Ebay is the best online store in the world. Over 147 million people from all over the world have signed up for it, so it's here to stay. Whether you've never bought anything on Ebay before or you do it all the time, you can always use the tips below.
Know exactly what it is you want.
If you don't know what you're looking for, there's no better way to waste time on eBay than to just look around. If you want to find more than one thing, it will help to make a list of the things you want to find.
Browse like a pro.
On EBay, items are put into almost 26,000 different groups. If you want to find what you're looking for faster, look for the same keyword in the titles and descriptions of the items you find. Just check the small box next to the search box on the page with the results of your first search, and then click the search button again.
Make the most of what you have.
Click the option box above the results on the right side of the screen to narrow down the category you're searching in. Then you can choose whether you want your search results to be based on "lowest price," "highest price," "newly listed," or "ending first."
Check out the thing.
It's important to make sure an item is real, especially if it's an antique or a piece of history. Do your homework and find out more about it and its condition. Don't just rely on the picture. You'll also be more likely to buy something that's worth your money if you compare it to other items that are like it.
Know your salesperson.
Your seller could be on a different continent from you. You would be smart to find out how trustworthy your seller is. One way to do this is to look at his feedback rating. It's a number with a star after it. You might also avoid getting ripped off by carefully reading the item's description. Pay close attention to the return policies, ways to pay, and postage costs. Also, the "Ask seller a question" button is not there for no reason. Use it to its fullest.
Be the Best Bidder.
If you really want to buy something at an auction and it's something you value a lot, stick to your maximum bid. People often bid higher without really looking at how much the item is worth. Since you're the one buying, you should remember that you decide where your money goes. There are also services that can help with this.
