The purpose of this guide is to help beginning Ebay buyer's learn to be smart about making purchases on Ebay.  These "rules" have helped me. 

Rule # 1: Remember a bid is a binding contract.  You may not be able to "change your mind" later unless someone else outbids you.  That never happens when you want it to!

Rule #2:  When you find an item you want to buy, before you make a bid, check out the seller's feedback rating.  Someone with a low number of feedbacks hasn't done much buying or selling on Ebay.  I would read the feedback and then make a determination based on several factors:  the cost of the item (including shipping) & other indicators of trustworthiness.

Rule #3: If the seller has a high number of feedback, check to see how many are from sales rather than purchases.  It is especially important that they have a positive rating in the high 90% (to me).  The closer to 100%, the better.  Also, read any neutral or negative feedback to see if you think it holds merit.

Rule #4: Use PayPal in order to protect your credit card information and your purchase if something is wrong. If you don't use paypal, then the only way I would make a purchase is with a money order. But they can get lost in the mail.  In my opinion, Paypal is the safest & secure way to pay! It's worth the small fee.

Rule #5: Never give your credit card number to a seller unless you like living dangerously! Seriously, most sellers are honest, but you don't want to be the statistic... 

Rule #6:  Always leave feedback.  Try to leave positive feedback if at all possible. Remember the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. And if there is a problem, try your best to work it out with the seller rather than the dispute function.

Rule # 7: If you think your credit card has been compromised on Ebay (or anywhere else), the first thing to do is contact your cardholder & report your findings.  They will put an alert on your card or close the account.  I cannot stress this enough. Don't give the crook any more time to use your credit card.  Second, you should contact the website where you think your card was compromised.  Ebay has an email address for the purpose of reporting problems.  Ebay can research the problem and will deal with the issue.

Ebay provides this and much more info for your safety in using their internet site.  Everyone should know the rules of safe Internet shopping.  These are just some of the highlights that I think are worth reading twice!  You can have a wonderful experience on Ebay buying and selling  much cheaper than retail if you maintain good judgement about making the purchase.