Buying is a process. Here are some tips that will help your transaction go smoothly and help the seller avoid problems.


Before buying:

1. Read the whole description. Look for any discrepancies before bidding. Ask the seller about anything you are confused about. Common sources of confusion are shipping costs, combined shipping, quantity in lots, or ambiguous wording. Always ask the seller about the possible confusion before bidding, or accept that it could be worst case scenario.

2. If you have any special requests like quick shipping, an alternate address, or a certain color, email ahead. A good seller will address your concerns thoroughly and quickly.  The quality of email is likely to be similar to the quality of the other services they offer.

3. Bid early. Sellers can change or end auctions that do not have any bids placed. Once your bid is in, you commit to buying but the seller is also committed to selling. If you wait, they may change your item to a pair of old gym socks.

4. If paying by paypal to a US merchant, try to have the funds available in the paypal balance, or pay with a credit card. An eCheck (eCheque) will delay the shipping of your item until it clears. This takes 3-5 days to clear from US banks, 2 weeks from UK banks, and 5-9 days from other countries.

5. Funds available in your paypal account may be eligible to earn interest. In my experience, the paypal interest rate is better than term deposits, ING, and HSBC. Interest is generated daily and is seamlessly deposited at the end of the month.

AFTER BUYING:

6. If mailing payment, email the seller with the name on the payment and the amount to expect. Use delivery confirmation where possible to avoid being put in an awkward position.   


AFTER RECEIPT OF THE ITEM:

7. Leave positive feedback if everything was satisfactory. Any complaints should be emailed first so the seller can find a way to make you happy. Only leave neutral or negative after you have informed the seller of the problem and given them time to refund you or fix the problem.

8. If you receive the item and it is damaged or otherwise not as you expected, first recheck the auction description. Read it carefully and look for anything pertinent. If there is nothing in the description to help you, email the seller. Inform them in a positive tone about the issue, and ASK how you can help to resolve the process. Do they want it returned in order to refund you? Will store credit be acceptable? You will find that by staying calm and non-accusatory, you will get compassion in return. Negativity creates defensiveness. If no reply within two days, call them. (go to member information in the advanced search feature.) Again try to stay calm in your communication. Remember, this is someone's livelihood. If no reply, begin an eBay dispute and a paypal dispute.

Most transactions go swimmingly. We sellers try hard :)

Please click YES if you found this guide helpful. Suggestions are always appreciated.