eBay Tips for Buyers
Almost everyone starts his or her eBay experience as a buyer. Learning how to buy effectively will improve your eBay experience and prepare you for becoming a seller. I recommend you make at least ten successful transactions on eBay before trying to sell. We hope the following tips will make you a better and more successful buyer.
1. Build A Positive Feedback Rating Give and get good feedback. This is less critical for buyers than for sellers, but having a good feedback rating makes other eBayers comfortable doing business with you. For example, I accept checks for immediate shipment if the buyer has a good feedback rating. If someone has very little feedback (less than 20) or several negative comments, then I hold the checks until they clear before sending an item.
2. How to build feedback quickly? Here is a quick way to build good feedback: make some purchases for a few lower cost items you use everyday or that you would normally buy at a store. There are plenty of items in the Health & Beauty category that you buy every day such as shampoo and razor blades –often at prices less than you would pay at Wal-Mart. Pay promptly using PayPal and immediately post feedback for the seller as soon as you get the item. If the seller does not post feedback, send them a short email telling them that you posted feedback for them and you would appreciate them reciprocating.
3. Be generous with your feedback Post feedback quickly and leave specific comments. Leaving a comment that says: "great seller," is nice –but it is more helpful to say, "Item arrived quickly in perfect condition, just as described." Or: "Quick Professional transaction –good email and just what I ordered." If the seller sells something specific you can mention it such as: "Beautiful Print –I will enjoy for many years." This type of feedback is very helpful to future buyers and it tends to get you better feedback comments in return.
4. Use PayPal Sellers want to be paid quickly and everyone is concerned about fraud. There is no faster or safer way to complete an eBay transaction than PayPal (owned by eBay). PayPal is now used by over 100 Million users around the world and now processes more debit and credit card payments than Citibank. Over 80% of registered eBay users accept PayPal and eBay has fully integrated PayPal into their systems. Take the time to become a verified seller and always give your verified shipping address. This gets you the fraud protection. Go to www.paypal.com .Did you know you can also use PayPal as a savings account? According to Money Magazine, PayPal now pays the highest rate on ordinary savings accounts. When I wrote this PayPal was paying 4.8% while my bank, Wells Fargo, was only paying 3.3%.
5. Avoid Fraud on Large Purchases Given the millions of transactions that occur each month, fraud is actually rare on eBay but it does exist. The most common type of fraud on eBay is a seller that offers an expensive item for sale at an unbelievably good price. When you win the item the seller asks to be paid in cash, cashiers check or money order. You send the money and then the seller disappears. Demanding a cashier’s check or a money order only is a red flag. Never bid on a large purchase if the seller will not take PayPal or a credit card. Always check the seller's feedback and how long they have been registered on eBay. Most fraudsters set up an eBay account, run a few quick expensive auctions, get the money and either disappears or are kicked off of eBay as soon as they are discovered. Be especially careful if the seller is located outside the U.S.
5. Avoid Fraud on Large Purchases Given the millions of transactions that occur each month, fraud is actually rare on eBay but it does exist. The most common type of fraud on eBay is a seller that offers an expensive item for sale at an unbelievably good price. When you win the item the seller asks to be paid in cash, cashiers check or money order. You send the money and then the seller disappears. Demanding a cashier’s check or a money order only is a red flag. Never bid on a large purchase if the seller will not take PayPal or a credit card. Always check the seller's feedback and how long they have been registered on eBay. Most fraudsters set up an eBay account, run a few quick expensive auctions, get the money and either disappears or are kicked off of eBay as soon as they are discovered. Be especially careful if the seller is located outside the U.S.
6. Pay sellers quickly Paying quickly will help you build feedback faster and you will get your item sooner.
7. Be honest – admit your mistakes If you forgot about the auction and are late getting a payment off or you forgot to ship something you sold – be up front and honest. Apologize and admit your mistake. People can be very forgiving if they believe you. They can be unforgiving if they think they are being B.S.’ed.
8. Create an About Me page on eBay. EBay allows you to create a page to describe you and your family or even include your pets. You can put a photo on the page, talk about your hobbies, your family – basically anything you like. The About Me page is where a person can get a sense of who you are and if they would like to do business with you. If you have a web site, this is the one place on eBay where it is allowed to direct buyers to your web site.
9. Master the power of searching. According to eBay, about 65% of bidders find their item by searching. Including the exact name of the product you are selling is key to bidders finding your auction. Some sellers place a tilde (~) or a star * next to their auction title to help get attention. Place a space between a tilde (or *) and a word, or the word will not come up in a search. For example: *Nikon* would not result in any items found, because eBay’s search engine sees the * as part of the word. According to Power Seller News, some of the most searched words on eBay are: DVD, Art, BMW, Gucci, Longaberger, Louis Vuitton, Laptop, Playstation 2 and Paintball. Use eBay’s powerful search engine to find items and to see what items are selling and how much they are selling for.
10. Be sure to thank people Send an email to your seller when the item arrives. Thank them and let them know you posted feedback and are happy with the transaction.
Vehicle (Category: )
Chevrolet : Silverado 1500 2006 Chevrolet Silverado LT2
 | US $16,000.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 2:27:14 PST Buy It Now for only: US $16,000.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Jeep : Liberty 4x4 Sport 2005 Jeep liberty 4x4
 | US $10,000.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 2:32:53 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : Mustang 2007 SHELBY COBRA GT500 SUPERCHARGED SHOWROOM NEW
 | US $38,500.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 2:58:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $39,750.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Pontiac : Grand Prix 9500.00 RESERVE no hidden fees/clean carfax/no damage
 | US $9,100.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:12:02 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Geo : geo prizm the car is great
 | US $802.00 (15 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:19:28 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Nissan : Maxima SL 2006 SL Sedan Leather Sunroof Luxary
 | US $12,000.00 (19 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:20:01 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : F-350 F350 1 ton F350 7.3L TurboDiesel Dually/Aluminum flatbed
 | US $25,000.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:25:43 PST Buy It Now for only: US $25,000.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
MG VA VA Sports Saloon 1937 original cond needs restoration
 | US $4,250.00 (17 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:31:00 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Mazda : RX-7 R1 1993 Mazda RX-7 R1
 | US $9,100.00 (10 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:42:11 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : F-350 2005 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat 4x4 Diesel
 | US $21,995.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:45:27 PST Buy It Now for only: US $21,995.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : F-350 LARIAT 2002 FORD F350 SD LARIAT 4X4 POWER STROKE DIESEL NICE
 | US $12,900.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:46:08 PST Buy It Now for only: US $12,900.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Subaru : Legacy 04 SUBARU LEGACY SPECIAL ED 4WD,GREAT CONDITION,NEW TB
 | US $6,850.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:46:38 PST Buy It Now for only: US $6,850.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Chevrolet : Express 2500 02 GMC express refrigerated cargo van reefer no reserve
 | US $7,500.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:47:22 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Chevrolet : Blazer 4X4 1991 CHEVY BLAZER FULL SIZE 4X4
 | US $3,050.00 (18 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:48:21 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Toyota : Corolla toyota corolla florida car 4 door auto gold
 | US $2,026.00 (17 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 3:54:55 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Infiniti : G35 SEDAN 2004 20" ~ HTD LTHR~ROOF~6CD~XENON~CLEAN~BOSE
 | US $10,100.00 (11 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:04:08 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
BMW : 3-Series 325ci 2001 BMW 325ci sport manual 5 speed LOW MLS & RESERVE
 | US $7,990.00 (21 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:06:31 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Rolls-Royce : Silver Shadow Just Serviced - Classic,Great Investement
 | US $29,900.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:08:37 PST Buy It Now for only: US $29,900.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Rolls-Royce : Silver Shadow FL CAR ONLY 55K MILES
 | US $29,900.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:10:52 PST Buy It Now for only: US $29,900.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Bentley : ROLLS ROYCE SHADOW T2 Rare classic auto, just serviced and new tires,
 | US $29,900.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:12:21 PST Buy It Now for only: US $29,900.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Bentley T2ROLLSROYCE 1980 BENTLEY ROLLS T2 VERY RARE LAST YEAR MADE
 | US $29,900.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:14:59 PST Buy It Now for only: US $29,900.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Toyota : Tacoma 05 TACOMA 4CY AUTO 81K CARFAX GOOD WARRANTY WORK TRUCK
 | US $4,200.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:17:19 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : Mustang GT AWESOME CLASSIC 1989 MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE
 | US $4,999.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:21:15 PST Buy It Now for only: US $5,500.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Ford : Ranger ranger 1994 ford ranger 4cyl automatic runs great looks nice
 | US $1,027.99 (16 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:24:54 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Jeep : Wrangler 2003 Jeep Wrangler with low miles
 | US $7,100.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:25:46 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Acura : TL 04 ACURA TL CARFAX CERTIFIED LIKE NEW KENTUCKY
 | US $18,800.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:27:07 PST Buy It Now for only: US $18,800.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Dodge : Viper SRT-10 2008 Dodge Viper VENOM RED 1 of 1400 PRODUCED
 | US $59,999.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:27:40 PST Buy It Now for only: US $79,999.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Dodge : Viper SRT-10 2008 VIPER SRT10 COUPE - VIPER VIOLET PEARL COAT - RARE
 | US $83,190.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:28:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $84,190.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Mazda : MX-5 Miata M Edition 1996 Mazda Miata Hardtop/Convertible
 | US $4,100.00 (18 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:31:36 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Dodge : Sprinter 2500 VAN 170 DODGE SPRINTER 2500 VAN 170` WB - ARTIC WHITE-DIESEL
 | US $37,995.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:32:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $38,995.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Pontiac : Firebird Formula 1999 Firebird Formula - Navy Blue Metallic - extras
 | US $7,100.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:32:34 PST Bid now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Subaru : Impreza limited 06 WRX LIMITED STI-CLONE
 | US $17,000.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:35:01 PST Buy It Now for only: US $17,500.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Jeep : Grand Cherokee SRT-8 4x4 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 SUV 4X4 6.1 LITER 8CYL
 | US $30,995.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:36:58 PST Buy It Now for only: US $33,495.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Dodge : Viper SRT-10 2008 DODGE VIPER SRT10 COUPE- VIPER VERY ORANGE PAINT
 | US $82,556.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:39:44 PST Buy It Now for only: US $84,556.00 Bid now | Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |
Toyota : Camry LE TOYOTA CAMRY 2004-MINT CONDITION-LOW MILEAGE
 | US $12,999.00 End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 4:40:08 PST Buy It Now for only: US $12,999.00 Buy it now | VIEW FULL DETAILS |