What should you beware of when buying clippings in general?

1. Watch out if anyone describes clippings as rare. Unless the magazines or newspapers the clippings are derived from are from the 80's or earlier "rare" is an exaggeration to say the least.

2. Is the postage cost incredibly cheap? Be careful cheap postage may mean your clippings may be folded into a small card backed envelope to get to you. These envelopes are not designed for wads of clippings but for a photograph or two. It is highly likely they will get damaged in such an envelope. Take care that the seller has explained their packaging and that you have confidence in it. Personally I'd raher pay a bit extra to ensure quality packaging.

3. Are you really going to bid or buy 6-10 clippings of a modern day celebrity for £1 + postage? Whilst it's everybody's right to buy what they like I would like something a bit more substantial for my money.

4. Beware of listings with no picture especially where the sellers feedback is low. Why are they not showing you the goods? Are they hiding something?

5. Where there is a picture are the clippings neatly cut or do they appear just torn out without care?

6. Has the seller included just pictures or pictures AND articles - this may be important to you?

7. Does the seller ship to your country? Do they accept the method of payment you wish to use?.

8. I've already mentioned incredibly cheap postage but watch out for incredibly expensive postage. You don't want to bid a dollar for six pieces of paper only to find it's going to cost $30 to post them!

9. Feedback is all very well but don't just look at the level of good feedback. Also look at total positive feedback compared to the "unique" positives. This will show you a sellers return customer rate - the higher the better.

10. 98% feedback is judged good by eBay but think about it. 98%+ positive on 2000+ feedbacks gives you a darned site more confidence than 98% feedback on just 50 feedbacks !

11. How quick will your item be sent? You don't want to wait weeks.Are these details clear.

12. If you are a non-smoker you may not wish your package to reek of stale tobacco. If the seller has not made it clear you may wish to ask if the seller puts their packs together in a smoke filled atmosphere.

13. Finally has the seller made some effort to make his/her listing look professional and is it well detailed? A detailed listing gives you confidence - it shows professionalism.

Enjoy your scrapbooking hobby !