Beginner's Guide to e-Bay
Written: Oct 10 '01
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The Bottom Line
Always know what you are bidding on. Shop around before hand so you know what a true deal is! E-bay is a great if you communicate!
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| Full Review |
I have only been an active e-bay participant for about two months. Although I had visited the site long before... it's not until you actually make your first bid that you get hooked! I have learned a lot in a short time about how e-bay works, how to win and how to know what you are getting. I hope I can help you in your future e-bay endevors.
The first item I bid on was a amber pendant. I love jewelry, especially antique and unusual pieces - and couldn't turn down the opportunity to price my own jewelry! So e-bay appealed to me right away. I was so excited when I placed my first bid and read 'Congratulation, you are currently the highest bidder!".
Since then, I have purchased several other items. I have had pretty good experiences every time... however, I certainly have learned some things that I would like to share. I will explain below.
1. I have had the best luck waiting until the last minute to bid. That way, your competition may be caught off guard and not realize you have bid. It sounds sneaky, I know... but that's how you win on e-bay! It is important to know - and I had to learn this the hard way - that just because you bid a certain price does not mean that the item will sell for that high of a price. The price goes up in increments. So go ahead and put in the highest price you would pay for the item - that is your best chance of winning!
2. I seem to get the best deals by bidding on the items that are' Going, Going, Gone.' These are items that auctions' are ending within 5 hours. I always try to get an overlooked item at the last minute. It has worked for me so far!
3.Always know what you are bidding on. Ask questions and get answers. Make sure you know the sizes, weights. quantity & material of items. I also learned this the hard way with my first item. As I opened the package that held the box with my amber pendant... I was shocked to see that the box was barely large enough to house a dime!!! Not at all what I was expecting. Pictures can be deceiving, so ask questions!
4. This leads to communication. E-bayers love communication. Once you win an item, contact the seller. Or if you are a seller, contact the winner promptly. Discuss payment options and clearly state your plan for payment, shipping etc. You can never communicate too much!
5. Finally, leave feedback for people you have bought / sold from. Other e-bayers appreciate true opinions on your experiences. It is also important, as it is in e-pinions, to build up trust and confidence. After all, you are 'trusting' that when you send your money that you will get something in return. It is nice to know the person you are sending your money to has a good record.
E-bay has a lot to offer. It is a dream for collectors of all types! I look high and low in antique stores, thrift stores and unique shops everywhere I go searching for amazing jewelry. I have found more in a couple of months on e-bay than I have in several years of shopping across the country. May I share my luck with you! I hope this helps your e-bay experiences be more enjoyable... and economical! Good luck with your bids!
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About the Author
Member: Ali Rosselle
Location: Cary, NC
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 5 members
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