Check feedback:
Did you know that all Ebay users have an opportunity to provide feedback? This shows both buyers and sellers who has been dealt favorably or negatively with as well as any neutral opinions that may exist. An Ebay member’s feedback gets added up and shown as a score or percentage of positive feedback. If a person is considering making a purchase from an Ebay seller, it is essential that they read the feedback and understand feedback scoring. A person with hundreds of sold items and a positive feedback rating would be a better choice over someone with a low feedback score and only a few items sold.

Ask questions:
Ebay buyers can relieve many future headaches by simply asking questions. If shipping charges aren’t clarified, ask the seller. If the item description is vague, ask the seller questions. Most items give potential buyers the option to email the seller and in some cases the opportunity to phone the seller. Email or call the seller before bidding to clarify things such as sizes, colors and condition of item you want to buy as well as the cost and method of shipping. A buyer that does not ask questions and decides not to pay on a winning bid puts himself or herself in the position to receive negative feedback from the seller.

Payment Options:
Each auction lists the preferred method of payment that a seller is willing to accept. Some sellers are able to receive electronic payments via online methods such as PayPal while others opt for the standard method of checks or money orders. If a buyer is not comfortable sending payment via the postal service, he or she may want to bid only on auctions that offer PayPal or vice versa. Never send cash!

Shipping Options:
Most sellers will list the shipping methods and amounts. A buyer should look at these amounts carefully. Is the seller charging an exorbitant amount for an item that will be shipped in a letter sized envelope? He or she may want to shop elsewhere. If a buyer offers insurance on an auction, it is a good idea for a seller to purchase this. Most sellers will not offer a refund if an item is broke in transit without insurance.

Location:
Where is the seller located? If the seller is located in Canada or the United Kingdom, the auctions will usually be listed with his or her native currency. Some Ebay sellers will not ship items internationally and if they do, the shipping charges will be extra. Watch this carefully.

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