Amazon, ebay, Argos: Find what I want (Mini Vent)

Sheldon_Cooper

Why can't suppliers such as those mentioned above have a switch on their searches to limit results to what you actually asked for?

If I type 'Microwave Cooker' I probably want a microwave cooker, not cookware, cooker cleaner, etc.

If I type Canon EOSxxx Camera, I'm probably looking for a camera, not a battery, case, strap, memory card, etc.

It might be a little bit more work but it would make the sites a lot easier to use when you are looking for the "Headline Article".

skintpaul

"put search words in quotes" ?

Sheldon_Cooper

That sometimes helps but often doesn't.

Try putting "Microwave Cooker" (with the quotes) into Amazon and see what happens.

There are a few tricks, but sometimes nothing helps other than a huge search string with the item you want followed by a mass of exclusions.

Azari

skintpaul wrote: »

"put search words in quotes" ?

That can be counter productive because the products you want might not match the exact string you select.

In the OP's example, for example, "Microwave Cooker" would remove any items listed as "Microwave Oven" or "Microwave Combi".

Cycrow

It may be obvious to you what you are searching for, but it isn't always obvious to the computer, they are not mind readers

especially as microwave cooker isn't really the correct term. You will have better luck searching for Microwave Oven

of course, on amazon, you could just select the Microwave section, which will list all the available microwaves

tomtontom

Cycrow wrote: »

It may be obvious to you what you are searching for, but it isn't always obvious to the computer, they are not mind readers

especially as microwave cooker isn't really the correct term. You will have better luck searching for Microwave Oven

of course, on amazon, you could just select the Microwave section, which will list all the available microwaves

All good advice - it's easy to narrow down the search results

On Amazon I like that I can search for my usual skincare products and it also brings up similar items, helps me make an informed choice. Everyone is different!

Azari

Cycrow wrote: »

It may be obvious to you what you are searching for, but it isn't always obvious to the computer, they are not mind readers

As usual, people post without reading the OP properly.

He said: "why can't they have a switch", so there is no need for them to read minds.

I remember some years ago I had this very problem looking for a bicycle on ebay. It seems a very sensible suggestion to have something that enables you to search for an item and exclude such things as accessories, parts, consumables, etc.

There are usually work arounds but it's always good if companies can make their sites easier to use.

Nodding_Donkey

This is as bad as the eBay 'things you might be interested in' bit

If I've just bought an electric drill why on earth would I want another one?

George_Michael

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

If I've just bought an electric drill why on earth would I want another one?

Cycrow

Azari wrote: »

As usual, people post without reading the OP properly.

He said: "why can't they have a switch", so there is no need for them to read minds.

I remember some years ago I had this very problem looking for a bicycle on ebay. It seems a very sensible suggestion to have something that enables you to search for an item and exclude such things as accessories, parts, consumables, etc.

There are usually work arounds but it's always good if companies can make their sites easier to use.

I dont see how you could make amazon easier without it being able to read minds.

if you are searching for microwaves, you set the filter to microwaves, then anything you try in the search will only display microwaves.

how would you suggest to make this any easier ?

[Deleted User]

Have you tried using Google instead:
'Microwave Cooker' site:argos.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sclient=psy-ab&site=&source=hp&btnG=Search&q=argos&oq=&gs_l=&pbx=1#q=%20%27Microwave%20Cooker%27%20site%3Aargos.co.uk