Hi there!

I just wanted to ask about changes to the way search results are displayed via Best Match in the 'Video Game Consoles' category, these changes were made around 5th/6th January.

For the past couple of years, it has been observable that new buy it now listings start at their highest point in search results, i.e. just under the top 4 promoted spots and gradually slide down 1) as time passes and 2) as more people list. Getting at least some time on the first page of search results is a major factor that helps generate sales due to the basics of consumer behaviour.

Ever since the date described above (Jan5th/6th), new listings (may not be limited to this catrgory) go straight to e.g. Page 5-9, and as a result get very little views from potential buyers compared to before the changes were made, greatly reducing changes of a sale even at a competitive price.

I have been able to observe these changes through incognito mode to gain an accurate review of what the buyer can see when they use a particaular search term. I have been doing this often for the past couple of years which is why a change in how this works has been so noticable to me. Some sellers I know have had their impressions drop by up to 90% in this category since around January 6th.

Could you give more details about these algorithmic changes that were made without announcement, and if so are they here to stay or do eBay plan to go back to how it worked pre-Jan5th/6th?

Thanks!

TLDR: Listings in some categories such as (but may not be limited to) the 'Video Game Consoles' category are now ranked differently via Best Match as to how they were prior to January 6th 2023, greatly effecting sellers who operate within this category. No announcement from eBay was made about the change and customer services deny knowledge of any algorithmic changes made to the website and said they would forward concerns to the relevant team, no resposne has been given so far.