Anybody who's every bought a local newspaper will know what the classified section looks like. People put in adverts for things that they want to sell, and people buy these things. Ebay.co.uk is a bit like this. Some puts up an item they want to sell, and people bid for it, the highest bidder at the end of a preset period gets the item (after they've paid :) )
Yes, Ebay.co.uk is an auction site, and a good one at that. It's nice to see an auction site in the UK for a change. The majority of people on sites like QXL.com are based in the US, and so you get all sorts of complications with shipping charges. You can expect shipping charges to be a lot lower (as long as you live in the UK!), as most dealers are based in the UK. It takes away some of the problems of using an auction site.
What are the other problems of using an auction site? Well, you have to be careful what you're getting for a start. That's why it's always advisable to try and see a picture of the item on the site before you buy it. It's also vital that you check the shipping arrangements (seller pays, buyer pays?), and take into account that you'll have to add this on to the final price. And finally, whatever you do - think about what you are doing! I've heard all sorts of stories of people who just keep adding money on to their bid without thinking about it. You are expected to honour your final bid, as much as the dealer is expected to honour the shipping.
Ebay.co.uk also operates a feedback system. This means people who've had a bad experience with a dealer can post a bad report about a dealer for everyone to read, and they can do the same for the buyer. It's a useful thing to have, and I only tend to buy from people who've sold items many times before and had good ratings - it makes more sense.
There's no other advice I can offer other than "be careful"! The site is well laid out and well implemented. I can't comment on the selling side, as I have never done it personally, but I'm sure someone else has an opinion about selling. It's a good site, but I recommend you don't buy anything too expensive, just in case anything bad does happen! Just be cautious, I always am!
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26.11.2002 16:15
I agree that you must be careful. I have noticed that some sellers have taken pictures from other sellers adverts to display on their items or they have taken them from websites. For example I bought an antique from a seller of which they had diplayed a photo of the item that was in immacualte, polished condition but when I got it it was dull and tatty. Later I did a web search for info on this item and found the same photograph being used to sell this item. So even if they do have photos available you still don't know what you are buying
03.01.2001 00:51
I did buy a couple of things, and got quite low prices - I bought a video which cost me about £4 with £1.50 P & P - it is deleted so I was rather happy to get it!
02.01.2001 00:08
hi, good op. incidentally did you buy anything from e-bay? what was best price you got it at? I know you didnt sell anything as you mentioned. thks