TulipTools Internet Business Owners and Online Sellers Community

Quote:***Test: Improvements for Finding Event Tickets*** 

September 05, 2006 | 10:42AM PST/PT


Hi everyone, I�m Scott Polhemus, Category Manager for Tickets & Experiences. We're launching a test in the next week that will feature significant improvements to the way you can find tickets to specific events within our Event Tickets category.

You can find event tickets in two ways:

1) Finding Event Tickets through search
We�ve created a new interface that helps you find tickets to the specific games and events you want to attend. In the search box, type the team, game or event you are interested in. Search will take you to a page with a schedule of games and events related to your search. Pick the event you are interested in from the schedule, and you�ll be shown all the listings for that specific event.

For example, if you search for "Red Sox tickets," you will be directed to a Boston Red Sox schedule page. The schedule page will display all Red Sox games where tickets are available, either for bid or Fixed Price purchase. Once you select a specific game from this schedule page, you will be taken to an event page which will show all the listings unique to that event.

You should see this interface when you search for tickets for almost any major sports, concert or theater event. If you search for tickets to an event for which we do not have a schedule, you'll see the exact same search results page that you do today.

2) Finding Event Tickets by browsing through the Event Tickets category
If you're not using search, and instead click into the Tickets category (for example, from the home page) to browse through all the listings, you�ll also see some changes. The old "Ticket Finder" box, formerly located in the left hand navigation bar on search results, will be replaced by a number of links at the top of the page. These links allow you to search for tickets by type, and help you quickly narrow your search by details such as venue, date, sports team, and number of tickets desired.

Sellers � Use These Best Practices for Best Visibility
Sellers can ensure their listings for event tickets receive the maximum visibility from buyers by following these best practices when listing:

    * Use effective item titles (such as the event name and date).
    * Use all relevant Item Specifics (especially date and venue).
    * If you use Sell Similar or Relist features, be sure to carefully review your item title, description and Item Specifics to verify they are accurate.
    * Use Pre-Filled Item Information whenever possible.

More detailed information on best listing practices in Event Tickets can be found on our Selling Tips page.

Finding Event Tickets -- The Test Plan
In early September, some buyers looking for tickets (selected at random) will start seeing this new design. If we decide to expand this test to more ticket buyers, we will notify you with an additional update.

For more details on the new design, please see our information page. Please provide any feedback, questions or issues regarding the new Event Tickets search experience to scottp@ebay.com.

Thanks in advance for your help and support during this test!

Sincerely,

Scott Polhemus
Category Manager, Tickets & Experiences