There are many steps a buyer can take to avoid having a problem with a purchase. As an eBay seller for more than eight years, I've developed some steps to take to avoid being ripped off when making a purchase.

Tips For A Safe Buying Experience on E Bay!

1. Read a sellers feedback before bidding. This is the single most imporant piece of information you will find - if you see multiple neutrals or negatives for quality, delivery or communication issues - you can generally believe the information. Don't bid if a seller has poor feedback.

2. IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE - it usually IS!

3. Ask questions of a seller before bidding. If there is something in the listing you don't understand, not mentioned or is not clear - e mail the seller using the "Ask the Seller A Question" link in the auction.

4. If shipping price or method is not listed - e mail the seller your zip code and ask the price before bidding. Don't open yourself up for a shock after you win. Some sellers start bids at very low bid prices and have high shipping to offset it. If you can't find the shipping price - ask BEFORE you bid.

5. Your bid is a binding agreement - please don't bid if you don't intend to pay.

6. Make sure your ISP does not block E Bay e-mails and your e mail address is up to date. Some ISP's have SPAM features that block E Bay messages. If yours does, you may not receive any end of auction notices from your seller.

7. If you don't hear from your seller within 3 days, e-mail them.

8. Read the full auction before bidding. You cannot change the terms of an auction after you win. Make sure you fully agree with all of the terms (method of payment, time frame for payment to be received) in the listing before placing your bid.

9. Carefully read the payment options the seller accepts. Be very wary if a seller accepts payment via wire transfer only - many fraudulant sellers will not accept any other method of payment, as they cannot be rescinded or charged back later. Paying with a credit card is the safest way to pay, as you have some recourse if the item is not received.

10. Please check the category of the item you are bidding on to ensure you are bidding correctly.

11. If you are buying clothing and measurements are not included with the size, e mail the seller and get the measurements before you bid. All manufacturers do not cut clothing the same way.

12. Read the E Bay discussion boards for help with a problem that may arise. There are chat boards for virtually any topic you can think of - you can obtain great advice availing yourself to this free service. Other E Bayers are the best helpers in a problem situation.

13. If the item is not as described, please contact your seller BEFORE leaving feedback. Most sellers want to please their customers, expecially if they have good feedback. Allow the seller a chance to correct a problem before leaving feedback.

14. Pull the sellers contact information and try calling them. If your sellers phone number or e-mail address is invalid report the invalid contact information to eBay.

15. If you do not receive your item and have tried to contact your seller with no response, you can file an Item Not Received Dispute. You may file 10 days after you have paid, but must file within 45 days of the auctions end date, so watch your time frames! Do not let a seller push you off beyond 45 days.

I hope these suggestions make your E Bay buying experience a HAPPY one!