I don't think there's a conspiracy here, I think this is just how business is conducted everywhere in 2023. I have not really noticed the type of algorithmic behavior you're talking about because I always spend a little bit of time to filter my search results.
Of course the promoted/advertised store-type sellers are absolutely always at the top of the list. Hence, after I search for the widget I want I always go down to the lower left and select the "Used" option and I put in my max price, also select one or two other options to narrow things down to the exact item I want, that gets rid of half of the spam and irrelevant items, and shows me the reasonably priced items. I hardly buy anything new off of eBay.
eBay is still better than these spammy phone apps like OfferUp or LetGo - those are spammed with even worse commercial scams. Never had luck buying or selling even one thing on there. Don't even get me started on Facebook marketplace, it's such a waste of time. People who aren't serious about buying or selling aren't using eBay.
I don't think there's a conspiracy here, I think this is just how business is conducted everywhere in 2023. I have not really noticed the type of algorithmic behavior you're talking about because I always spend a little bit of time to filter my search results. Of course the promoted/advertised store-type sellers are absolutely always at the top of the list. Hence, after I search for the widget I want I always go down to the lower left and select the "Used" option and I put in my max price, also select one or two other options to narrow things down to the exact item I want, that gets rid of half of the spam and irrelevant items, and shows me the reasonably priced items. I hardly buy anything new off of eBay. eBay is still better than these spammy phone apps like OfferUp or LetGo - those are spammed with even worse commercial scams. Never had luck buying or selling even one thing on there. Don't even get me started on Facebook marketplace, it's such a waste of time. People who aren't serious about buying or selling aren't using eBay.