1. The Quality Score

Cassini (eBay's AI) assigns your store a hidden "Quality Score" based on Service Metrics. If your "Item Not As Described" returns are too high, eBay penalizes you with an extra 5% fee and buries your listings.

The Fix: Under-grade your items. If a shirt is 9/10, list it as "Good" not "Excellent." Surprising buyers with quality builds trust.

2. Terapeak Data

Stop guessing prices. Use eBay's internal tool, Terapeak. It shows 365 days of sold data.

Strategy: Look at "Sell-Through %" - if an item has 10% sell-through, price in the bottom 10% of active listings. If 90% sell-through, price at the top.

3. The Z-Curve

eBay traffic follows a Z-Curve: boost when you list, slump for 30 days, boost before ending.

Protocol: Never let items sit more than 60 days. End it and use "Sell Similar" to reset the curve.

4. Item Specifics = SEO

Buyers use left-hand filters. If you leave "Sleeve Length" blank and a buyer filters for "Long Sleeve," your item disappears. Fill out 100% of item specifics.