The following five tips are a good start for buyers looking to purchase items on E Bay.  This short list does not cover everything but if you follow this advice and remember these tips when you are searching and purchasing items more often than not you will avoid being taken to the cleaners.  Do not misunderstand me most sellers on Ebay are highly reputable and boast very good feedback but there are always a few sellers who want something for nothing.

1. Check Feedback   Look at the seller's feedback received and look at the feedback they leave for others.  Both of these items will give you tremendous insight into who you are buying from.  Be wary of buyers with who have recently received multiple negative feedbacks.  Check the item for which the seller received negative feedback see if it is an item similar to the one you are bidding on.  Also be wary of sellers who do not leave feedback or leave negative or neutral feedback when they have recived positive feedback.

2. Use a secure method of payment   Never send cash on Ebay purchases.  Although most buyers will accept it there is no way of securely paying for Ebay auctions with cash.  Avoid cashiers checks and money orders especially for high ticket items.  Check for buyers who accept Paypal as a method of payment.  When searching your items click on the box that says show sellers who accept Paypal to see search results for these sellers.

3.  Never Buy what you cannot see  Avoid bidding on items which are advertised but not pictured.  Most of time there is something shady going on.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  Be very wary of people who post auctions and claim "there is something wrong with my computer" and I can't post pictures.  If you are interested in an item without and picture and feel you cannot live without it then        email the seller and ask them if they can send you a picture via email

4. Patience is a virtue  If you are looking at an item that seems risky then by all means wait for another on to come along.  I know the seller is telling you this is a once in a lifetime opportunity but I am here to tell you that it is not.  Every item will appear again eventually ...many items are bought by resellers and relisted.  If the item is something you really want then watch the item and search for similar items usually you will find someone else offering the item or an acceptable substitute.

5.  Once you have found your gem insure it.  Before you bid make sure the seller uses a reliable shipping carrier which offers insurance such as Fed ex UPS or the Post Office.  If you are buying a rare or high ticket item by all means insure it.  Insurance with UPS and the Postal Service can usually be secured for under $5.00.   If the seller does not offer insurance email them and ask them if they will offer it to you.  The process is easy and guarantees at least your money back in the off chance that you item does not arrive.  Remember if you pay using Paypal you are automatically insured and can file a claim through Paypal if your item is lost or damaged and fails to arrive.

I hope these tips  help you if you run into a unique problem go the community section of EBay and post your situation on the Ebay message boards there are always people out there willing to help.