"How does the search feature work?"

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Short Answer:

The search algorithm works much like popular  search engines you see today, it lists all results by relevance.  There are some differences though, which are basically  designed for an ecommerce website.

Detailed Explanation:

If someone does a search for glass  slippers, then the search will display everything with the word glass OR slippers in it, but with the most relevant results near the top.  So if an item has both words in it, then that  gives it better relevance.  There are many factors that go into our search algorithm.  Some basic words like:  and, the, so, but, are ignored to improve speed and relevance.

Relevance is determined not only on the frequency of  keywords, but also where the word appears.   If the keyword appears in the Item Name, then it is assigned a heavier  weight.

There is currently not the ability to do advance search  queries such as using quote marks to define an exact phrase.

Some people have requested that we allow exact quote  searches (e.g. “glass slippers”), or require both words (e.g. glass AND slippers);  however unless you have millions of products, you will get more results, and a  better chance of a sale with the current search functionality.  For example, someone may search your site for glass  slippers, or, ”glass slippers”.  But perhaps you have labeled your product crystal  slippers.  In this case, the  shopper would never find what he is looking for, nor find things which might be  similar to what he is looking for.