automated ebay searches?

[georgeb]

Hello everyone

I'm moving to phase 2 of the car search: actually finding the car Anyhow, were looking into (at least) 8 different possibilities and it's quite a pain to look into each and every model with the characteristics we want. I was wondering if there was something out there that would allow for setting up automated ebay searches. Thanks as always

[tom lightbody]

eBay search allows boolean combinations, for example

(600x,240z) (500mHz) -parts

will find either 600x and 500mHz or 240z and 500mHz, but
not anything about parts. So with 'or' 'and' and 'not'
you have a value-functionally complete system, for any
logical combination whatever.

or you could just do "toyota yaris hatchback absolutely
red" and be done with it:-)

[rkawakami]

If by "automated" you mean running a specific search many times a day, as opposed to using eBay's own "Favorite Searches" which is once a day, then that would be a "scraper". My understanding is using such a tool is against eBay's rules. There is an API (application programming interface) that they would like you to use instead, but of course it costs $$$$$.

I guess we would need to know exactly what you are looking for with this automated process; frequency, output format, etc. in order to be more helpful.

edit: You may also look around for this book, "eBay Hacks", written by David A. Karp for some more insights. Actually, I think that Google has scanned this book .

[georgeb]

So with 'or' 'and' and 'not'
you have a value-functionally complete system, for any
logical combination whatever.

Yes, I used your idea to build searches. This works great for cars which are relatively scarce on ebay (esp. when limiting for manuals) but it's not so good for other situations (i.e. when wanting to limit for mileage for instance).

or you could just do "toyota yaris hatchback absolutely
red" and be done with it:-)

hahahah I need something slightly bigger than a Yaris, thanks anyway

[georgeb]

If by "automated" you mean running a specific search many times a day, as opposed to using eBay's own "Favorite Searches" which is once a day, then that would be a "scraper". My understanding is using such a tool is against eBay's rules. There is an API (application programming interface) that they would like you to use instead, but of course it costs $$$$$.

Once a day would be fine, and 'Favorite Searches' is OK for the less common cars but when there's 15-20 listed everyday of one model/year and one would like to search for additionals (especially mileage and private seller), it doesn't discriminate as well.

i guess i'm surprised that there isn't a dedicated projet for ebay searching that lets one search with a fine tooth comb (and i cannot figure out why ebay would object)

edit: You may also look around for this book, "eBay Hacks", written by David A. Karp for some more insights. Actually, I think that Google has scanned this book .

Will do.

[rkawakami]

I haven't spent any real time looking for vehicles on eBay but this seems to do what you want:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/images/ebay_ ... search.jpg (96KB 948x468)

All of the search parameters are available in the left-side column. Once you have configured your particular search, click the "Save Vehicle" button and it will appear in your Favorite Searches listing. Of course, if you have eBay email you when new listings match your search, it will only happen once a day, but there's nothing stopping you from signing on every hour and executing your search(es).

The mileage parameters are always "less than" a certain number and changes with the age range of the vehicle (and which you also can't arbitrarily specify). Neither can you declare a range of mileage that's acceptable. If these are things which you feel you don't have total control over, then you are left with trying to do some fancy programming/script writing with Perl.

I think that eBay bans the use of robots (i.e., scrapers) because it puts a strain on their servers. About the only "free" way to get them to add/change their search functions would be to complain loudly (and frequently) about it. Have you considered using Yahoo! or craigslist? Or car specific sites like cars.com or autotrader.com (doesn't appear to allow searches by mileage)?