EBay search ranking: variation listing vs. multiple listings

[robxznyc]

For listings with variations, I know eBay search algorithm prefers variation listings over multiple listings. When I have two listings of the same item in different sizes, one is always placed at the bottom of search results. But I just did a search and saw a top rated plus seller's two listings (same item, same listing title except for different sizes) next to each other among the top 20 search results. One is marked sponsored, and the other not. Is it because both listings are promoted this could happen? If they aren't both promoted one will be moved to the bottom?

[cards98765]

I see that many times (used to see more so than now) if a buyer clicks on the sponsored listing I pay more fees to eBay if the buyer clicks on the non-sponsored listing I pay less fees.  These would be identical listings...

I just re-read your post and yes it sounds to me like this seller has to similar auctions and based off your search both met your criteria.  The non-sponsored one probably slightly more.  It just may have happened that a sponsored listing than a non-sponsored listing were side by side.  It is also possible both listings are sponsored but it just showed one as sponsored I have read that it is a bit of a glitch currently.  Ultimately, eBay does (not always great at it) want to show you results most closely matching what you are looking for to get you to buy. . . That being said they would prefer it if it is a sponsored listing as then they make more money.

Sorry, I am having a hard time getting my thoughts typed out but hope that helps a little.

[robxznyc]

I think you were talking about when eBay used to display both promoted version and the original listing. So a promoted listing would appear in search result twice. EBay has stopped doing that for a couple of years. My example refers two listings of the same item in different sizes. I mostly don't promote listings and I've observed either one of the two listings may be placed in the bottom of the search result when I search the item without specifying sizes. Then I saw the search result of the other seller's two listings of the same item in different sizes that are next to each other, both on the top. The sponsored mark gives me clue that our listings receive different treatment as a result of promoted listing. This seller probably applies the same promoted listing rules to all his listings and both are promoted. Because promoted listings are selected based on seller's bids among other criteria, one is selected and the other isn't and the promoted happens to be placed next to the non promoted. If neither is selected one of them would have been placed at the bottom.