eBay searching - idiots guide

[edd_jedi]

I haven't actively followed vintage MOC prices for a few years now, but it used to be pretty easy to do so as there was a 'vintage carded' category on eBay, and apart from reseals and modern stuff listed in the wrong category, it was easy to browse and find stuff. There were often 200-400 authentic MOCs listed at any time.

We all know they ditched that category a while back, which caused a bit of a storm on the forums, but as far as I can see they haven't reverted the decision.

So, how on earth do you guys 'browse' for vintage on eBay now? Is it really just a case of going to Toys > Action Figures > Star Wars and wading through thousands of pieces of modern crap for each vintage figure? Or do you use searches?

I can't believe that, for example, I can't find a SINGLE vintage Darth Vader MOC on eBay by either browsing or searching. There must be some on there, but where?

 

[silver grin]

It doesn't always work but sometime I search (when I do search nowadays, which admittedly is rare) I search for action figures - original packaging - then by years 1977 - 1986

Of course this doesn't help if people list it quickly and don't tick the original carded box or the year of production

However, there are people that list stuff as just "star wars" still :lol:

 

[edd_jedi]

That's the problem with searching, it's too specific. I don't only want to search for one particular character, or film, etc.

 

[plantman]

i just have a search string to include all keywords, then i have it on a desktop stickynote, just cut and paste it when i want to search

 

[Mrleemur]

I have a saved search on ebay which isn't just for carded, but vintage generally

Search "Star Wars"

Toys and games > action figures > TV movies and video games

It's got the vintage years on it to but i can't remember where that's set.

But then i'm not looking to buy, the browsing ebay is my entertainment!!

 

[x-pack]

I go with 'Vintage Star Wars' usually unless i'm after something more specific like 'Emperors Royal Guard'. With things like that you don't get so many pages but you do get a load of modern crap.

 

[tundra9]

This is how I search: vintage star wars -hasbro -vtoc -vtc -vc -otc -votc -collection -2009 -2010 -2011 -2012
If I'm searching for specific items, I just add what I need after vintage star wars and before -hasbro

 

[theslider]

I have a specific search set up as well, it's:

vintage star wars -2012 -2011 -2010 -2000 -collection -series -revenge -vest -shirt -vc -art -check -checklist -checklists -hoodie -book -comic -marvel -cases -guide -mouse -revenge -sith -phantom -wallart -stands -kit -aotc -clones -euro -dvd -rots -clone -woolworths -mug -erasers -bantha -pin -cd

But that's just for ANY vintage Star Wars stuff, not MOCs. Did it like that to stop all the RANDOM shite turning up!

I think Pete did a similar search string when eBay first reorganised.

Nowadays it's pot luck finding a good deal on eBay as you've really gotta trawl odd keyword combinations.

 

[Mrleemur]

Considering i'm paid every day to be a computer geek, i'm disappointed with my self that i didn't know you could use the minus symbol in searches.... Does that work in googles too??

Someone's going to 'let me google that for you' for me aren't they... Oh the irony!!

 

[Jedi_june]

eBay now has a feed that constantly updates with your favorite searches. I think it's really cool, and you don't have to do different searches. Just save a couple of keywords like Palitoy, TRI logo etc.... And all auctions with those key words pop up on your feed.

Small example of what comes up on my feed.

 

[tundra9]

eBay now has a feed that constantly updates with your favorite searches. I think it's really cool, and you don't have to do different searches. Just save a couple of keywords like Palitoy, TRI logo etc.... And all auctions with those key words pop up on your feed.

That's only on ebay.com, not ebay.co.uk

 

[Jedi_june]

eBay now has a feed that constantly updates with your favorite searches. I think it's really cool, and you don't have to do different searches. Just save a couple of keywords like Palitoy, TRI logo etc.... And all auctions with those key words pop up on your feed.

That's only on ebay.com, not ebay.co.uk

Damn that bites.

 

[JuniorChubb]

I use those searches as Tundra and Slider do, its the only way to get through the crap that even a 'vintage star wars' brings back...

I have a few set up on saved searches and they save a lot of time.

 

[Pomse2001]

I think the old ebay was much better when we could browse through all the vintage items, that was easy.

I search after the name of the item I want and then I hope there not many new star wars items with the same name.

 

[edd_jedi]

OK thanks guys, so searching really is the only way now. No more browsing categories. Real shame!

 

[plantman]

OK thanks guys, so searching really is the only way now. No more browsing categories. Real shame!

I never have because sellers simply use words like "vintage style" "not afa" ect and dump their stuff in the wrong category, much better to filter them out with a string.

 

[Stormtrooper37]

You can't be too specific obviously limits searches.

For me I simply use;

Trilogo
Palitoy star wars
Meccano star wars
Harbart star wars

or if after a particular figure just type in 'greedo' however this is impractical for a figure like Darth Vader because too much comes up

 

[lee gray]

I rarely search categories, if for instance I am looking for Ree Yees, I just go to ebay and type in Ree Yees and then start from highest first and scroll.