eBay

allthings-collectible · ‎06-14-2023

Like many on this platform, I too have been overwhelmed with the amount of changes as well as the accompanying glitches during and after implementation. Knowing that eBay uses AI and ML in their algorithms, whether it's search or ad placements, I wondered if eBay has become a victim of their own ambition. So, it seemed prudent to ask ChatGPT the following question...

"What are the potential challenges for sellers from eBay using AI or ML on their platform?"

The answers were both educational and somewhat alarming, and seemed to shed light on what may be happening here in recent months. This was the ChatGPT response:

"When eBay utilizes AI or ML on its platform, there are several potential pitfalls that sellers should be aware of:

Algorithmic changes and search ranking: eBay may use AI or ML algorithms to determine search rankings, product visibility, or personalized recommendations for users. While these algorithms aim to improve the overall user experience, they can lead to fluctuations in a seller's visibility or rankings without clear explanations. Sellers may find it challenging to adapt to these algorithmic changes, especially if they are not provided with sufficient guidance or information. It's important for sellers to stay updated on eBay's algorithmic updates, monitor their performance, and adapt their strategies accordingly to maintain visibility and competitiveness.
Increased competition and pricing pressure: AI-powered tools can enable sellers to optimize their pricing strategies based on market trends and competitor analysis. However, the widespread adoption of such tools can also lead to increased competition and pricing pressure. As more sellers use AI for dynamic pricing, it may result in price wars or profit margin erosion. Additionally, AI systems may lead to pricing decisions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. It's crucial for sellers to carefully evaluate their pricing strategies, consider factors beyond AI recommendations (such as unique product value propositions or customer service), and strike a balance between competitive pricing and profitability.
Customer service and communication challenges: eBay may employ AI-powered chatbots or automated customer service systems to handle inquiries or provide support. While these systems can streamline processes and improve response times, they may not always deliver the level of personalization or nuanced understanding that human interactions can provide. Sellers might face challenges in effectively resolving complex issues, addressing unique customer needs, or managing situations that require empathy and subjective judgment. It's important for sellers to maintain channels for direct human interaction, proactively engage with customers, and be prepared to step in when necessary to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Overall, sellers should be aware of the potential impact of eBay's AI and ML initiatives on their visibility, pricing dynamics, and customer interactions. By staying informed, adapting strategies, and emphasizing the value of human touch, sellers can navigate these pitfalls and leverage the benefits that AI and ML bring to eBay's platform."

Is it time to jump ship? Not yet. Why? Because it appears that AI isn't going away anytime soon..........

or at least until something apocalyptic happens. 😲

pls-consignments · ‎06-14-2023

Its all about leverage in today's corporate world. Its hard to keep up.

huntfishdie45 · ‎06-14-2023

Now couple this with the PL debacle and a seller's storm is brewing at eBay.

richard1rst · ‎06-15-2023

@allthings-collectible wrote
Is it time to jump ship? Not yet. Why? Because it appears that AI isn't going away anytime soon..........
or at least until something apocalyptic happens. 😲

Actually you answered your own question.

sellers should be aware of the potential impact of eBay's AI and ML initiatives on their visibility, pricing dynamics, and customer interactions. By staying informed, adapting strategies, and emphasizing the value of human touch, sellers can navigate these pitfalls and leverage the benefits that AI and ML bring to eBay's platform."

Things have changed dramatically since I started here 19 years ago, By constantly adapting to the changes I am still here. Doing well, thank you.

"Laissez-faire capitalism (AKA The Great Material Continuum) is the only social system based on the recognition of individual rights and, therefore, the only system that bans force from social relationships." ~ Ayn Rand

pls-consignments · ‎06-15-2023

I don't think there is much of a choice at this point. We either adapt, or disappear.

m60driver · ‎06-15-2023

. By staying informed, adapting strategies, and emphasizing the value of human touch, sellers can navigate these pitfalls and leverage the benefits that AI and ML bring to eBay's platform."

Alas, it is hard to "stay informed" when Ebay does not make public its algorithms leaving us to speculate what they might be. We do know that Ebay likes profit and will try to reward those who use PL, but that is not a function of AI. I doubt Ebay's use of AI will make much difference for sellers although it will be a useful tool for those who have poor writing skills. At the moment AI is being greatly overhyped.

cardxcraft · ‎06-15-2023

Yes, but you have close to 1000 followers, which is a good thing. Not so good for newer sellers: rat race to the bottom.

huntfishdie45 · ‎06-15-2023

The AI great orb is spelling out what many of us have been discussing on these boards for months. The algorithms are shadow banning: visibility, and throttling: ranking, which is what many sellers have noticed. Increased competition and pricing pressure = The race to the bottom or price wars and profit margin erosion is being exacerbated by PL bean counter scams. How do we as sellers stay informed? How can we adapt to the changes without knowing what they are? All we can do as sellers at this point is react to the unintended consequences of these changes as they affect us. Good Luck

*markr · ‎07-03-2023

eBay used to have a great search engine. It would return exactly what I was searching for. Now it's just all messed up with items showing up that don't even contain the query and even items missing that contain the exact query. Really frustrating along with their other downgrades of UI and listings.

slippinjimmy · ‎07-03-2023

eBay also used to have less than 10 Million listings to deal with in their core search function, now they are approaching 2 BILLION listings, what worked 20 years ago no longer does.

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep

mam98031 · ‎07-03-2023

The use of AI on Ebay is NOT new and you can't run from it, it is everywhere. So if you think the grass is greener somewhere else, you are likely in for an unpleasant surprise.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Quote from Edward I Koch

eburtonlab · ‎07-03-2023

eBay used to have a great search engine. It would return exactly what I was searching for.

With only a very small amount of effort, anyone that wants to can bypass all the "smart" search features and see only those results that match the literal keywords found in titles and item-specifics while avoiding any keyword substitutions, corrections, or automatic category navigation issues.

Put one of your keywords in quotes, and avoid the "Lowest first" sort, and the results you see will basically match the old pre-Cassini results.

Replacing wildcards takes a little more creativity, though, unfortunately.

Perhaps someone will find a way to use AI to allow users to input old-style search keywords with wildcards and generate the new non-wildcard keywords needed to get the results that eBay would have provided prior to the change.