Ebay can seem a bit intimidating to new buyers and sellers.
 One of the best things about Ebay is how quickly you can learn how to buy and sell effectively and wisely IF you know where to look and how to make the most of the site. Learning the best places to find the info can be a bit tricky but you'll get the hang of it.

In the meantime, try these tips to accelerate your learning curve:
1. Check out the Chat and Discussion boards which you can find in the Community section of Ebay. To get there, simply click on the word Community at the top of the Ebay main pages. Even if you don't post anything, you can see what other Buyers and Sellers are posting, the kinds of questions they ask and the tips they share.

2. Check current and closed auctions. Compare prices for LIKE items.

3. Always check feedback. I can't stress this enough. If a seller sells enough items, they can have MANY negatives per month and still have a 95 or even a 98% rating. So don't assume a high feedback rating is automatically a sign of a seller who doesn't get negatives. Check the feedback, look at the comments and go from there. Learn to figure out which buyers and sellers are likely to be good bets. Read the comments others have left for them. Trust your instincts.

4.Now that there are Guides, Reviews and Blogs on Ebay, they are another way to tap the minds of sellers and buyers. Use them. You can explore all sorts of subjects by doing so.  If you wonder about the differences between them:
 A Guide is generally a "how to" list or information on a particular item, subject area, etc. "How to Buy books on Ebay" would be an example of a guide.
 A review is an opinion about a particular, book, DVD or item.
 A blog is a collection of posts by a particular Ebayer, sometimes very informal, sometimes grouped around a particular topic (buying, selling, dog lovers, gardening, etc).

5. Remember, Live Chat is always there as well for any quick questions or Help you need. Live Help is wonderful, although wait times do vary and it is best to try a pick a less busy time of day to reach them.

6. Don't let one bad experience turn you off of Ebay. Remember, MOST buyers and sellers with good feedback are honest, care about having a good transaction and do their best. Some don't. Try to focus on the positives and move on if you have a less pleasant experience.

7. Use the Contact Member form to ask questions from experienced buyers and sellers. Some won't respond but many do, recognizing that helping new buyers and sellers is a way to build a stronger, better Ebay.

Have fun!