eBay Buyer Guidelines

I joined the eBay back in 2000 when it was well established, but still much like a huge yard sale or flea market. Now, it is totally global and the level of unscrupulous activity has increased along with the massive increase in numbers of users. We have all heard horror stories of eBay purchases gone wrong. I am here to tell you, unfortunately most of the bad experiences I have heard about could have easily been avoided. This article is for all my friends and readers that have doubts about bidding on eBay. These are some of the things I do when checking out those "Gotta Haves" to make sure everything is legitimate and that the sale will go well. By following a few simple guidelines each eBay win can be a pleasurable experience for everyone involved.

1. READ THE LISTING. Titles can be misleading, often unintentionally. Be sure to pay attention to the details of the auction listing. If it does not clearly state desired information (condition, whether or not it works properly, etc.), contact the seller and ask. Look for shipping information and seller’s return policy. Again, if none is present, ask. Use the “Ask seller a question” link and be sure to check “hide my email.” This will keep the communication on eBay and prevent unwittingly offering spamming and phishing opportunities to the unscrupulous.
2. CHECK SELLER’S FEEDBACK. The feedback percentage, shown directly below the user ID on an auction listing, is a good indicator of a seller’s reliability. Take a look at any negatives to see what the problem was and how the seller handled it. This will tell you how professional or helpful the seller is going to be if you do have a problem.
   
3. CONTACT the seller if in doubt or they have low feedback. I have gotten some great deals from new sellers, but I seldom buy anything of value without asking some questions about the item before bidding. The quickness and quality of a seller’s response can tell you worlds about how they will handle the sale. If return emails give you pause, just don't bid.
4. BE COURTEOUS. If you encounter a problem, definitely contact the seller right away. Approach them with courtesy, not accusations. If the seller is not helpful or nice in return, there is plenty of time to get pushy if you must. Sellers are there to do business and good business comes with happy customers and good customer service. Given a chance, most sellers will try to find a satisfactory solution.
5. BE CAUTIOUS. If there is a high pressure offer to let you buy it outside of eBay or to close the auction early if you pay right now, back off quickly. If an email asking you to click a link or provide personal information appears to be from eBay, but greets you with something like Dear member instead of your name, forward it to spoof@ebay.com. Do Not respond to it in any way! Don’t let excitement overwhelm caution either. If you don’t have time fully read the listing and check out something that seems odd, don’t make a bid.
6. EBAY EDUCATION is an excellent resource of information. Take some of the courses and read the tutorials offered. Doing this will help you become, not only a more savvy Internet shopper, but a safer surfer in general.

The old saying “ if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” isn’t necessarily accurate on eBay, but it does signal a need for extra examination of the auction and the seller. Take the necessary time to learn the safety basics. By observing these guidelines with every bid, you will greatly increase your chances of each purchase being a satisfying success!