Whether you are buying fine china as a gift or to add to your collection, Ebay is a great place to purchase fine china at extremely low prices. Following 7 simple rules when buying china on Ebay insures you get exactly what you want, in the condition you want, and at the price you want.

The most important issue in buying china is getting the exact pattern you want. To do this, you need to make sure the item you are considering is the same pattern by the same maker that you want. Most fine china has a maker's mark on the bottom or back of the pieces. This mark usually contains a symbol, the maker's name, where the piece was made, a pattern name, and/or a pattern number. You want to make sure the mark of the piece you might buy matches exactly the mark of the piece you want. Always ask the seller for the exact wording and description of the maker's mark. For example, if your pattern is Lenox Holiday, you may find a piece that is titled Holiday and looks like your pattern but it could be a cheap imitation not made by Lenox. Only by asking for the exact wording will you know the piece is exactly what you want. Many old patterns do not have names or numbers. In this case, ask the seller for a close-up picture of the pattern in addition to the exact wording on the mark.

Condition is a key concern. Is the piece in the condition you want? Just because a seller says a piece has no chips or cracks does not mean the piece is pristine. Many used pieces of china may be chip free, but they may have "rubbing." Rubbing refers to a wearing off of a band or pattern, particularly on the edges. This is a crucial condition factor in china with gold, platinum, or silver bands.Always ask the seller if the piece has any rubbing. In addition, you want to consider utensil marks and scuff marks on the bottom. If the seller does not address these, then ask. If the item is listed as having "normal wear," you must ask exactly what the wear is, because normal is a matter of opinion.

Once you find a piece in the pattern and the condition you want, are you getting the best price? While a Wedgwood plate for $15.00 may seem like a bargain, take time to research replacement china dealers. You may find that a used Wedgwood plate for $15.00 is no deal when a new one can be purchased for the same or only a little more at a china wholesaler or replacement service. This is especially true for saucers and smaller pieces. However, this cuts both ways so realize a bargain when you see one. If a seller is offering two Wedgwood plates for $30 that normally sale for $30 a piece that is a deal. Many buyers lose out waiting to see if a seller will relist an item lower. Some sellers do, but some sellers find it more economical not to relist the piece.

A piece of fine china is worthless if it arrives broken. Before ever making any Ebay purchase always read the seller's feedback. Feedback is crucial in shipping. Feedback will tell if previous buyers have been satisfied with packing and condition on arrival. Also take the time to read the seller's policies and "Me" page, as it can often tell you how china is packed. If you are insecure about shipping and packing, ask the seller how the china is packed. You want to make sure that it is packed in a sturdy box, labeled fragile, wrapped in more than just paper, and secured so that the piece isn't jostled. I highly recommend looking for sellers who use bubble wrap on china.

 ALWAYS INSURE YOUR CHINA!!!! Insurance is most often "optional." Saving $1.35 is pointless when your $30.00 piece arrives in shards and you have no recourse. Sellers DO NOT insure unless specifically mentioned in the listing or unless you pay for insurance. You want to know the seller's policy regarding insurance. If an item is damaged, how will the process work? Most sellers offer to mail you the insurance verification and you handle the matter from that point. However, this leads back to packing. It is my experience that the post office is not likely to pay an insurance claim if a item is packed incorrectly. It isn't likely the post office will pay a claim for a china piece that was wrapped in paper and mailed in a shoe box.

The last shipping issue is method of shipping and handling. Many sellers offer a variety of shipping methods, while others offer only one. You need to know before you make your purchase. Alot of sellers only offer Priority Shipping. This is because the expense of boxes is enormous, but priority boxes are free. This is a way to keep costs low and get the item to the buyer quickly. If a buyer only offers certain methods of shipping, that is their policy and you won't be able to change it. Furthermore, handling fees can increase postage significantly. Handling fees are necessary because sellers need to cover expenses of materials (bubble wrap, paper) and the cost of time and transportation to the post office. However, you don't need to pay a $10 handling fee for one salad plate. Read the seller's shipping policy to determine handling fees. If the fees are not listed, ask the seller what their fee is, particularly if you are purchasing several pieces at once.

Finally, the most important rule is ASK, ASK, ASK. As a buyer you are  purchasing an item you do not have the opportunity of holding and viewing in person. This puts you at a disadvantage and most sellers are sensitive to your concerns. Never hesitate to ask the seller a question or questions. Most sellers rather answer questions than have a dissatisfied buyer.

Ebay is a garden of beautiful and lovely china at very reasonable prices. Ebay allows many people to complete old sets or create new ones in an affordable way. YOU can buy china on Ebay and get exactly what you want at the price you want if you follow these simple steps.