Here is a simple guide to making a purchase on eBay!!

If you are new to ebay, it is completely simple to make a purchase.  First, you need to find what it is you are looking to buy.  For example, let's just say you are looking for a toddler boys Ralph Lauren button down shirt.

First and foremost, register with ebay, it's very quick, easy and free.  All you need is a valid email address.  You can get one of those for free too at yahoo.com.  Ok, so now you have registered.  I have found the best way to make a transaction quick, is to pay through PayPal.  You can pay through paypal with a debit card, credit card, or check.  So if you like, go ahead and register at www.paypal.com as well.  It's also free, quick and easy for buyers.  Some seller may accept a money order or personal check, but most accept paypal, and alot accept paypal only.

So you've got your payment method established!  Great! 

Now back to that shirt you're looking to purchase.  In the top right corner, you click BUY.  You then choose what field you are looking to buy in, so for our example, you would click, CLOTHING< SHOES< & ACCESSORIES, then click INFANTS & TODDLERS, then click BOYS CLOTHING, then click the appropriate size, then click SHIRTS.  This will give you a vast amount of items to look through.  A great way to find more related items to your search is at the top, there is a description box.  Type in the box what you are looking for, be as descriptive as possible such as:  Red Ralph Lauren Button Down Shirt.  Then click search.  This will give you all the related items to what you are looking for.

There are three ways to make a purchase on ebay.  AUCTION, FIXED PRICE, or BEST OFFER.

The quickest way to make a purchase is to choose the fixed price or buy it now option.  Simply click buy it now and continue as it guides you through and helps you make your purchase and payment.

Now, you may see an item that states 19.99 or best offer.  If you want to try and get it at a lower price than 19.99, you click best offer, and then type in what you would like to pay for the shirt (let's say $16.00 is your maximum).  So type that in and you will get a response within 48 hours from the seller, whether they have chose to accept your offer or decline your offer.

If they accept your offer of 16.00, then that's what you'll pay for the shirt.  If they decline your offer, then you may get the option to make another offer or you may just have to pay the 19.99.  Another thing is the seller can make you a counteroffer, let's say of $17.00, you can then choose to accept this price, decline this price, or make another counteroffer (say 16.50).  Then you will wait for the seller to accept or decline again.

The most popular way to purchase on eBay is the Auction style listings.  You actually bid on the item you wish to purchase, and when the auction is over, you can find out if you are the winner or not.  Be sure to bid your maximum amount you are willing to pay so that you have the best shot at winning the item.

Very easy, convenient and FUN!  Soon enough, you won't want to ever set foot in a mall again!