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Last Post Oct 5, 2008 1:58 PM by: *heirloomwreaths*customdesigns*
Replies: 54
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wgblackmon
Posts: 10

Misspelled eBay listings

Aug 16, 2004 5:22 PM
Hi,
I'm a computer programmer enrolled in the eBay Developers Program. My idea is to create a web application, accessible though a browser, that allows a buyer to find misspelled items and their listings. I'm currently creating a database of misspelled items - for example the word 'Disney' has listings under 'Disny', 'Dinsy', 'Dinsey' etc. . This is just one example and I'm currently using 'Favorite Searches' to track words and get an idea of misspelled items that are out there.

Miscategorized items would also be available at a later time as well as an email subscription to words a user may want to track.

Each misspelled word will be linked to the correct spelling so if the user types in 'Disney' for a search, all of the misspelled listings will be made available for bidding, viewing etc.

I've already compiled a database of over 1000 words that have resulted in listings. I'd like your opinion on whether or not this is something the eBay public would use and if so, a fair price for accessing these items (say $5.00 a month via PayPal or something similar).

I could probably have a working prototype up and running in a couple of months but it will take a lot of work and time and I don't want to do it if it's not a useful idea.
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artshow!
Posts: 54
(1 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Aug 29, 2004 3:36 PM
Well, I am not a programmer but it sounds like a good idea to me!
I personally have used the mispellings in my auction listings as a marketing tool to reach people who "search" for items by typing in mispellings.

for example, lunch box or lunchbox , cook book or cookbook.
In many instances people are unsure which way an item should be spelled when they are searching for items to buy, but many times they don't check both options, so if I list something using both choices, I will reach those people, with my auction listing also.

So in your defense, it would be great for me also because you will drive more people to my auctions!!
10,000% pro your application!

The only problem I can see is convincing someone to pay money to try or install the application, but I think with the right marketing it could be very successful.
Good Luck!
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dturnersan
Posts: 11,726
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Sep 26, 2004 7:36 PM
Hmmm....

if you don't already have it on your list add

neckless = necklace

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lysdexia!
Posts: 92
(3 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Sep 28, 2004 5:17 PM
wgb, I just came up with a much better, different idea. If you have any pull, can you please pass this along? eBay desperately needs a feature to eliminate redundant entries when browsing the whole category. Like, eBay would index all the keywords in the items already loaded, and omit identical items that would be in further pages.
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cherry-pie-and-roses
Posts: 3,587
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Oct 9, 2004 12:32 PM
sequence for sequins






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bartonknifeco
Posts: 5
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Oct 10, 2004 12:43 AM
It would also be nice if it could find the different or plural spelling of the same word, for example knife and knives. I also wish it could ignore some punctuation. I get different search results from chefs knife and chef's knife. These are issues I run into often and feel keep customer from being able to get good search results. I have gotten some good deals buying items with mis-spelled descriptions!
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bartonknifeco
Posts: 5
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Oct 10, 2004 12:46 AM
It would also be nice if it could find the different or plural spelling of the same word, for example knife and knives. I also wish it could ignore some punctuation. I get different search results from chefs knife and chef's knife. These are issues I run into often and feel keep customer from being able to get good search results. I have gotten some good deals buying items with mis-spelled descriptions!
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collector1
Posts: 3
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Oct 26, 2004 8:16 PM
As a buyer, I'm not so sure I would like you (or eBay or anyone else) to develop something like this. I've gotten great deals on eBay when someone misspells the name of their item in their description. It's number 1 on my list of "dumb things sellers do" (but don't get me started!) I do agree with the knife/knives though... Just my 2 pennies.
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spotco2
Posts: 8
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Oct 27, 2004 12:18 AM
Not so sure I would use it as a seller. There is software on the market (cannt remember the name) that searches ebay specifically for mipselled wrods in auctions. Like collector1 said....I've gotten some sweet deals using it.
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i-got-a-new-id
Posts: 46
(9 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 8, 2004 8:57 AM
I have one I wrote on my ME page for free if you want to take a look at it I allow linking so you could put the html in your program.

Visit myabout me Page for the Misspelled Item Search




What another ID?


eLock Pro
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ictantique
Posts: 1,959
(10 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 25, 2004 4:22 PM
Glass Bowels for glass bowls.
Disgusting but true. Often provides a laugh over on the PG&P board.

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ye11owduck
Posts: 2
(11 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 27, 2004 8:12 AM
Try fatfingers.com


Ye11owduck
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ye11owduck
Posts: 2
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 27, 2004 8:13 AM
Try Link

sorry here is the full link



Ye11owduck
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tikkimouse
Posts: 3
(13 of 54)

Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 31, 2004 10:44 PM
lysdexia! I like your idea. I get tired of looking through some categories only to find umpteen identical ads on How to Get Girls, Guaranteed! or Improve Your Sex Life! or This Little Pill Will Solve All Your Problems! It would be nice to winnow all that stuff down to a minimum.
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tikkimouse
Posts: 3
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Re: Misspelled eBay listings

Dec 31, 2004 10:47 PM
Wgblackmon, do you have papperweight and paper weight on your list? I see those quite often. Rarer is paperweght, paperwieght and paperweigt. Good luck with this!
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