Shopping Dos and Don'ts:
What to Keep in Mind as You Shop on eBay
Knowing basic shopping techniques on eBay is enough to get you started, but to really make the most of your eBay membership, it's important to have a handle on the tools that make successful shoppers successful and on the pitfalls that can lead to poor shopping results. Here are a number of dos and don'ts to keep in mind as you shop on eBay.
Ten Clues You Don't Want 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.
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 auction trap.
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 auction trap.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.