There are lots of different groups on eBay - collectors clubs, mentoring groups, news and events, professional, interests, crafts, State, regional, hobby, and general eBay groups either for the buyer or seller.

First, go look at the page on groups. See what types there are - find a few categories that you have an interest in. You can access the group page here - http://groups.ebay.com/index.jspa?categoryID=1&redirected=1 . There are private and public groups. Public groups are open to anyone  while the private groups you will need an invitation or you need to request permission to join. eBay has a page on groups which tells you about them - you can access it  from here - http://pages.ebay.com/help/newtoebay/group-overview.html .

The first category I looked at on eBay groups, as I am a seller, was eBay Sellers. Using the eBay Seller group as an example, click on that and there are quite a few groups listed. You can check out each group - the problem is that in order to read the discussions on some groups, you have to be a member. Some groups allow you to read discussions without joining, some don't. I needed to reduce the number of groups to just a few to check out. I looked at the number of members each group had first. I wanted a group that had been in existence for awhile but I did not want too large of a group. On the other hand, I did not want too small of a group. I narrowed it down and joined them.

After joining the few groups I had selected, I entered the first Group's page and checked it out. First, did the group have a moderator? There has to be someone in charge. Next, how active is the group? The discussions have dates on them. Are the members helpful to new members? Check out their New Member section. Finally, look at the discussions themselves. I wanted a fun group but also one that was serious about eBay selling. The first couple of groups I looked at were not active, not selling orientated, and on one the moderator has not been in the room for a month. After deciding, I did not want to join those groups I had to remove myself from them. I continued on until I found a group of serious eBay sellers.

After a couple of weeks, I decided that I liked the group so much, I went out and looked at other categories. I found a few groups on the types of hobbies that I do. I really enjoy my groups. The regular members have become online friends. Some of my groups meet at a restaurant twice a year so that we can all meet. Overall, the groups are fun and I have learned so much. I have been a seller for several years and I was amazed at some of the things I had missed.

So, should you join a group? Sure. If it turns out that you do not like the group, you can leave and find another one with a better fit. Hope this helped you out some - Mmoonchld

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