How to Search The Right Way For Completed Items That Sold On eBay

I always have people asking me about the topic of searching on eBay. Many think the real value is what pops up after you type in the item in the box below the eBay logo. Well, this is only a small portion of the step which gives you results of current bidding. If you want to find the true prices of an item at what it sold, follow my steps!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You just need a computer.

1. Note: You will need to be a registered eBay user to do this type of search.

2. Type and go to www.ebay.com on your internet browser.

3. There will be a box directly below the eBay logo. As soon as you are registered and logged in, you will see your user identification.

4. Go ahead and type in the item specifics you want to search for. Be as specific as possible. Here is an example: You many be looking for an ipod touch 16mb pricing. You will then type in ipod touch 16mb in the box and then click on search.

5. This search will only give you the items currently available for bids or currently available for buy it now. eBay gives you a list of what they call Best Match. They basically give the best query results based on the information you typed in the box.

6. After you receive this search, look on the left-hand column of the screen. Go ahead and find the Preferences section. This is located under the Categories section. Under preferences, click on the link Completed Listings. You will then see a new list of items on a new page. You will also see prices in green and red. Don't be alarmed, there is where you want to be!

7. Next, go up to the section that contains an arrow with Sort By. If you click on this arrow it will give you other choices. It defaults automatically to Recent First which means the items have all been sold very recently. The items that sold have a box saying sold and the price is highlighted in green.

8. These prices go back up to 90 days worth of data. You are allowed to view 90 days worth for free. If you want more, you have to pay for a service to search for this.

9. In this search, you can find recent, oldest, price + shipping lowest, price + shipping highest, price: highest first, and distance: nearest first.

10. If you want to switch back to current bids, just go back and select the Completed Items link again. This will take you back to the first search page. When you are searching, it is useful to click back and forth. This may also get you use to seeing the difference in searches. Remember, if you do not see green or red, you are not seeing the Completed Items page.

Tips & Warnings

• I usually select highest first which it will sort by the highest auctions first.
• If you are looking for bulkier, heavier, or larger items which cannot be shipped as easily I would select the distance selection. This option will give you the closest auctions to where you are listed.
• If you are curious what shipping is for the items select the highest + shipping and lowest + shipping. This will give you a good idea of the latest cost.
• Don't forget the default is recent first. This option will give you the latest prices that the auctions have sold at.
• This is a way to find the most current prices but be aware that prices are constantly fluctuating.
• Just because you see a great price right now, doesn't mean it will remain great at a later time.