Many people have written their views and opinions on buying on ebay.  I have been a member of ebay sine 2003.  I both, buy and sell on ebay as does my husband.  Our ebay selling has become a nice part-time job for both of us and I thank the people who have shopped with us.

Along with selling on ebay, I also buy on ebay-I buy presents for my family, have been able to find those hard to find items and items to merchandise.  I have had some really great experiences and some not so great experiences.  Thought I would add some "my thoughts" for the new ebay buyers to remember when buying on ebay.

Buying on ebay can be fun and you can save lots of money on items, but you can also lose money on items that are either not shipped out or have misleading descriptions.

Things to remember

1.  Besure to completely read the description.  For example if you are looking for a 14KT Gold Ring, make sure that is what you are getting.  Many items are listed as 14KT Gold Plated, 14KT Gold Electroplated, 14KT Gold Filled.  Many of these items are very nice-and the price of the auction reflects such things.

2.  Besure to check out the seller's feedback.  IF they have neutrals or negatives, see when these were left or how old these feedbacks are.  If the seller has many that have been mutually agreed upon to reverse the feedback, go through the sellers feedback and read the comments.

3.  If you have any doubts what so ever on the item besure to ask the seller questions.  Look for the response time.  This might help in elevating any future problems.

4.  Read if the seller has a refund policy and what is included.  If the item sells for $.01 and the shipping is $15.49, understand you may only receive the penny back.  Many sellers do not include shipping or handling fees or may even charge a restocking fee.  Besure to ask the seller what their policy is.  Again, this can elevate problems in the future.

5.  Understand the shipping rates and if the seller combines shipping rates for multiple items.  This can save on money.  Also understand what is included in the shipping rates.  If an item sells for $.01 and ships for $25.00 is this such a good deal, if the seller only refunds the $0.01???

6.  And the best thing to remember, if it seems to be to good to be true then most likely it is.  I have been caught in this-thinking I am getting a great deal on real gemstones set in 10kt/14kt gold only to find out the items are a fake.

7.  Communication is of the upmost.  Bid only on items that you will follow through with or if something does arise communicate with your seller.  So many problems can be elevated by such a simple email.  Use "my messages" within the ebay system -it does make it easier for the seller to identify items purchased are to answer any questions about said product.

I don't want to discourage people from buying on ebay.  It has been fun and I have met many wonderful sellers and buyers alike.  It only takes a few dishonest people to make it a questionable place to buy and sell.  And the biggest thing to remember eBay has a great on-line help desk and they do want a safe place to buy and sell.  No, I am Not employed by eBay but I also want a safe place to buy/sell.

In summary, just use common sense and ask as many questions as possible.

Have positive experiences on ebay!!