As a new ebay user you may not be aware of how Ebay works.  Its not just find it, bid on it, pay for it, get it and volia!  Weather you are here to buy or sell there are a few things that will help you get started.  If your intention is to sell on Ebay this guide will give you a few hints and tips.  If you plan on buying (which all sellers should start out doing) this guide should help you understand a little more about the process.

Ebay has a little bit of everything.  If you want it, you can probably get it on Ebay.  Most sellers put keywords into thier auction title to make it easier for you to search.  For instance, if you are looking for a Digital Camera and you do a search for Digital Camera you will come up with over 27,000 cameras.  That can make it a bit daunting for a first time ebayer (or even a seasoned ebayer)  But you can narrow down your search by using words with Digital Camera such as NIP, which means New In Package or NR which means that the auction does not have a reserve price. (Reserve price is a set price the seller made before the auction and the item does not have to go to the high bidder if the reserve has not been met)  When I search Digital Camera NIP I found 14 cameras!  Makes it a little easier to search through!

Another important factor when you are looking at the search results page is the shipping price!  Alot of sellers will have their auctions start at say a penny (yes, even on a Digital Camera) and the buyer says "WOW!  A digital camera for a penny!" and they bid.  Little did they know that the shipping was $75.00 for this little camera!!  So pay attention to the shipping costs and if they are not listed, ASK!  Another note that goes along with this is Country!  Make sure that you know where this product is.  If you need it next week you aren't going to get it if it is in China.

The products on Ebay come from strangers to you.  Its not as easy as walking into a store, holding what you want in your hand, paying the friendly cashier for it and going home to use it.  CHECK THE FEEDBACK!  Anything less the 98% is not good!  98% should be good, that would mean an A on the test if we were in school.  But we're not.  If someone has negatives, theres a reason and hit that back button!  I should point out though that sometimes a negative is unjustified so read the Feedback and any replies to it to make your deschion.  You can even click on the tab at the top of the feedback page and read what feedback has been left for others, which might factor into your deshion making.

One last piece of advice I have to the buyers is that Ebay has a ton of forums that will help you.  These are sellers and buyers on these boards and most are very friendly and willing to help you in anyway they can.  If you have any questions, go there to ask.  I have included a couple of them below:

Seller Central - these folks here will help sellers and buyers alike.  A very friendly and helpful board!

Buyer Central 

If you have come to Ebay hoping to sell my best piece of advice to you would be buy first!  Not only will you gain feedback, which is a very important factor in how well you will sell but you will also learn a little about the whole process that is Ebay.  When you do start selling, start small by selling items around your house that you no longer want or need (now is a good time to clean out that attic!)  As you gain feedback you will gain the trust of buyers to spend more money on your items.

I hope this was helpful to you all and HAPPY EBAYING!

More helpful information can be found in these guides:

Mistakes To Avoid

Tips To Make A Profit