I remember when i first got started here on eBay. There was no "how to" guide if you will it was all just trial & error & man i made some mistakes. When you first start out you are just a buyer & do not get the option to "start selling" until you have recieved i think 10 feedback stars or is it 10 transactions? Either way, when buying you need to do some things to protect yourself as well as the seller.

Shop around for whatever it is you are looking for. You can "watch" alot of items in your "watched items list" in your "myeBay" page. Once you have shopped around go to your watched items list & before each selection there is a little checkbox, check as many of that item you added into that watched list & at the bottom of those items there is a "compare" button, click that & compare all the items you chose. This way instead of trying to remember all the items you looked at you have a clear idea of what's right in front of you. This is a great feature for buyers that many may not even know eBay offers!

BE SURE TO CHECK SHIPPING COSTS: This is a topic that many a argument has happened & many a negative feedback have been left over. Not me but hot topic round here. Buyers sellers either add a FLAT RATE shipping cost & METHOD of SHIPPING in their listings (auctions) or add a CALCULATED SHIPPING COST option. You must be aware of shipping costs BEFORE BIDDING or BUYING. trust me this PROTECTS YOU THE BUYERS JUST AS WELL. We are having trouble with some sellers adding excessive shipping costs in order to beat eBay out of fees by listing a starting price of 99 cents & adding excessive shipping to make up for that item. That is unethical & wrong & it being handled by eBay.

Other thing to look for: Maybe you are a non smoker (i know this is one of my problems when buying). If an item you are looking at does not say in the description that the home or store is a non-smoking environment contact the seller to ask. They may have forgotten to add that in BUT they may also smoke & when you make a purchase from them the items or package may smell like cigarette smoke.

Another thing: Did you know at the top of your eBay page there is a HELP button? I didn't know it was there for about 6 months & man do i wish i did! Click the "HELP" tab at the top of any eBay page & it opens a whole help wonderland. Tyoe in any keyword or topic & links to many options will appear. This may save you alot of sleepless nights like i had in the beginning. If you do not find your answer there you can go to eBay's homepage & click the little "live help" link & ask a live eBay representative whatever it is you need to know.

You really need to utilize all the options eBay offers in order to make your purchase transactions great ones; transactions that run smooth all around for the seller & you, the BUYER.

One day when you have some time it is fun to just browse around, learning how to navigate your way around this place. Click the links & tabs that can be so helpful in figuring this all out & see what wondrous world awaits you!

I hope this guide helped you in your eBay buying adventures. Please vote on its helpfulness so others can see what you thought & HAPPY BUYING!