Do you remember my recent post (December, 2013), Used-Line Usability Gems? Where I ‘fessed up that I work for Used-Line.com? And I did say that we have more gems, right? Well, here are three more that our smart web people have developed..

• Search suggestions include Manufacturers’ names. Let’s say you’re searching for a Leeds and Northrup 4210, 1 ohm resistance standard. You enter the model number, 4210, in the Find Category or Model# box on the top right side of any page on the Used-Line website. The results show that there is a significant number of model 4210’s on Used-LIne. You probably don’t need the Fluke DC 4210 power supply. The Boonton 4210 watt-meter may be useful, but that’s not really what you’re looking for. But wait, there it is! 4210 – Leeds & Northrup is one of the search suggestions that came up.
  

  MFR shown in Used-Line search results

  With the inclusion of the manufacturer’s name in your search results, you can quickly find exactly what you were searching for.

• Ordering directly from the dealer: Some of our dealers have taken advantage of our new Directly From Dealer button. When a buyer opens an ad listed by a dealer using this functionality, he is given the option to purchase directly from the dealer without filling out any forms on Used-Line – thus reducing the number of steps required to complete his transaction. The buyer simply clicks on a thumbnail image that takes him to the specific listing on the dealer’s website. (Click the image below to view this actual ad on Used-LIne.)

Ordering a product directly from a dealer.

• Moving up the ranks in Used-Line search results: And here is our tip for the week. It is a tip for promoting your ads on Used-Line. I’m sure you’ve noticed the featured ads with photos, in a row of four mini-banners at the top of a category’s listings page. Featured Items is a special upgrade that you can purchase from Used-Line. (See the page on becoming a member.) What you may not realize about Featured Items is that the mini-banner at the top of the page is not the only benefit you get from this upgrade. You also get to send your ad uprank (I made that word up) in the list of search results (possibly to the top!) when users search for the item you wish to sell. For details on how this works, view the Used-Line video on Featured Items.

How to Increase Your Rank in Used-Line Searches

Look out for more usability gems in future blog posts!