores are not designed to help you deal outside of eBay itself. As a matter of good business ethics, all items auctioned in eBay should be purchased through eBay.