I am constantly amazed at the amount of verbal abuse I take for buying things on eBay, OK so the used boxers were a little much but other then that.... I have bought lots of things on eBay from a diamond to more recently a Dodge Intrepid. EBay has also allowed me to get Allot of stuff I wouldn't be able to since I am deployed overseas. I have been pleased with most of my purchases. I have yet to be burned by anyone on eBay but I am also careful of who I buy from. Here are a few tips to help you buy safe.

 

First off didn't bid on the first thing you see, mark it and keep looking. Research the product a little bit, and the seller. Read the sellers feedback, and see what others say. Most buyers wont bash a seller with out just cause. Use your head its just like in the flesh and blood if your instincts warn you something is fishy it probably is.

Ask the seller any questions you have. Most sellers are great when answering questions because they want to sell their stuff to you the consumer. If they avoid answering the question or are just really vague when they answer your question be a little worried. Ask very detailed questions let the seller know exactly what you want to know. You are depending on them to be your eyes for your. If you want to know about that scratch on the CD or the ding in the rear finder ask its your right!

 

If your buying a big ticket item like a car or a diamond then ask the seller about a neutral party like an escrow company or bank (depending on who your bank is I bank with a relatively small bank and they go above and beyond for me) holding the money until you receive the item. Do NOT I repeat DO NOT under any circumstances pay with a wire transfer or western union use something that can be tracked like pay pal or send a money order with tracking a receipt request. These will insure you are not hoodwinked. But if you look at the sellers feedback and its good (I say at least 85% but that's on the very Low end 90's are better!) then you should breathe a little easier.

 

If you are looking for guides or ebooks try google first. Many items like how to turn your TV into a projector can be found on google for free.

 

Buy insurance! If you are worried about something then buy insurance, I know for sure that pay pal will give you insurance for a little extra (usually a few dollars). This will protect you if the item is not as advertised or is broken in shipping. It is a very good thing and a good investment. Also check with the seller on shipping. I got a MUCH better deal on shipping from the seller then I did from a company. Also if you are buying more then one item the seller might (usually does) combine shipping and save you $$.

 

In closing I would like to point out that eBay is just like the real world there are some good deals out there and some scams but the bad is more often reported then the good (if you doubt me ask any restaurant owner bad service will lead to the person telling on average 9 people while good will result in only 3 according to my old manager at Dixie cafe). Use your head and be smart. Don't be afraid or believe everything you hear though.

 

Good Shopping

Spc Parker