Why default sorting is not "Featured First" anymore?

Furthermore what's the algorithm for "best match"

Hi Logan. Very generally best match refers to the exact wording you have used with your search. Highest on the list will be those listings that have the exact same word(s) you have used. Furthermore the order of the words in the title has an effect as well.

So if you search was "iphone 13" then a listing for "iphone 13 128gb in mint condition" will be shown before a listing for "mint condition 128gb iphone 13" So that's something to take note of when you make your titles. Titles are very important now that descriptions are (largely) ignored by search.

You must also get your item in the correct category, or at least the category where everyone else has put it. Otherwise there is a strong chance your item will be practically invisible and not be shown at all in search results. TradeMe "snaps" to the category it thinks is the best fit for the item you searched for.

For me "Best Match" has always been the default for a search. "Featured First" is default if you browse.

When I ran some tests on different promotional features many years ago the expenditure wasn't worth the return for the products I sell. From memory some of them even ended up with lower views than a standard listing.

What I found far more important is getting the title right and cramming in as many searchable words in there as possible.

Yes and unfortunately the "snapping" that Callum mentions works very poorly. Another fun "feature" is if you search on something like "wellington boots" or anything else with a place name, the delightful system here changes your search to anything with the word "boots" being sold by traders in Wellington. There is a small piece of text underneath the search bar telling you that the system has changed your search, but it's easy to miss - particularly if you aren't aware of it.