Keeping a ruler or measuring tape available is a must for all buyers. No matter how good you think you are at gauging the size of something just by a picture, I'll bet you've been disappointed more than once.

After receiving more items then I'd like to admit that were either miniscule or a lot smaller than I thought, I've resorted to keeping a ruler and a tape measurer in my desk available at anytime I come across something I'd like to bid on.

You wouldn't believe the mistakes people can also make while measuring their item. One person actually put a linear measurement of an item, without stating it was linear. The bottom of the item was listed as being 68" wide when in fact it was only 17" wide! The seller didn't mention she had taken linear measurements. Linear? True story!

The pictures are lovely but they don't tell the whole story about an item as the close ups actually make the item appear larger in most cases than they are, unless of course there is a point of reference like a pepsi can or a quarter!

It makes no difference, take out your trusty measuring device and look at the size you are going to be receiving.  If the size of the item isn't available then send the seller an email AND ASK!