eBay searches returning offensive images

[flatforksellers]

I have been selling on eBay for 9 years. I also use eBay searches to look at pricing and what similar items have sold for as well as basic google searches of other marketplaces. Very recently some of the searches I do for specific items return unrelated provocative images and listings for "adult items"...For example yesterday I was checking standard pricing for a vintage leather top silver chest/box...the search results returned images of women's breasts scantly covered with semi-transparent silvery garments adorned with what looked like bondage-type accents. with the statement that no exact matches were found. Even as I tried different search terms I got the same images. I then used the same search terms in Google search. Those results returned items I was looking for, but also an eBay link to items on eBay I was looking for that eBay searches was saying no exact matches were found. I am concerned that customers searching for the vintage furniture and home decor I sell are being subjected to the same "adult only" images and postings that could be offensive to many customers just wanting to buy a vintage silver chest...is anyone seeing more "adult clothing, lingerie" in search results?

[chapeau-noir]

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@katz.paw wrote:

I searched for "vintage leather top silver chest/box" like you described but did not see the "images of women's breasts scantly covered with semi-transparent silvery garments adorned with what looked like bondage-type accents" that you found.
Please can you verify your exact search wordage and report back here. Please.

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I've gotta kid you about this post!  😂  It just cracked me up.

ETA: I'm sure you didn't mean anything by it, it just came out funny.

[cstpos]

@flatforksellersOne time I was searching for a "hand-painted Hooker cabinet" (furniture). You can imagine what came back!

[flatforksellers]

lol...very familiar with Hooker Furniture...I really like it but I think it may be the heaviest furniture ever made.

[flatforksellers]

Your condescending tone is over the top...just stop already...I use Amazon all the time to purchase items for me and my business since having search problems on eBay...I do not have those problems on Amazon...EVER...never have I seen sexy or sex images on Amazon in my searches...using the usual keywords depending on the item...your statement is just not true...just because you pass them over does not apply to everyone and is not an acceptable solution...and calling people "vanilla" is name calling and labeling. It is insulting and added nothing to the conversation.

[cstpos]

@flatforksellersSo Heavy! But beautiful. I just gave my armoire to one of the kids as I'm downsizing.

[donsdetour]

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@flatforksellers wrote:

Your condescending tone is over the top...just stop already...I use Amazon all the time to purchase items for me and my business since having search problems on eBay...I do not have those problems on Amazon...EVER...never have I seen sexy or sex images on Amazon in my searches...using the usual keywords depending on the item...your statement is just not true...just because you pass them over does not apply to everyone and is not an acceptable solution...and calling people "vanilla" is name calling and labeling. It is insulting and added nothing to the conversation.

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Classic example of eBay loss of buyers due to messed up search.

Fix it eBay:

and MAKE MORE MONEY instead of running off buyers.......

[metaltech1]

I just typed "leather top chest" and got two listings for an old chest (storage)......then a bunch of what you described.  Some with actual models showing the items.

And here I thought eBay got rid of "adult items".  I guess it's who you know that lets you post items of this sort now.