Sudden 43% Drop in Traffic – Algorithm Issue?

[timeles_38]

I wanted to share my traffic report to see if others are experiencing the same thing.

As you can see from the chart (attached), my listings were getting steady impressions—both organic and promoted—then traffic suddenly fell off a cliff after Sept 1.

• Organic: 5,070 (down 40.2%)

• Promoted Listings: 7,531 (down 59.8%)

• Total Traffic: down 43% compared to the prior week

This wasn’t a gradual decline due to buyer interest—it was an overnight drop. My inventory, pricing, and promotions haven’t changed, so this seems tied to eBay’s visibility algorithm or a reporting glitch.

I’m concerned that independent sellers are being throttled while promoted traffic is heavily favored. Even with promoted listings, traffic still collapsed.

Is anyone else seeing this sudden drop in impressions? If so, this points to a systemic issue rather than individual seller performance.

[inhawaii]

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@john_wade wrote:

The algorithm they use is garbage. 

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The algorithm works a lot better when you're selling something in high demand.

[jdbelt1960]

I had a good month in November and since last week sales stopped. Can I call EBAY to find out if they are having issues?

[onefootflipper]

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@jdbelt1960 wrote:

I had a good month in November and since last week sales stopped. Can I call EBAY to find out if they are having issues?

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That isn't how ebay works. People are not buying your items because they don't want the items or because your prices are bad. There is nothing customer service can do to make your items sell.

Your store is almost 100 percent items in slow moving categories that are largely purchased by senior collectors who are purchasing for themselves.  That demographic is currently spending their spare money on Christmas presents for children and grandchildren.  I don't think I have ever sold a Hummel, Precious Moments or similar item ever sell in December.

[jdbelt1960]

I was joking.

[onefootflipper]

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@jdbelt1960 wrote:

I was joking.

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Ah, you would be surprised how many people call ebay customer service because their items are not selling. Some people do it all the time.