For Buyers:
Seller's Feedback
Always check the seller’s feedback score. If it’s less than 90 percent positive, find out why by reading comments left by previous users. In many cases, the issue is resolved, but you need to confirm that before you place a bid. Unhappy buyers will often leave comments describing exactly what the seller did to upset them: if several users have the same story, odds are the seller really did something wrong, and more than once.
Research
Know exactly what you’re getting. Research the item before you place a bid. If nothing else, you’ll know how much it’s really worth and not be sucked into the bidding frenzy. Few things in life are worse than excitedly paying 100 dollars for an item that’s actually worth 75.
Use PayPal
Pay by PayPal as often as possible. You receive buyer protection and have a solid record of money sent to the seller. In addition, you can also purchase extra coverage for just a few cents to ensure that your disputes, if any, are resolved quickly and satisfactorily.
Better yet: make a credit-card payment through PayPal for double protection. Don’t use checks or money orders unless you truly trust the seller. Otherwise, he or she can cash your payment and never send you the goods – and there’s not a whole lot that you can do about it.
Know the payment methods that eBay supports and promotes and stick with them. If a seller e-mails you after the auction ends to ask you to use a different payment method, contact eBay for instructions on what to do. The seller isn’t always trying to scam you, but you have the right to query before you send any money.
Shipping Insurance
Buy shipping insurance, or at least a tracking number, whenever possible. Even if the seller is legitimate and trustworthy, the shipping service might damage or lose your item. Paying a few dollars for protection against these possibilities will make the resolution process simpler and faster.
Leaving Feedback
Always leave feedback for good buyers as soon as possible after you receive the item. If you’re a good buyer who takes the time to thank and praise the seller, other eBay sellers will be more willing to work with you. And the buyer is more likely to leave good feedback for you.
