Step 4 is a bit optimistic. Usually when I search something there are 30 products of what I specifically don’t want before finding the single listing of what I do want.
Recent example. Needed a 8v 1A transformer
Searched AC to AC 8v 1A
Every listing on the first 3 pages were universal AC to DC adaptors that didn’t have an 8v setting. the dials all went 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12.
Yes, e commerce sites which want revenue, developed a search that worked and then broke it to give you less relevant results, hoping you will go to the competition.
It is well known that companies have revenue. Line must not go up!
they broke it so they could sell you what THEY want to sell you, and hope you just settle for whatever that is. which is fine sometimes. I just want a cheap shitty table or a folding chair, that’s a simple generic item, anything works, and they’ll fuck me over a little on cost:quality.
sometimes you’re looking for something really specific, and you just cannot find the page to add it to your fucking cart no matter how you search, despite knowing it exists, and sometimes even a manufacturer name and model number. a lot of times I bet people just make do with something that kinda works, or those lost sales are small in comparison to the increased profits from selling you advertised slop.
It’s been a long time since I worked on e-commerce but what you say makes no sense. Search is hard. Humans are unreliable. Data quality is shit, especially if you allow third party participation. It’s hard enough to do it without shenanigans.
Step 4 is a bit optimistic. Usually when I search something there are 30 products of what I specifically don’t want before finding the single listing of what I do want.
Recent example. Needed a 8v 1A transformer
Searched AC to AC 8v 1A
Every listing on the first 3 pages were universal AC to DC adaptors that didn’t have an 8v setting. the dials all went 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12.
also, all the search functions are deliberately broken so they can feed you algo slop instead of letting you find the product you want.
Yes, e commerce sites which want revenue, developed a search that worked and then broke it to give you less relevant results, hoping you will go to the competition.
It is well known that companies have revenue. Line must not go up!
they broke it so they could sell you what THEY want to sell you, and hope you just settle for whatever that is. which is fine sometimes. I just want a cheap shitty table or a folding chair, that’s a simple generic item, anything works, and they’ll fuck me over a little on cost:quality.
sometimes you’re looking for something really specific, and you just cannot find the page to add it to your fucking cart no matter how you search, despite knowing it exists, and sometimes even a manufacturer name and model number. a lot of times I bet people just make do with something that kinda works, or those lost sales are small in comparison to the increased profits from selling you advertised slop.
It’s been a long time since I worked on e-commerce but what you say makes no sense. Search is hard. Humans are unreliable. Data quality is shit, especially if you allow third party participation. It’s hard enough to do it without shenanigans.
You may have already figured this out, but a variac would fit the bill.