Before I get started, I want to list down the reason for signing up at Ebay. I wanted to try out Ebay because --

1. I can't find my motherboard at Fry's Electronic
2. I wanted to sell some stuff and make some $$$!!
3. I knew things here are cheaper.
4. I can find things here that I won't be able to get at Walmart
5. I also want to check out those crazy auctions I've been hearing on the news. Ex: The man who sold his head for advertisement for a several grand or that link to sell a 'time machine'. It just really gets outrageous.

Basically, my first impression is that ebay is like an online garage sale!

So far, as of 08/12/07, I have been an ebayer for almost two months so I thought I'd right what I've experienced as a 'newbie'

First. thing first. I READ the bidding rules. I knew it's important to follow rules, let alone be aware of them instead of acting clueless.
Let's keep it simple
1. Don't on items you don't have enough funds for
2. Avoid bidding on multiple items because you might win both items and be forced to pay for both items.
3. If you accidentally over bid, retract and state reason.
4. Read terms and conditions of items. Items might be pick up only or accept seller accepts a specific payment like paypal

One of the most important things that I did once I got started. I shopped around for cheap items. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew that with a rating of 'zero', I don't think I can purchase a motherboard for my computer [or anything else that's well over $100]. I knew some sellers would be picky. Some sellers specify they won't sell to you if you're rating is below 10 positive.

Things I learned from others to get a quick 10 +
Buy --
1. Stamps - really cheap, so if you're uneasy about Ebay still, try it
2. Ebooks - electronically delivered or downloaded so both seller and buyer [which is you] can leave feedback right away
3. Recipes - Recipes for cooking can be electronically delivered to you

Though I can get cheap items to raise my stats, I prefer getting things that I really want because those you may not use those ebooks or recipe at all. So this is my opinion about getting a 10+
Buy --
1.Books - There's a good library here on Ebay, so if you're a student/reader/researcher, you're definitely going to want to check them out.
2. DVD - We all are movie lovers, I don't know who isn't, so why not check out some DVDs? some sellers even sell in bulks
3. Posters - If you like posters, you can find some at Ebay stores like Galaxy Posters. They combine shipping plus posters start at 0.99 so you can have like 5 posters which equal to also 5 feedbacks!

Remember though, some sellers leave feedback once you pay right away through paypal. Some wait until you leave them a postive feedback. So if you have any problems on a transaction, work it out so you can both give each other positive feedbacks!

I didn't really pumped up my stats before I started ordering some electronic stuff, but after a couple orders of books, I made some higher purchases such as a cappuccino machine, cash register, and other electronics. And the sellers were willing even if I had like a stat like 4+

One of the best places on Ebay to shop is at Bargainland! Everything starts at 0.99! Beware though, it's automated. So if you leave negative feedback for an item that's really defective, they automatically leave negative feedback on you, so I heard. Other great stores I'd recommend is to look for I-soldit Stores. They have some neat and cheap stuff there and might be located near your State.

I find these sellers reliable sellers --
http://myworld.ebay.com/bargainland - items that start at 0.99, very big seller
http://myworld.ebay.com/edmwholesalers - items in bulk, wholesale
http://myworld.ebay.com/fjaproducts - ink ribbons
http://myworld.ebay.com/koffeeexpress - cappuccino products
http://myworld.ebay.com/galaxy-posters - posters
http://myworld.ebay.com/amerivend_llc - food concession machines
http://myworld.ebay.com/mag-mart - food concession machines
http://myworld.ebay.com/mag-mart - magazine subscriptions
http://stores.ebay.com/COLORDRIVES - computer peripherals
http://myworld.ebay.com/lapkosoft - used workstation/computer peripherals
http://myworld.ebay.com/myoverstox - appliances
http://stores.ebay.com/land-of-the-jawas-star-wars-toys - Star Wars Toys!

Tips on Bidding
*Don't bid right away if the item has a couple days in its listing, you'll just end up raising the bar for everyone. It's best to start bidding on the last hour or minutes if you have time. If you're impatient and bid right away while the listing is long, you'll find yourself out-bided the next day and the item more expensive.
*Don't forget to use the Watch Item feature. It's really useful in trying outbidding people. You can watch up to 100 items.

Tips about sellers
*There are some sellers who start bid at 0.99 but put a reserve price. I find that pointless. Might as well start at the price you want because it's hard for bidder to guess. Unless they're selling something really valuable, then it's worth checking out.
*Some sellers put starting bid at 0.99 but overcharge shipping which is crazy! I compared to items before, 1 item was bidding at around $40 and shipping was around $30. I checked another with only 0.99, but shipping was $100!! Stay away from those tricky sellers!
*Some sellers also put extra charges on description! Like handling fee, storage fee, or putting item on pallet fee. Make sure to read!

So far, I haven't gotten any negative feedbacks or any negative experience thank goodness. Hope this helps those are getting started! :)

MC