So, you have a new computer for Christmas or are having a sneaky go on the kids?

Where better place to try it out than Ebay! You can nab yourself a bargain, but do follow a few simple rules.

• Know your seller, They may have lots of feedback comments, But you should check the good feedback percentage before you bid...Make sure your seller does not have lots of negs, and if they do, check them out...do they usually deliver the goods?

• Ask any relavant questions BEFORE you bid....sometimes size really DOES matter, make sure you ask dimensions if they are relavant and not already listed!

• Check out the postage costs, ask before you bid if they are not listed you dont want to pay over the odds.

• If you buy more than one item, ask the seller if they give a discount...it's not compulsory, but good sellers will want repeat business from you and will offer cut price posting to save you money!

• What if you dont like it? Sellers are not obliged to exchange/give refunds just because you have changed your mind. But some will, you should ask if they have a retun policy if there is not one on the listing.

• Make sure you can pay in the way the seller asks in the listing....if they say Paypal only, no good bidding if you are only prepared to pay by cheque, it just causes aggravation.

•  Dont EVER leave bad feedback for somone just because you dont like an item or it's broken when you get it...Play fair and give your seller chance to put things right for you by emailing them about any problems and giving them reasonable chance to respond.

• If in doubt....ASK most sellers would prefer a few questions before you bid, than any mix ups after the auction closes.

• Pay up as soon as you can...certainly within a day or two, paypal is easiest and gets you your goods quicker....no waiting for cheques to clear!

• Good Luck!