Rotating Servers, Smart Manipulated Search by Odie
//
Copy of original post by "Odie".
Rotating Servers, Smart Manipulated Search by Odie
Posted Dec-12-06 18:32:05 PST
Hello all,
Here are some of my opinions based on over thirty years of implementing and managing system development projects, including a client with higher daily transaction volumes than eBay.
What we are seeing is not erratic and is not a glitch.
It is part of a well-orchestrated resource management program.
Companies with high transaction volumes do this to avoid adding additional servers and bandwidth to accommodate growth.
The basis of the program is a rationing search algorithm that decides how many listings the system will show for any search based on some pre-determined level of "cost" to provide the response.
It started with the so-called "smart search" on Express and is gradually being adapted to the .com site. eBay's rationale is that it gives the buyer a "best match" and improves the "buying experience".
I agree with those who think the item numbering system somehow controls the rotation and priority.
Part of the reason why it appears different for different sellers could be category volume.
The more competition you have, the less likely your item will appear in the search.
Another criteria appears to be how much your business is worth to eBay in listing and services fees.
This appears to be the first step to a "tiered service" approach where a seller's exposure will directly depend on how much they are willing to pay.
This basically means that the "little sellers", regardless of the quality of what they sell,
are history on eBay unless they are willing to pay big bucks to compete with the mega-sellers.
IMO, whether your item is seen or not is a "craps shoot". Buyers cannot buy what they don't see!
If I want to gamble, I'll go to a casino.
For what it's worth,
Odie
//
//
//
/*
Technorati Profile
EventHorizon1984 Log
//