For those sellers nimble enough to adjust and adapt to the new paradigm, Best Match actually results in increased sales. These are the sellers that have learned to optimize their eBay listings for maximum exposure under the new search and sort algorithm.

Instead of sorting them by time, with auctions that are ending soonest listed at the top of the search results, they are now sorted by an new algorithm that considers a number of factors including:

• Listing Type – Fixed-price or auction style listings change the dynamic depending on the listing’s category.
• Trust Factors – Including Feedback scores, Detailed Seller Ratings and other metrics.
• Product Information – Including listing attributes, shipping methods and charges, category, and other information.
• Demand Data & Relevancy – This factor involves what buyers are doing on the auction site relative to the products you have listed for sale. Includes title keywords.

Understanding Best Match is important because your eBay listings can be rewarded or punished in the search result listings based on the factors listed above.

If your listings are punished, you may never find your way to the first page of the eBay search results. This is a precarious fate for an eBay seller, because that means bidders aren't seeing your listings. And if they aren't seeing them, they're not bidding on them and you're not making the sales.

Conversely, if your listings are rewarded because you have mastered these factors, they may linger at the top of the search results for much longer than they would have under the old default search algorithm and sort method.

The competitive eBay seller views Best Match as an opportunity. This change is new to everyone and impacts everyone equally. The good news is that you can use this to your advantage if you are willing to take the effort. There are no hacks or schemes on this website. If you want to optimize your listings to make the most of Best Match, it involves a four-letter word: W – O – R – K. Therein lies your competitive advantage. If you are willing to do some work and learn the system, you will have a significant leg up on the 98 percent of other eBay sellers who won't.