eBay makes it easier to find fast-shipping items and local listings | TechCrunch

eBay announced on Thursday that it has updated its platform to help buyers find fast-shipping items and local listings, thanks to changes to Search item cards and additional usage of AI.

The company is making it easier to identify items with fast delivery, as search item cards now display delivery range estimates for all fast shipping items.

It has also added a “shipping and pickup” filter that allows customers to find items with fast shipping times. Plus, they can use this filter to find items that are available via local pickup. eBay has rolled out an update to item cards that shows potential buyers how long it would take to drive from their location to the item’s location.

eBay says since its seller network is global and decentralized, it was hard for predictive models to deliver accurate shipping and delivery estimates in the past. However, eBay invested in AI to overcome this challenge by considering factors such as the customer’s proximity to the item location, the chosen shipping service, the seller’s shipping history, and real-time data synchronization. 

As a result, the platform is now able to more accurately convey delivery estimates, eBay says.

In addition, eBay has introduced a new “Top-Service” badge in Germany to help customers easily identity items that meet high-quality standards. For instance, the badge may be displayed on items that have fast and free shipping, free returns, and trusted sellers.

“These updates represent a major advancement in our dedication to delivering a seamless and efficient shopping journey,” eBay said in a blog post.

By improving its user experience, eBay is looking to stay competitive with other e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Etsy, while also attracting more users and making it easier to navigate its platform.