Top 10 Tips for Buying on eBay
If you plan to buy from eBay for a long time or if you are shopping a high-ticket item, keep in mind a few tips and techniques to ensure you get what you want and what you pay for.
First the basics
1. Know eBay
To make a purchase you must know the buying system working at eBay. You can make a purchase by two ways, either by bidding for an item on auction or using Buy Now button. Use auction method when you feel like bargaining for a lower price and Buy Now, whenever you want the product immediately.
2. Read Descriptions
Sellers post descriptions about their products. They also use photos to illustrate the condition of the items they sell. Carefully read the terms to avoid unpleasant surprises like extra taxes, higher shipping costs, or a broken product.
3. Read Seller Feedbacks
Seller feedbacks let you know the reputation of a seller. Make wise decisions while choosing a seller.
A bit advanced tips
4. Search Spelling Mistakes
eBay search engine allows you to search for products based on brand names and product names. Chances are higher that sellers misspell their products in description. Needless to say such items go without getting noticed by potential buyers. Less competition because of lesser people bidding on that specific item gives you more chances of winning the product for a lower price. Guess the possible misspellings of the product you intend to buy. There can be hundreds of misspellings for really common products.
5. Build Reputation
This is more important for sellers than for buyers. However if you have a lot of positive feedback from different sellers, chances are higher that other sellers too will be happy to do business with you.
6. Use Proxy Bidding
Consider the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a product and use eBay proxy bidding system to bid for you. When someone outbids you, the system automatically bids for you up to the maximum amount you are willing to pay.
7. Don’t Get into Bidding Wars
Soon bidding on eBay becomes an infatuation and you feel the unhealthy urge to win a bid, even by paying over the roof rates. Always keep in mind that there will be similar products at a different eBay store or will show up in eBay in the coming days.
8. Use Paypal
The seller can never claim that he/she didn’t receive your payment if you use Paypal to pay the seller.
9. Give Feedback
Honestly tell if you get quick response and shipping on eBay feedback. This will help other eBay buyers rely on a honest seller and avoid a scrupulous seller.
10. Beware of Fraud
Fraud is a rare thing at eBay, but it occurs once in a thousand occasions. Don’t buy high priced items from seller’s not so great feedback. Don’t bid or offer to pay if the seller is not willing to accept paypal/credit card payments.
11. (the bonus tip!) Create an About Me page
You can create an About Me page, if you plan to be around eBay for a long time to come, especially if you plan to become a seller in the future. You can include your personal family photographs and can include a link to your web page. This is a good way to build reputation as a reliable business partner for both buyers and sellers.