Searches Returning Items Without Search Terms In Title

[tjc4golf]

Some searches are returning results that do not include the search terms. 

Example: if you search "Brioni tuxedo" you will get a lot of search results that do not include "tuxedo" in the title or description such as non-tuxedo suits and sportcoats.

Can anyone tell me how to limit searches so that they only include items with the search terms in the title?  

[eburtonlab]

@tjc4golf

You can try putting quotes around each search term, which should coax eBay into searching for the exact text (rather than what it thinks you want to search for):

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR6.TRC1.A0.H0.X%22brioni%22+%...

You may miss out on titles like "Brioni tux", though.

Alternatively, you can try excluding "sportcoat" and perhaps "shirt" from your original search:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=brioni+tuxedo+-sportcoat&_sop=15&_sadis=200&_dmd=1&_oac=1&_osa...

From there you can limit the category to Suits or Jackets using the category filter on the left side of the page.

Which technique you prefer depends on whether you are more concerned with false positives or false negatives.

[tjc4golf]

Thanks.  I understand the quote trick but as you mention I'd miss things like "Brioni Double Breasted Tuxedo" or "Brioni Black Tuxedo" 

The "-sportcoat" suggestion has proven pretty useful.

But I still want to vent... what was eBay thinking when they decided to reinvent how search works?!?

If I wanted to search for Y, I'd type "Y" in the searach box.  So don't show me Y when I search for X.  

[eburtonlab · Accepted solution]

@tjc4golf

I understand the quote trick but as you mention I'd miss things like "Brioni Double Breasted Tuxedo" or "Brioni Black Tuxedo" 

You would miss those if you search "Brioni Tuxedo", but not if you search "Brioni" "Tuxedo" as in my first link.

But I still want to vent... what was eBay thinking when they decided to reinvent how search works?!?

eBay probably figures that they want to serve the marginal user -- if they can figure out what the average person searching from their phone is trying to find and steer them in the right direction, eBay stands to make a lot of money. The rest of us will just have to figure out how to get around their "smart search" to get what we want.

[tjc4golf]

Ah, that is clever.  I didn't realize you put each search term in separate quotes.  Thank you.  Very helpful.

[eburtonlab]

@tjc4golf

Glad I could help!