As this review was written in 2002 originally and Ebay has metamorphosed since then I thought it was time to give my review a bit of a face lift. I’m concentrating the review on a buyer’s perspective as there is so much to know about Ebay.
Look out for a future review from a seller’s perspective.
1. Natwest pigs to Cars
You can buy almost anything on Ebay. Face lifts not available at present, but keep watching as you never know :o)
Beware of fakes. The title of the listing may say Clutch bag (Dior) , but when you get into the details of the listing the words “like Dior” appear. Make sure you read the entire listing before bidding on an item. On a similar note, software guides can be advertised with a picture of the genuine software book but the listing will state quite clearly that what you are getting is an e-book.
2. Bargains
CD’s and DVD’s are often cheap,
but make sure you can’t get them as cheaply on CD Wow or other such sites.
Check the sizes of items. I sell cosmetics on Ebay and find that some buyers will come back to me complaining about the size wasn’t as they expected. However I have always advertised the size of all of my items including pictures of the actual item being sold. Most sellers do. If there isn’t a picture and the size isn’t stated ask before bidding – remember that a winning bid is a legally binding contract.
3. Member ratings
For example my rating is 885. This means that I have received 885 positive feedbacks from different members.
Clicking on the name of the member gives a breakdown of the member’s rating. You can also see the total positive feedback a member has received. This can be a better indicator when looking at some newer members as it means that they may have had repeat buyers – a sign of trust early on. Don’t take this as read though :o)
Check for negative feedback but remember that negative feedback is not always the seller’s or the buyer’s fault. For example one of my earliest negative feedback came from a buyer who refused to pay for the item and the feedback was left in retaliation to my negative feedback!
4. Postage costs
Some seller’s do not show any postage costs. Ask how much they will be charging before bidding and save the email. Although not allowed some seller’s will vary the postage charged on items if they don’t think the item sold for enough. Be aware though that postage costs include the cost of the packaging.
5. Play clever
Watch the item and bid at last minute. The seller can see how many people are watching the item but other buyers can’t. If only one other person is interested and you bid at last minute they will have no idea that you want it too. If you are going to do this go in with the maximum bid you are willing to pay as the current bid price is not necessarily what the current winner is willing to pay. Bid amounts are never shown until the end of the auction.
6. A bid is a legally binding contract
You are entering into a contract when you bid and win. Therefore if you decide not to pay the seller can file a non paying bidder alert. Three strikes and your banned. If you really can’t pay for one reason or another contact the seller and try to negotiate.
If you make a mistake don't panic as you can retract your bid if you entered the wrong bid amount (e.g. £999 instead of £9.99) or if the seller cannot be contacted. However be careful not to use this as an excuse every time you decide not to buy something. Retractions are recorded on your profile, which can result in sellers not wanting you to buy their items (and therefore canceling or banning your bids).
7. Paypal
Paypal is an affiliate of Ebay therefore paying for your purchase or receiving payment for your sales has never been easier. There is a direct link to Paypal within checkout (as long as the seller accepts paypal) so you can pay instantly which cuts out much of the waiting process.
Check the seller’s listing before paying as some expect you to pay the paypal fees (currently 3.4% of the final bid price plus 20p).
Paypal is a method of paying online for items through your bank account or credit card (if the seller is able to accept them). This has to be set up in advance though (www.paypal.co.uk).
8. Patience is a virtue
Remember that most Ebayer’s are not full time sellers. They have jobs too :o) If you pay by paypal then give the seller a few days to get the item off to you.
If, however, you have paid by cheque bear in mind that it may take 2 – 3 days to get to them, another 2 – 3 days for them to bank your cheque and then 5 working days for cheque clearance. Basically, you are looking at about 2 weeks for receipt of your item. Don’t email the seller 2 days after sending your cheque demanding the item!
9. Standard Purchase Protection Scheme
Ebay has set up a protection scheme to protect buyers from fraudsters. If the item you received is not as listed or if the item doesn’t arrive you can claim from Ebay on items up to £120 minus a £15 fee.
Therefore the maximum you will ever receive is £105 for an item of £120 or more. If the item cost £75 then you will receive £60 as long as your claim is approved. Fortunately I have never had a problem like this so I cannot comment any further.
When buying something really expensive use common sense. Would you go to the local street market to buy an engagement ring? Personally, I’d go somewhere with a good reputation (well I’d make him go!) So, use Ebayer’s with good ratings.
10. And finally ...
If you are happy with your purchase leave positive feedback to let other Ebayer's now that the Ebayer is trusted.
I have pointed out some fairly negative aspects of Ebay, but this isn’t to put you off. I’ve been buying and selling since 2002 so I know the pitfalls and hate to see new Ebayer’s falling for fraudsters. The majority of Ebayer’s are 100% genuine. I just want to get rid of the ones that aren’t :o)
If you have any questions feel free to contact me. If I can help I will and if not I’ll try and point you in the right direction.
Happy Ebaying x
by (60%):
by (40%):
28.01.2005 20:45
Thanks for the advice. Ebay is a godsend when you need that extra cash... currently selling off my possesions to pay bills :) fun!
08.09.2004 17:17
Some great advice there, especially for somebody like me who's only recently dipped his toes in the eBay water. Martin
26.08.2004 14:12
I adore Ebay - it's like a God send when stuck behind my desk all day! I've made quite a bit of money too selling clothes and shoes I've never worn! Sarah x