I don't pay as much attention to my e-bay sales as I should, as I sell via multiple streams. However, I recently noticed that some of my items would not show up when I did a search for them. I called E-bay, and for a change, the rep was actually helpful and figured out that when typing a search for my items, it would automaitcally be directed to a specific category. Since I listed my items under a different category, they would not show up in the search. When typing in the MPN (which no one does, they use the model number), then my items would show up.
I pointed out to the Ebay rep that as a result of this policy, more than half of the listings for these items on Ebay where invisible, as more than half of the sellers listed the item in a different category than the one E-bay chose for it. He noted the problem, but doubtful E-bay will do anything about it.
The anoying thing is that the category which E-bay chose, takes a higher seller commision, and requires free returns in order to qualify for the Top Seller discount, aside for the fact, that in my opinion, the items I sell fit better into the category I placed them in (business VOIP phones do not fit into the Tablets and Notebook category).
Not sure when Ebay started doing this, but I think this has been going on for a while, likely cost me 10's of thousands in sales. Kind of insane considering I don't remember seeing any notification of this change. you may want to check and see if this is affecting your sales as well.
The other issue is promoted sales. If you aren't using it, but your competitors are, that can affect your ran and prioritize competitors listings. Sometimes there can also be new sellers of your item on Ebay which means more competition.
