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-strategically timing the amount of time remaining before the listing ends
-having high detailed seller ratings, particularly on shipping cost
-listing the items using keywords and titles that buyers often search for
-offering free shipping, keeping the shipping cost low with good shipping methods
-attaining *Power Seller* status with good feedback
-including a Buy It Now Price
-attaching multiple, high-quality pictures in the listing
-setting auction listings at $1.00 minimum bid to encourage more views and bids

While some of these aforementioned practices may be out of the seller's immediate control, there are ways to realign techniques to work best with the system. (eg. time ending in listing or status) As a seller, incorporating these strategies subconciously will help optimize and propel your listings higher to the top of the rankings.

*Best Match - Shipping Practices*
The first place to focus on to enhance your best match ranking is shipping practices and pricing.

-Offer free shipping: This lends its way to higher visibility and helps boost your detailed seller ratings.
-Reduce shipping costs: This is the easiest thing you can do to increase your best match score since it is reliant on detailed seller ratings.
Even the smallest dips in "shipping and handling charges"
score can result in heavy penalties.
-Expedited shipping and gift features: Enabling gift services and multiple shipping alternatives appear to boost your ranking somewhat.
-Switching item location to match: There is an option to identify the item location on the shipping area of the regular selling form. The item's proximity to the buyer is part of the match score so you may want to switch the location based on where the bulk of buyers will be located. (For example, list winter apparel as being located in Chicago as opposed to Arizona.)

*Best Match - Listing Practices*

-Include high-result keywords in listings and titles: Best match retains a record of all the items that are bid, viewed, and purchased, along with the keywords that led buyers to them. If you can strike upon these particular keywords, you will enjoy higher listing results. (For example: model names, brands, and new or mint conditions; body to a lesser extent)
-Avoid keywords that do not apply: Previously, sellers found ways to artificially elevate their listings by including popular similar but different keywords. The new system may actually incur penalties on your search by using irrelevant keywords.
-Research to find high-result keywords: Conduct your own Best Match searches for the kinds of items you sell and make lists of words that appear often in the highest ranked pages. Many sellers automatically assume they know the magic keywords; take advantage and find the ones that work!
-Multiple additional images: Take high-resolution pictures yourself to ensure that your images are unique and not simply ripped off from someone else.
-Drive views and bids: Entice buyers to click your listing when they see it and bid! By pricing your initial bid lower, ($1.00) this can lead to higher bidding activity along with encouraging subtitles: "Look inside," "Must see" or "Lots of great photos."
-Offer a Buy It Now price: Offering alternative choices instead of forcing buyers to place bids appear to acquire extra bonus points.

*Best Match - Customer Service Practices*
These are just as important as listing and shipping techniques

-Keep detailed seller ratings and feedback scores up: Keep this as high as you can get them. Even the slightest fractional drop in the star can make the difference between the first page of the search result and appearing on the thirtieth.
-Conscientiousness is key: You want to avoid disputes since they stay on your membership record. Even resolved disputes stay in the database forever, so offer the best security and customer service to your buyers before there is any need for dispute resolution.
-If disputes occur, give in as much as you can: Lost disputes are even worse in which eBay or PayPal decided against you. Try to give what the buyer wants before the database reflects that eBay or PayPal had to take care of it for you.
-Follow all eBay regulations and rules: Avoid any rights violations, shill biddings, or any illegal practices. Every warning, infraction, or suspension appears on your database record and can be used to affect your score.
-Examine your seller dashboard. This tool, provided by eBay, can be used to monitor your performance with regard to rules compliance and customer service. Use this and possibly consider enrolling in selling manager to stay on top of your game.

While many sellers are frustrated with the new system, there is simply no way around it. It will inevitably reduce keyword spamming, poor seller performance, and shipping price abuse. The Best Match system is ultimately a tool devised to establish and enhance standards for your own customer service and performance as a seller. Since many long-time eBayer are not aware or intend to change their business practices, this is a great opportunity for you to surpass them and match what eBay and many of its buyers want. For a quick and easy fast match search, click here!

RESEARCH!