"Search" opens new tab

[analogjazz]

When browsing items I've searched for and clicking on an item, a new tab opens so of course I can't just go "back" to search results. I have to close that tab.  Anyone else experiencing this?

[rebell45]

Yes, that's the new thing. And, many, like me, like it cause the back button doesn't always take you to the same place on the previous page. 

[Anonymous]

I guess I'm not understanding why you have to "close" the tab. Why not toggle between them?

[eburtonlab]

It appears that eBay has changed things to make opening search result links in a new tab the new default behavior.

It is possible to set your browser to open links in the same tab by default, but doing so may cause issues with certain links. Since changing my browser's default link behavior, I have noticed an issue when checking out and paying with PayPal; if the PayPal sign-in does not open in a pop-up window, it does not behave correctly. It may be possible to get around the issue by right clicking on the "Pay with PayPal" link, but I have to experiment with this the next time I make a purchase to be sure that that is the issue.

See here for some details about how changing default link behavior can be done in Firefox:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Ask-a-Mentor/opening-in-new-tab/qaq-p/31923286

[riddler8311]

Chrome Extension:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/open-link-in-same-tab-pop/jmphljmgnagblkombahigniilhnbadca

[tim3737]

Yes, it's been happening for the last few days. Annoying. Fix this eBay!

[tim3737]

Because each new listing you view opens yet another tab so pretty soon you have dozens of tabs open. Annoying.

[toysmith]

Hi,

Just close the tab you opened simply and it will go back to your previous page. I also experiencing this and I follow this step.

Cheers

[spikey1971]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who has noticed this. It's annoying but if this is the new way what can ya do except shut the new tab every time. Seems kinda lame.

[chosi1]

It is extremely annoying.  I hope they put it back the way it was, or at least make it an option so we can customize it.

[momm54]

I agree that this is extremely annoying. 

For Chrome users, I found an extension called "Link Control" that actually solves the problem. It can be configured per website if you don't want to change your default browser behavior. Most importantly, the back arrow in either eBay or Chrome will take you to where you left off in the search results page.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/link-control/olcpmlhnomiabbndnfplobojnhjljapm?hl=en-US

[jkstark]

If you want to have an option to open things in a new tab - make it just that, an option!  While a Ctrl-W is a quick way to close the tab, it still requires having your hands on the keyboard; when your mouse has a back button on it, and you were able to browse effectively and quickly without having to go between the mouse and the keyboard, having a new tab open every time is a waste of computer resources, and of the user's time.

I understand that some people may like it - so make it an option you can select to use or not...

Setting it as a default in the browser is a non-starter; there are times where a new tab makes sense, but with eBay browsing, it simply does not at least for my style of browsing...

[thejourneyfan]

It doesn't work

[thejourneyfan]

Do you really think people don't know that LOL, it is just annoying to keep closing tabs 

[eburtonlab]

Do you really think people don't know that LOL

Not everyone knows that. Some users have been using the "back to search results" link and complaining that they have to scroll through the results to find out where they have left off searching rather than closing the new tab to return to the old one.