After several personnal experiances I thought what a perfect time to help others with what I have learned in the buying and selling field of this awesome electronic flea market.

Over the past few years I have sold everything from laptops to clothing to dust from supposed UFO crash sights, no joke. I have had the pleasure of being asked if I am a male or female and feel that I am qualified to sell that particular item to helping a family member over sea's who has millions of dollars but cant buy there cousin in school a cheap laptop. I have also bought items and been scorned by someone with great feedback.

So, with that said I thought I would bring my experiances together to help YOU with your new trip that you are about to embark on.

Lets get started.

1. For sellers. If they have no feedback make a safe option available for you and them. It is difficult for a new ebayer to get started but at the same time certain "individuals" like to join ebay just to pull scams to get certain items. THIS IS BIG WITH LAPTOPS AND ELECTRONICS. Western Union is a great way to get cash but try and use paypal{www.paypal.com} or a credit card first. If you cant do that do a money order and place a time restriction.

2. For buyers. I cant stress this enough, even though fee's are a variable topic GET YOURSELF A PAYPAL ACCOUNT. Many Ebayers like a quick payment and it gets your item to your front door quicker. It also allows you to review your account and copy paste proof of situations if need be. There are many advantages such as protection of funds and even a credit card if you so like for your personal use.

3. For Buyers. The rule applies if it looks to good to be true it usually is, BUT that rule doesnt apply if there are several days left on a item thats listed cheap. Remember bidding doesnt end until that last second and the fun of auctioning is the challenge of  the bid. This leaves us to another topic.. FEEDBACK.

4. For Buyers and Sellers. Feedback feedback feedback I cant go without saying it is the life blood of this industry. Buyers, check the sellers feedback and dont be afraid to read them, good and bad. Sellers, check the buyers background and see if there complaints are the type that may be related to your item. If you are selling time sensitive items and the buyers feedback complaints are "didnt receive in time or seller was slow to ship" and this individual wins.. cover your bases and keep any proof of shipments. Dont be afraid to ask questions, I love the contact member tab.

5. For Buyers. I cant stress this enough. READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION COMPLETELY !!!!! Ebayers HATE when a new Ebayer wins something then complains or leaves feedback about something that was described in the desciption but because the individual saw the great price just jumped with out thinking. This causes 2 things, a poor start to Ebay and possible irreversable damage to both party's.

6. For Sellers. With rule 5 in place this is for you. BE HONEST. Describe your item to the best of your ability. Dont think that because something has a flaw no one will buy it. WRONG !! Alot of Ebayers look for flaws cause they know it will give them a great price opportunity. This is a wonderful selling point and it saves you in case of any descrepancies.

7. For Buyers and Sellers. If something seems leary during a transaction, DONT DO IT. If someone wants to pay for something outside the rules you listed you have the right to refuse. As long as you state how you want paid in your description then you  are golden. Stay within Ebays guidelines. Buyers, if a seller all of a sudden offers you another way to pay outside of his listed agreements DONT DO IT. If they stated it in the description they must abide by it. Now emergencies do happen in life but if that happens contact Ebay and ask for a opinion or go to a Ebay forum and discuss it.

8. Last but not Least. For buyers and sellers. If you are selling something that is in the world of knockoffs or fakes include anything you can to provide proof its legit. If its a fake DONT SELL IT. Buyers, if you are in the market for a brand that has certain companies in the business faking it, research all you can about the item first then see what the seller has to provide proof its genuine. Check everything from feedback to his or her credentuals.

This is a basic start, as you go you will learn the ins and outs and you will find Ebay can be a blast.

Here are some links to help you on your way.

www.paypal.com

Security and Resolution

http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/?ssPageName=home:f:f:US

A great place to learn on Ebay