Search has improved! It has a new look on the front and updated technology on the back. Now search has more options to help you get the results that you want. Below are some FAQs about the new search.

What's new in search?

What are eBay suggestions?

How can I refine my search?

What does the "Choose more" link do?

What is the filmstrip at the top of the search results page?

What is Best match?

How can I change my sort order?

How do I find auction-style or Buy It Now items only?

How do I search for completed listings?

Why do my saved favorite searches look different?

How do I opt out of the new search?

What's new in search?

Our new search engine gets more information from listings to give you better matching results for your search terms. Not only does the engine search titles of listings, it also checks the following:

• categories
• item specifics
• common spelling errors, abbreviations, and similar words

Just start typing in the search box to get some eBay suggestions. When you get a list of search results, you can:

• refine your search with navigation options on the left side of the page
• click a "Choose more" link to select multiple options

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What are eBay suggestions?

When you start typing in the search box, a list of suggestions appears. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select one.

To turn off eBay suggestions, select "Hide eBay suggestions." A box with an arrow appears in the search box; just click this box to turn them on again.
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How can I refine my search?

When you type in search terms, you'll be able to refine your results by clicking options on the left side of the page. For example, you get a list of search results after you searched for "digital camera." You decide that you want a "point & shoot" camera. To refine more, just click an option on the left.



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What does the "Choose more" link do?

The "Choose more" link opens a dialog box. In the dialog box, you will see more options that are available. You can also select multiple options at one time. After you select the options you want, click the "Go" button.

If you are too specific and end up without any matching search results, try removing some options to expand your search.



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What is the filmstrip at the top of the search results page?

The filmstrip at the top of the search results is a quick way for you to see the auctions that are ending soon. We have given you a place at the top of the page to browse through the auctions, so you don't miss those last minute items. Just roll your mouse over the picture to see more details about the item.

Note: We are testing this for a limited time, and not everyone will see it.



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What is Best match?

Best match is a sort order based on an algorithm. The algorithm helps you find the best deals on the inventory you want from the best sellers. The algorithm is based on many factors, such as price, demand of the item, and seller ratings.

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How do I change my sort order?

Best match is the default sort for most search results. To change your sort, on the top of the search results list, select another option from the "Sort by" pull-down menu. You can also change your default sort order from the "Customize view" link.

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How do I find auction-style or Buy It Now items only?

If you want to search for auction-style items or Buy It Now items only, choose your preference on the left side of the page. Under the "Preferences" heading, in the "Buying formats" section, click the option you want.

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How do I search for completed listings?

Completed (or ended) listings let you see what a particular item has sold for.

To see completed listings, select the "Completed listings" check box on the left side of the page under the "Preferences" heading in the "Search options" section.

Also, you can use Advanced search to search for completed or ended listings. Just click the "Advanced search" link at the top of the search results list.
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Why do some of my saved favorite searches look different?

Because of a difference in search options between the new search engine and the original search engine, some of your saved favorite searches may look different. We are working on converting the old saved searches to the new format.

In the meantime, you can refine your saved favorite searches by going to My eBay and clicking the "Edit search" link.
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How do I opt out of the new search?

We do encourage you to use the improved search experience. However, if you are seeing the new search results and would like to switch back to the regular eBay search results, just click the "opt out" link at the top or the bottom of the search results page.
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