Dynamic Algorithm Needed to Stop Unrelated Variation "Bait Pricing" (Search Manipulation)
Summary: 6828 raises a concern about sellers on eBay using 'bait pricing' through multi-variation listings, suggesting a text-recognition algorithm as a solution. sandypebbles advises that eBay likely won't take member suggestions, recommending instead not engaging with such listings. e_purchasing suggests involving external regulatory bodies to pressure eBay for action. springyzone speculates that eBay may prioritize profit over stricter enforcement but acknowledges that persistent feedback might lead to eventual change. twyngwyn humorously notes the complexity of addressing issues on eBay amid AI management.
Hi everyone,
I want to raise a massive issue that is ruining the search experience on eBay, and offer a simple, logical solution that eBay’s development team needs to implement.
Right now, the platform is flooded with sellers using "bait pricing" via multi-variation listings. They list an expensive item (like a drone or castor wheels), but add a completely unrelated, ultra-cheap item into the dropdown menu (like a paperclip, sticker, or phone cord holder) just to artificially lower the starting price shown in search results.
This directly violates eBay's Search and Browse Manipulation Policy, yet reporting these items through the standard "Report Item" button is completely futile. The current automated reporting system completely misses it because it only looks at structural tags, allowing these rule-breakers to destroy market visibility for honest sellers.
The Solution: A Text-Recognition Filter Algorithm
eBay heavily relies on AI, so why not use it to fix this? eBay needs to implement an automated validation algorithm for multi-variation listings:
Title vs. Variation Scan: When a listing is created or updated, the algorithm should scan the main listing title against the text strings inside the variation dropdown menu.
Flag Unrelated Keywords: If a listing is titled "Heavy Duty Castor Wheels" but a variation selection is literally spelled "Paperclip" or "Phone Cord Holder," the algorithm should flag it as an immediate mismatch.
Automatic Rejection: The listing should be blocked or hidden automatically until the seller removes the unrelated variation.
This simple text-matching logic would instantly clean up the search pages, protect buyers from bait-and-switch listings, and stop punishing honest sellers who follow the rules.
Has anyone else noticed an increase in these automated reports being completely ignored? Hopefully, a community manager can pass this algorithm concept directly to the Search Trust & Safety engineering team.
springyzone
·1 month ago · Edited@6828
You're right in that there must be some ways ebay could automatically vet ads better.
Of course, you'd soon get sellers trying to work around it but if there were consequences (banning for sellers who break the rules too many times etc) then we might see a change.
But ebay must be aware of the problem, they must also be aware there could be ways to lessen the problem. They must have been aware of some possible solutions for years.
I suspect the reason they are slow to act is money related.
They want sellers on their platform, the more the merrier.
They really, really do not want to have to pull ads or ban traders, it is a last resort as seller commissions generate revenue.
And they really, really want buyers. I am sure they figure that the first object is to tempt a buyer to click into an ad and at least have a look and once they are looking, they might buy.
You just have to glance at the ebay set up once you're looking at an ad. You'll see a list across the screen of 'similar' items by other vendors at other prices. Ebay is virtually saying-we don't care which vendor you buy from but if you're interested in this item, we want you to buy from someone, anyone.
I don't think anyone from ebay actively looks at these boards and monitors all the posts, but at the same time I think there is probably a certain level of feedback.
I would think if there are constant mentions of a certain problem over time, that may be passed on. And I have seen some people come on to say that after they posted, an ebay rep contacted them privately to help them.
So I don't know, maybe your idea will be passed on or noted, maybe not, but I can't help suspecting the issue isn't a big priority for ebay.
e_purchasing
·1 month ago · EditedThe only way eBay will take action and take steps to stamp this out is if eBayers report misleading and deceptive practice (bait & switch) to the ACCC. The more people that report it, and blame eBay for taking no action, the more likelyhood ACCC will look into it and take action against eBay
lezned-toycollector
·1 month agoThat's comedy gold 🥇
Thanks for the chuckle 🤭
sandypebbles
·1 month agoWhy are you telling other members?
The very very simple answer is not to look at variation listings, don’t give the page views
They are 100% avoidable
You would need to contact eBay with your idea, be aware they don’t take suggestions
And they do not read the member forum
.
6828
OP1 month agoAfter I posted the message above I saw other people posting requests and the responses (Like yourself) have given. I actually believed eBay would look at them because this is on eBays site. Oh well I'll go and get on with the rest of my life now. Thanks for the reply. Have a good one !
twyngwyn
·1 month agoNothing is simple on eBay…most complaints are probably correct….AI is running the show now! It’s all about how we combat that….🤔