I used "views' just to see what volume of activity my item was getting for my cheap items that I initially wanted to be listed IF they were getting 10 or more views in a 30 day period. I posted that data into an EXCEL tracking data base. IF the item fails the '10 view' criteria three times, I deleted the item. NO, I don't pay listing fees... it's simply that I have better things to do in lieu of having something just laying dormant with eBay. (It's bad enough that I have a couple thousand vinyl-associated items that are MINT; and just sitting there more then one year.) Anyway, I used that view data also to potentially demonstrate that I was consistently getting lots of views, but the item was not being purchased. With that data I would also decide if it was financially smart to lower that cheap priced item a little bit more! BEFORE YOU RESPOND, READ THE NEXT PARAGRAPH.
Once eBay eliminated 90-95% of that view data, I spoke with Seller Support...they are generally great, but this conversation was 'out of their pay grade'. So I wrote to the eBay CEO! I was immediately contacted by someone who proved to me that he was an overall expert on this new (UNFORTUNATE) view process. That is when I was introduced to the BOT process....swear word! After several different technical discussions, I was forced to modify my eBay/EXCEL process to: (1) On selective records and/or picture sleeves, I now post that they are there for a maximum of six months....PERIOD!; (2) I ignore the useless view data; and (3) post them onto my EXCEL tracker so I can sort of continue my previous evaluation process. And yes, I am doing that today!
The BOT process was new to me, but I am stuck with two process questions that I may once again contact that expert to get his input: (1) While those BOT extractions may have bloated the view data, isn't there a technical reason why sites like Amazon, etc. are extracting that data? Are there customers causing that based upon searches within their various systems?; (2) When a potential Buyer runs a search WITHIN eBay, and one of my items is displayed......why is that not counted as a 'view'? The item data is there for them to consider even if they didn't 'click' on it....for me, that is a 'view'.; and (3) when potential viewers see my item over within their Amazon/etc., I also consider that to be a 'view'. I presume if they select it based upon the data that the Amazon/etc. system provided, that my item gets a 'view'.
BOTTOM LINE: This new view process is a fiasco, that probably got NOT INPUT from the Selling Community (as we use to provide back in the days of the Vision Program). I am rapidly approaching the decision to call this 19+ year 'adventure' to an end, as it has become more work with to many fees. Okay, I am done.... back to my vinyl HOARD!
