Shopping Dos and Don'ts
Clues That Tell You Not to Bid
eBay is a great place to shop, but it can also be a minefield for the inexperienced or uncautious. Experienced buyers know that there are a few giant red flags that you should always watch out for. If you see them, move on; they're great reasons not to bid or buy.
Avoid Junk and Gimmick eBay Auctions
Junk and gimmick eBay auctions are all over the eBay website. You know the sort of thing: super-secret information that will change your life for only a dollar. A magical device that will cure your heart disease, cancer, and anything else you've got for the price of lunch. Whether you're a buyer or seller, you shouldn't fall into the junk...
Don't Leave a Premature Negative
Before you leave negative feedback, exhaust every avenue to resolve the dispute with your trading partner. Don't rush to leave a negative from the start.
Don't Expect What a Seller Doesn't Offer
Before getting upset after being disappointed with an eBay purchase, read the item description carefully to be sure that your expectations were fair.
Don't Spend Too Much Time on eBay
eBay shopping may be fun, but if you're not gaining anything by doing it, it may also be addiction.
Don't Get Caught in Bidding Wars
Sometimes the best way to win is to let someone else win, especially if there are several listings that feature the item you want to buy.
Sniping on eBay: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Beginners are often thrilled and terrified to discover the concept of "auction sniping" on eBay and the many services that exist to help you do it. eBay veterans generally yawn at sniping and realize it doesn't affect eBay all that much. Here's why.
Dos and Don'ts for Sniping on eBay
Sniping isn't for everyone and it doesn't help in all cases, but it is for some, and sometimes it does win the day. Here are some dos and don'ts for sniping on eBay to help you decide whether to do it, when to do it, and how best to snipe when you choose to be a sniper.
Don't Limit Yourself to eBay Shopping
These days smart shoppers don't simply assume that they'll "find it on eBay." Instead, they comparison shop, in a lot of different ways, to find the best deals.
Should I buy that item from China?
Shoppers that have never bought an item for a Chinese (or other overseas) seller often balk at the thought. But how risky is it, really? And what should you know before buying from a foreign seller?
Top Ten Risks eBay Buyers Face
There are lots of "do" and "don't" lists out there for eBay buyers, but few that actually go over what the risks involved are. Here are ten of the top issues that all of those "do" and "don't" lists are trying to help you to avoid as an eBay buyer.
Recognize Common eBay Scams Against Buyers
eBay scams aren't as common as some imagine, but they are out there. Learn to recognize the signs and avoid them by running in the other direction when you see them.