Discrepancy in eBay Search Results for Multiple Keywords - Request for Assistance

[abduldaw_84]

I am writing to seek assistance regarding an issue related to the search functionality on the eBay platform. We have observed a discrepancy in the search results when multiple keywords are used in the search query, and we would appreciate your guidance in resolving this matter.

Our team has thoroughly reviewed the eBay API documentation and ensured that our implementation adheres to the recommended practices and formatting guidelines. The constructed URL for the search query appears to be correctly formulated, including the appropriate parameters and filters such as buying options and conditions.

However, during extensive testing, we have noticed that the number of returned listings differs when sending multiple keywords together compared to sending each keyword separately. The expected behavior is to receive all relevant listings for each individual keyword in the query.

To further investigate this issue, we have conducted the following steps:

Query Testing:

We have performed various tests with different search queries, including scenarios with single keywords and multiple keywords. This has helped us identify that the discrepancy in the search results occurs specifically when multiple keywords are used together.

Comparison of Results:

We have compared the search results obtained when sending multiple keywords together with the results obtained when sending each keyword separately. This analysis has confirmed the inconsistency in the number of returned listings, leading us to believe that there may be an algorithmic behavior affecting the results.

Based on our observations, we believe that the search algorithm might be applying additional relevance or filtering criteria when multiple keywords are present in the search query. However, we would appreciate your expert insights into the behavior of the search algorithm and any specific considerations or factors related to using multiple keywords.

In light of the above, we kindly request your assistance in addressing this discrepancy. We would appreciate it if you could provide us with:

1. Clarification on the expected behavior of the search algorithm when multiple keywords are used in the query.

2. Guidance on any specific considerations or factors that might influence the search results in such scenarios.

3. Suggestions or solutions to ensure that all relevant listings for each individual keyword in the query are returned consistently.

We highly value the partnership we have with eBay and are committed to providing our users with the best search experience on your platform. Your prompt attention and assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[shipscript]

@abduldaw_84 

Please provide an example of keywords that show different results.

The Finding API operates similarly to a manual site search, where words are expanded and matched to title, category name, and sidebar aspects. Multiple keywords can either increase or decrease the scope of search. Additionally, searches can be controlled by symbols within keyword strings: parentheses, space, comma, minus, plus, etc. 

Below is my cheat sheet for the Finding API:

Keyword Search Tips:

• match all words = separate with spaces.   small blue widget  
  Find listings with all words small and blue and widget in the title.
   
• match any word = separate with commas and enclose in parentheses.   widget (small,blue)  
  Find every widget that is either blue or small.
   
• exclude words = precede "match any" with minus sign.   widget -(small,blue)  
  Must follow search word. Find widgets but exclude any that are blue or small.
   
• match whole phrase = surround phrase in quotes.   "small blue widget"  
  Find only listings with exact phrase in title.
   
• match any phrase = surround each phrase in quotes;
  comma-separate phrases within parentheses.   ( "small widget", "blue widget" )  
  Find listings with one of the exact phrases in title.
   
• no expansion = include 'plus' sign in phrase.   small blue +widget  
  Find listings with all words small and blue and widget in the title, without expanding the search.
   
• expansions = plural,spelling,category: Normal searches are automatically expanded to check for other spellings, plurals, and for categories or item specifics matching the same keyword. Using any advanced method (quote, plus, minus, or parentheses) will turn off expansion.
   
• punctuation = most punctuation is either ignored or treated as a space when searching on eBay.
   
• limitations = a word must be at least 2 characters long and can not exceed 98 characters.
  A comma-delimited string is measured like a word — use occasional spaces to break into groups under 98 characters. Total characters in the search phrase may not exceed 350.

[abduldaw_84]

Thank you for your response, @shipscript.

Regarding your inquiry about keywords that show different results, we have tested the Finding API using the following example URL: "

/buy/browse/v1/item_summary/search?q=%28Zeiss+Mikroskop%2C+Olympus+Mikroskop%2C+Leica+Mikroskop%2C+OPMI+Mikroskop%2C+Kern+Mikroskop%2C+Hahn+Kolb+Mikroskop%2C+Bresser+Mikroskop%2C+Zeiss+Microscope%2C+Olympus+Microscope%2C+Leica+Microscope%29&filter=buyingOptions%3A%7BAUCTION%7D%2Cconditions%3A%7BUSED%7D."