Frequently Asked Questions:
What Everyone Wants to Know about eBay
Topic-by-topic, some of the most frequently asked questions about eBay use in brief, easy-to-digest portions. If you're in a hurry, try these first. Most also link to more in-depth explanations.
How did eBay start?
A brief history of eBay from San Jose, 1994, to world domination.
A brief history of eBay from San Jose, 1994, to world domination.
Why must I join eBay to buy or sell?
Reasons for the requirement that users become members of eBay before being allowed to buy or sell on the site.
Reasons for the requirement that users become members of eBay before being allowed to buy or sell on the site.
How do eBay auctions differ from “real” auctions?
Buyers and bidders new to eBay are often shocked and bewildered to discover that eBay auctions don’t work like the most common form of auction to which they are accustomed. There are a number of important differences between eBay auctions and “regular” auctions.
Buyers and bidders new to eBay are often shocked and bewildered to discover that eBay auctions don’t work like the most common form of auction to which they are accustomed. There are a number of important differences between eBay auctions and “regular” auctions.
What does it cost to trade on eBay? Is there a catch?
If you're not yet an eBay trader, you may assume that it actually costs a lot to trade on eBay: annual memberships, transaction fees, surcharges, and so on. In fact, this isn't the case. If you're a shopper, eBay doesn't cost you a thing, and if you're a seller, your charges depend entirely on how much you sell.
If you're not yet an eBay trader, you may assume that it actually costs a lot to trade on eBay: annual memberships, transaction fees, surcharges, and so on. In fact, this isn't the case. If you're a shopper, eBay doesn't cost you a thing, and if you're a seller, your charges depend entirely on how much you sell.
How can I be sure I'll get enough for my item?
If you would like to try selling an item on eBay, but aren't sure you want to sell at rock bottom prices, reserve prices or a high starting bid price are the way to go.
If you would like to try selling an item on eBay, but aren't sure you want to sell at rock bottom prices, reserve prices or a high starting bid price are the way to go.
Why do I always get outbid?
Understanding the reaons why you might sometimes feel as though you're bidding upstream.
Understanding the reaons why you might sometimes feel as though you're bidding upstream.
Can I buy and sell anything I want on eBay?
No, there are indeed limits on the range of things that you can buy and sell on eBay, and they are generally quite strictly enforced.
No, there are indeed limits on the range of things that you can buy and sell on eBay, and they are generally quite strictly enforced.
Can I change my mind about a sale?
Sellers can change their mind about a sale only if no one has yet won or ended an auction listing.
Sellers can change their mind about a sale only if no one has yet won or ended an auction listing.
Can I take back (retract) a bid?
It is possible under some circumstances to retract a bid, but in general eBay rules forbid it.
It is possible under some circumstances to retract a bid, but in general eBay rules forbid it.
Can my friends and family bid on my auctions?
Your friends and family can not bid on your auctions. It's not only unethical, it's against eBay rules.
Your friends and family can not bid on your auctions. It's not only unethical, it's against eBay rules.
How do I contact eBay directly?
To contact eBay directly, use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with your question, issue, or concern.
To contact eBay directly, use one of the customer support forms on the eBay website to contact eBay with your question, issue, or concern.
Is eBay dishonest?
Whether it's a matter of "too quick to be real" counterbids, high shipping costs and low starting prices, or used goods turning up instead of new goods, buyers new to eBay often wonder whether eBay is an entirely honest or fair company. Understanding more about eBay can help to answer such concerns.
Whether it's a matter of "too quick to be real" counterbids, high shipping costs and low starting prices, or used goods turning up instead of new goods, buyers new to eBay often wonder whether eBay is an entirely honest or fair company. Understanding more about eBay can help to answer such concerns.
Does eBay care about online crime?
Those who have had bad experiences with eBay can often be heard to say that eBay doesn't care about online crime. Are such accusations true? Is eBay really uninterested in fighting fraud and other harmful activity, or are they willing to turn a blind eye?
Those who have had bad experiences with eBay can often be heard to say that eBay doesn't care about online crime. Are such accusations true? Is eBay really uninterested in fighting fraud and other harmful activity, or are they willing to turn a blind eye?
Can I protect my eBay purchases?
Worried about buying on eBay because you'd like to get a warranty for your purchase? Don't. You can, in fact, get a warranty for most types of goods that you can purchase on eBay. Here's what you need to know to get covered.
Worried about buying on eBay because you'd like to get a warranty for your purchase? Don't. You can, in fact, get a warranty for most types of goods that you can purchase on eBay. Here's what you need to know to get covered.
Is my seller overcharging me for shipping?
Buyers often suspect that sellers are overcharging for shipping. But is this really the case? And how do you determine the difference?
Buyers often suspect that sellers are overcharging for shipping. But is this really the case? And how do you determine the difference?
How do I buy and pay for goods from other countries?
From time to time you may find yourself wanting to bid on goods listed in other countries. Can you bid on these goods? If so, how do you pay for them?
From time to time you may find yourself wanting to bid on goods listed in other countries. Can you bid on these goods? If so, how do you pay for them?
Why is eBay sending me email?
Are you getting email from eBay that you don't want or that you don't understand? Maybe that email isn't from eBay after all, or maybe you can do something about it.
Are you getting email from eBay that you don't want or that you don't understand? Maybe that email isn't from eBay after all, or maybe you can do something about it.
Why is eBay so slow?
If the eBay website seems to be running slowly to you, it can be caused by any one of several possible factors—and the fix can be any one of several possible remedies.
If the eBay website seems to be running slowly to you, it can be caused by any one of several possible factors—and the fix can be any one of several possible remedies.
Are those auctions for real?
There are so many weird auctions on eBay, surely the can't all actually result in sales, much less for the tens of thousands of dollars that some of them appear to earn for their sellers. Right?
There are so many weird auctions on eBay, surely the can't all actually result in sales, much less for the tens of thousands of dollars that some of them appear to earn for their sellers. Right?
Does eBay archive auction listings?
eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
eBay maintains auction listings indefinitely, but using the eBay website members can only access listings that have ended within the last 90 days.
Should I allow on-site pickups?
From time to time buyers may request that you allow them to come and pick an item up from you directly. Should you say yes?
From time to time buyers may request that you allow them to come and pick an item up from you directly. Should you say yes?
Can I give an eBay gift certificate?
Gift certificates are a classic way to give an open-ended gift without having to send actual money to someone. Wouldn't it be great if eBay offered such a product?
Gift certificates are a classic way to give an open-ended gift without having to send actual money to someone. Wouldn't it be great if eBay offered such a product?
Does eBay track sales statistics?
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
How do bid increments work?
If you're new to eBay, you may wonder how eBay decides what the next "minimum bid" for an auction is, since it seems to vary from auction to auction. In fact, the next minimum bid for any auction is determined according to eBay's "bid increments" table.
If you're new to eBay, you may wonder how eBay decides what the next "minimum bid" for an auction is, since it seems to vary from auction to auction. In fact, the next minimum bid for any auction is determined according to eBay's "bid increments" table.
How do I become a PowerSeller?
Most sellers who sell on eBay as a business dream of becoming PowerSellers. But just how does one become a PowerSeller, and what are the requirements for remaining one?
Most sellers who sell on eBay as a business dream of becoming PowerSellers. But just how does one become a PowerSeller, and what are the requirements for remaining one?
When is an eBay auction null and void?
Though in nearly all cases completed eBay item listings are binding legal contracts between buyer and seller, there are a few exceptions to this rule that come into play under exceptional circumstances.
Though in nearly all cases completed eBay item listings are binding legal contracts between buyer and seller, there are a few exceptions to this rule that come into play under exceptional circumstances.
How do I change my eBay user ID?
Sometimes it's necessary to change an eBay user ID. If now is the time for you, read on to find out how it can be done.
Sometimes it's necessary to change an eBay user ID. If now is the time for you, read on to find out how it can be done.
How do I close my eBay account?
Dissatisfied with eBay's customer service? Tired of buying and selling in auction format? Just generally turning over a new leaf? If you're sure you want to close your eBay account, here's how.
Dissatisfied with eBay's customer service? Tired of buying and selling in auction format? Just generally turning over a new leaf? If you're sure you want to close your eBay account, here's how.
Can I manage my auctions using Excel?
Ever wonder whether you could use a well-formed Excel sheet to upload lots of auctions to eBay at once, or to download, view, and revise your auctions? It may be possible for you to do so.
Ever wonder whether you could use a well-formed Excel sheet to upload lots of auctions to eBay at once, or to download, view, and revise your auctions? It may be possible for you to do so.
Can I get RSS feeds for my eBay searches?
If you live your life through RSS feeds, you may be wondering whether you can shop eBay the same way. You can.
If you live your life through RSS feeds, you may be wondering whether you can shop eBay the same way. You can.
Does eBay track sales statistics?
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
The more serious you are about buying or selling on eBay, the more likely it is that serious market research data will become important to you. Once you decide that you want to know what the most listed items are, or what the average selling price of a certain kind of item is, there is nothing left but to choose a product and access the data. Here's a starting list of datasets.
Can I buy and sell major assets on eBay?
Yes you can buy and sell homes, automobiles, boats, and other major assets on eBay. Millions of people have already done it!
Yes you can buy and sell homes, automobiles, boats, and other major assets on eBay. Millions of people have already done it!
Is it safe to buy a car or truck on eBay?
eBay Motors offers shoppers the chance to buy major vehicles of all kinds on eBay. But is it safe to buy and sell assets of this size and complexity online?
eBay Motors offers shoppers the chance to buy major vehicles of all kinds on eBay. But is it safe to buy and sell assets of this size and complexity online?
Can I avoid doing business with problem buyers?
Sellers, you can indeed prevent problem buyers from placing bids on your auctions in the first place, whether you want to exclude low-feedback bidders, international bidders, or non-PayPal bidders.
Sellers, you can indeed prevent problem buyers from placing bids on your auctions in the first place, whether you want to exclude low-feedback bidders, international bidders, or non-PayPal bidders.
Can I buy and sell wholesale or in bulk lots on eBay?
Though eBay is a great market for finding deals on (and getting rid of) household items and products that you use, it's also a great place for big-time buyers and sellers to move inventories at wholesale.
Though eBay is a great market for finding deals on (and getting rid of) household items and products that you use, it's also a great place for big-time buyers and sellers to move inventories at wholesale.
Where can I find out about eBay service outages?
eBay maintains two announcement boards that members can use to find out about current eBay outages and major eBay initiatives and events.
eBay maintains two announcement boards that members can use to find out about current eBay outages and major eBay initiatives and events.
Can I give to charity through eBay?
Yes, you can. Sellers can elect to have a percentage of proceeds donated to a chosen charity, visible to buyers.
Yes, you can. Sellers can elect to have a percentage of proceeds donated to a chosen charity, visible to buyers.
What do the stars after member feedback scores mean?
The stars after member feedback scores "rank" members according to their eBay feedback scores.
The stars after member feedback scores "rank" members according to their eBay feedback scores.
Can eBay feedback be erased?
Can eBay feedback be erased? Yes, if both parties agree to the removal.
Can eBay feedback be erased? Yes, if both parties agree to the removal.
How does eBay affect my taxes?
How does eBay affect your taxes? The same way any other self-employment income would.
How does eBay affect your taxes? The same way any other self-employment income would.
What is eBay Live?
eBay Live! is the annual eBay conference where execs, sellers, community members, and eBay-related businesses gather to talk shop.
eBay Live! is the annual eBay conference where execs, sellers, community members, and eBay-related businesses gather to talk shop.