How to Use eBay Smart Search

Learn how to use eBay smart search.

Looking for some specific items on eBay?

Overwhelmed by the thousands of results each search produces?

By using eBay smart search, you can narrow down your search by focusing in on specific criteria and removing others.

Follow these tips on how to use eBay smart search.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know exactly what you are looking for
   
   Sometimes people like to browse through eBay’s many categories, similar to the way one might wander through a shopping mall, looking at a little bit of everything, then stopping when something catches their eye. If you are doing this, the regular search box will do. But when you are looking for a specific item and want to find it quickly, it is important to know exactly what you want. Once you know exactly what you want to search for, eBay smart search is an invaluable tool.

2. List possible keywords
   
   Make a list of possible keywords to use for the product you are searching for. Try to think of how a seller might describe it or various names that it might be called by. If it is a specific brand or model, list that, as well as any preferred colors or other descriptive characteristics. Once you know what you are (and aren’t) looking for, click the link that says “Advanced Search” (also known as eBay smart search) located to the right of the search box on any eBay page.
   
   Or go directly to
   http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/search-new.html

3. Choose the appropriate category
   
   One of the first options you will choose when using eBay smart search is the category your item should be located in. For some items, it will be obvious which category to choose. For other items, you may need to search more than one category. In that case, simply repeat the process in other categories.

4. Enter your preferred criteria
   
   eBay smart search will give you the opportunity to specify exactly what criteria to search for, including color, price range and more. You can search specific sellers only, or in eBay stores only. You can exclude certain search terms as well. When you use eBay smart search, every search is different and unique.

5. eBay offers a variety of tools to help users get the most out of the site, which is why it’s the leader in e-commerce auction sites. eBay smart search is another useful feature that makes it easier to shop on eBay.

6. While you're here be sure to take a look around for more tips and information on eBay.