The Stack Overflow Podcast That custom gift for your mom takes more work than you think
Jul 29, 2025
Mahir Yavuz, Senior Director of Engineering at Etsy, shares his insights on integrating machine learning to optimize search and recommendations. He discusses the balance between AI-driven personalization and maintaining user trust in the marketplace. The conversation dives into the challenges of gift-giving, emphasizing the unique thrill of discovery on Etsy while addressing operational hurdles. Mahir also highlights how generative AI can enhance product listings and foster connections, showcasing the innovative strategies that keep Etsy’s community thriving.
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Mahir's Computer Childhood
- Mahir Yavuz grew up in Istanbul as part of the first generation to grow up with computers in the late 80s and early 90s.
- His early experimenting with programming books and computers made a lasting impact on his love for technology.
Unique Inventory Challenges
- Etsy's huge challenge is the vast number of highly unique items with no SKUs or traditional inventory structure.
- Buyers don't always know what they want exactly, requiring Etsy to help guide exploration and discovery.
Flexible Metadata and AI Enrichment
- Maintain a flexible metadata structure to support a wide array of unique and digital items on Etsy.
- Use AI to enrich and verify item metadata daily to handle dynamic listings and changes efficiently.