How to buy on eBay: Tips for new & existing customers : eBay Guides

Here are some top tips for new and existing eBay Customers.

When you are looking for an item remember there are a number of ways you can search.

1 - By category.
2 - By Seller.
3 - Keywords. Type in a single word, for example 'craft kit' and eBay will show you everything with that word in the title. Beware though, keywords should be as specific as you can make them, otherwise searches could come up with hundreds of items to look through. So if you want a craft kit by Anchor, type 'Anchor kit'.

4 - Ebay shops. Items from eBay shops do not always show up in the main searches on eBay, especially if you have chosen to look through a big subject area. So in order to see what you can uncover in eBay shops; choose this option at the bottom of the page. You could uncover some great finds.

Once you have your list of products you can further define your search, by:

1 - view the list as ending soon.
2 - view the list as recently listed.
3 - view the list as highest price.
4 - view the list as lowest price.
5 - view the list as condition as new.
6 - view the list as condition as used.
7 - view the list as distance from you.
8 - cut down the list by selecting items for auction only.
9 - cut down the list by selecting items for buy it now.
10 - cut down the list by selecting a category of matching items.
11 - scroll down the page and see the buy it now options from shops and international sellers (they often have items in store, which will not come up in the main search - so remember explore!)

The key to finding what you need on eBay is to visit regularly - eBay always changes daily.

When you have found your item.

1 - View a Seller's feedback, this will give you a good indication of how past transactions have gone for each Seller. If there has been negative or neutral feedback, explore these. Sometimes feedback is not fairly given, or reflects a genuine mistake and sometimes if bad feedback is left on many occasions, stating the same thing. Then you know to avoid this seller, as they may not provide the service the eBay community would wish to promote.

2 - View a Seller's My World Page - Find the Seller's Bio and Blog here if they have them. You can view this by pressing the seller's name in their shop at the top. If it's highlighted that means the link is active and will take you to their My World page.

3 - Remember to view a Shop's other pages - Many stores offer expert advice and tips on their products and policies. You will need to go into each store to find these pages.

4 - Keep an eye on finishing times! Are you going to miss the end of the sale?

5 - Ask questions. Always ask a seller questions if you are unsure about what you are buying. This avoids disappointment if a seller doesn't offer refunds; it also helps seller’s to spot mistakes in listings. These do occasionally happen!

6 - Be clear about payment and delivery terms before you commit to buy, can you adhere to these? Does the Seller have a service policy that suits you? How is you item going to be delivered?

7 - Complete the checkout. This will let the seller know exactly how you intend to pay, so that they can prepare the administration behind your purchase, making the transaction quicker.

8 - Make payments quickly and communicate with your seller. This will help to make the transaction smooth for both the buyer and seller and helps promote positive feedback.

9 - On receipt of your item leave feedback for the seller and remember that eBay feedback now has lots of points that count in a rating, so be fair to the transaction and remember that feedback counts both ways. Try to also bear in mind that feedback covers the seller's total service, so if your differences in a transaction were settled positively, then leaving positive feedback is still a fair option.

Later options.

1 - Save a Seller as a Favourite – This is an easy way to create quick links back to your favourite stores.

2 - Subscribe to shop newsletters and keep up to date with you favourite Seller's sales and discounts.

Other things to consider.

1 - An item finished, but didn't sell - Ask the buyer if they are going to relist an item. They can provide you with a new item number, so that you can find something you missed easily.

2 - Buying multiple items from one Seller can often reduce postage costs.

3 – Visit the forums. Ebay sellers and buyers are easily at hand to give you advice with any queries and problems.

I hope this helps.

Sara’s Texture Crafts