I thought I would quickly write this guide to assist people who are contemplating buying a mobile phone here on Ebay.

• Always try to buy one that is Boxed where possible. Ensure the stickers on the box that contain the phones identity match up with the phone itself.

• Read the description very carefully, unscrupulous sellers sometimes sell links to where you could possibly get the phone cheaper.

• If the price seems to good to be true then avoid it, it probably is.

• Always research prices, a lot of people buy phones that they could buy cheaper in the shops, just half hour browsing the internet will help you avoid this.

• Don't buy phones that are untested, lets face it, its probably broken, it only takes a minute to test if it functions correctly or not.

• Always check the network the phone operates on, ie Orange, Vodafone etc to ensure its compatible with your sim card.

• If a phone is blacklisted or barred then its either reported lost or stolen, sellers sometimes state can be unlocked by a market trader etc, the only way to make it functional again would be to change the IMEI number of the phone, that is an illegal practice and the penalty imposed could be up to two years in prison.

• A phone is often listed stating that it is "Locked to 02/Orange etc". This means that it will only work if the sim card you insert is on the same network. Unlocked  means you can use various sim cards and use it on various networks.

• Unlocked generally means you can insert any sim card, a Third Generation Sim Card (3g) will only work in a 3g enabled handset.

• Always read through the sellers feedback to see just how good their standing is in the Ebay community.

• Try to buy items that have a returns/refund policy for that extra peace of mind.

• Always try to buy phones that have a detailed description of the condition, then if it is described any different then you can pursue a refund if you are not happy.

• NOKIA N70 ON ORANGE WITH CHARGER (No description and no photograph), it could have been thrown at a wall, battered and bruised but the seller doesn't state that so you have no come back.Take the gamble if you wish, it may just be a seller in a hurry listing their items without using a great sales page.

• Always use the ask a seller a question form so that you can paint an accurate picture of just what you are purchasing.

• Don't get caught in a bidding war for a phone, chances are within the hour the same one will be selling again.

• Research ebay for average selling prices and try and stick to that price when bidding. A good way to do this is by browsing through the Completed Items search function available on Ebay.

• If you need a sim card with the phone go to the mobile network website's to get one, in most cases they are free for PAYG users.

• As with all ebay purchases look out for the postage charges and any additional charges like VAT.

• When purchasing aim to purchase via paypal because most listing that offer Paypal display a logo offering full purchase protection, should you require a refund.Ebay standard protection is limited and there is also a surcharge of £15.00 for admin fees.

That's about it really, my best advice is get all the information you can before bidding or buying, if the seller does not respond then do not bid or buy from them and risk your money.

Admittedly some great deals may pass you by, but I personally would prefer to be cautious when spending my hard earned pennies, I would certainly advise the same.

If you would like any help or would like to add anything to this guide then please feel free to contact me at any time via ebay.