Warning -- Addictive!!!
Written: Aug 03 '01
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The Bottom Line
You should go look around and see what you can find... I doubt you can resist making a bid.
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| Full Review |
Ebay has proven itself as the King of all auctions. There is simply nothing you can't find there. I have bought tickets, a computer, endless jewelry items, material, beads, art, gifts, CD-burner, etc. It is truly a place where you can find something unique AND a place where you can find someone who values that thing you were going to throw away if you didn't find something better to do with it.
Some advice on purchases...
1. If you are buying something on the commercial market, look around, sometimes people tend to bid prices higher than you can find on stores online. In fact, I have seen people bid higher than the retail price on the website of the seller. Just do a little research, especially if making a big purchase.
2. Read the seller's feedback. Just because they have a lot of positive feedback doesn't mean there isn't a bag of negative feedback. No matter how nice the item is, you do not want to deal with a seller who doesn't get you the right product, for the right price, at the right time.
3. Check payment types! You will find people who only accept international money orders, while others accept paypal (my favorite) which allows me to pay as soon as I receive my "end of auction" notice.
4. Look at the shipping costs. I think this is where some sellers make their entire profit. I bought a $6 item the other day (a great deal) but the shipping was $5. I almost doubled the price. Given, for this item it was still worth the cost, do look at the shipping price and consider it when bidding.
5. If you get something and decide its not really what you wanted... sell it! You'll usually at least make up what you paid. (Now if the product isn't as promised, then make sure to deal with the seller, and then ebay if the seller isn't responsive.)
A good thing to know about ebay is that it is guaranteed... you are insured. I have not yet encountered someone who didn't send me what I ordered.
Advice to the seller:
1. Get a picture. But don't get 10 pictures. Slow pages are very discouraging.
2. Describe the item completely. Tell me everything, but don't ramble on with useless facts-- it just makes your ad an eye sore.
3. Start the price low. People like to barter... people get competitive. Start your price low, it will work its way up. If you're worried about getting enough money, then set a reserve.
4. Accept as many forms of payment as you can stand, including Paypal and Billpoint and Personal Checks.
5. Be reasonable on your shipping.
6. Contact the buyer immediately after the end of the auction and exchange all necessary information.
Ebay is the place to go. I have gotten many deals. I now own many unique items. And it is key to finding that unique gift for friends and family.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me: An engineer and a dance teacher/performer all in one...
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