It is important to remember that eBay is like an online flea market or an exchange market. There will always be someone trying to sell things that most people would not touch. The problem is that online, when you can’t physically see the merchandise, these people can be a bit more difficult to spot. Here are some tips to make your eBay experience more enjoyable and safe.
Get to know your salesperson …
This is by far the most important research to do before bidding on eBay. Knowing a little about your seller before bidding on your item will make shopping a lot easier.
1) Review the seller’s comments and member’s profile.
Please check the seller’s eBay feedback before bidding. The feedback rating will give you a good idea about the trustworthiness of your business partner. One or two neutrals or negatives may be overlooked due to the fickle nature of some buyers, however, if you see a trend for poor service or feedback on item quality, you may want to avoid the seller altogether. If a seller has no negative feedback or comments, please contact the seller before bidding to familiarize yourself with their customer service.
2) Ask the seller questions.
Email the seller with questions by clicking the “Ask seller a question” link. If you have won an item, you can request the seller’s contact information for more information.
3) Review the seller’s policies on shipping, payments, and returns.
Shipping and Handling: Please review shipping and handling charges before bidding, and request that your item be shipped and insured in a traceable manner. Avoid sellers who will not disclose or charge exorbitant shipping costs.
Payment: Consider paying with PayPal or credit card, as most offer 100% consumer protection. Be careful when sellers only accept one form of payment, especially when the seller asks for cash. NEVER PAY WITH CASH and be careful when paying with cash equivalents such as bank transfers.
Returns: Please review the seller’s return policy carefully before bidding. Please contact the seller prior to bidding if you have any questions about the return policy. Some questions to ask include how long you have to return the item, who pays for shipping and handling, and under what circumstances can you return the item.
Know your article …
Read the description completely. Most of the misunderstandings are due to buyers not carefully reading the item description in the auction listing. Be careful if the price is significantly lower than similar auction items. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the condition of the item, whether new or used, and any described damage.
Be realistic when buying used items. People have different definitions of quality and condition. Remember, just because the seller says the item is “like new” does not mean that you will feel the same way. A 25-year-old item is likely to have some wear and tear, so don’t be too critical of the item when you receive it. Please note the condition of the item BEFORE placing your bid.
Use PayPal …
Take advantage of PayPal for a fast and secure transfer of funds between you and the seller. PayPal is eBay’s preferred form of payment. It is a system that allows anyone with an email address to send payments online securely using their credit card or bank account. EBay members can use PayPal to quickly and easily pay for all items purchased on eBay. PayPal’s industry-leading fraud prevention measures make it a safe way to pay online.
When shopping on eBay, look for items that are covered by PayPal Buyer Protection. With it, you get free protection of up to $ 1,000.00 USD on your purchases. To determine if your item is eligible, search for PayPal Buyer Protection in the Seller Information box on the View Item page.
The more you know about your seller and the items you are bidding on, the more confident you will be as a buyer. Spending some time researching before bidding will help ensure a positive shopping experience.