Tips for Surviving the Holidays on eBay
by Kelley
eBay Staff Member

It's that time of year again! The pages on our calendars will start turning fast, as we all prepare for the holidays. You're probably making a gift list now, planning on the "perfect" gift for each of your loved ones. What better place to shop than eBay?

Once you have an idea of what to get for Uncle Ned, Aunt Liz and Cousin Junior, you may turn to eBay's Search to begin your hunt. When you do, you'll be delighted to learn that this year we have a new program to offer you: eBay Gift Services! Gift Services allows sellers to indicate which of three services they offer: gift wrap/gift card, express shipping and the ability to ship directly to the gift recipient. These should be a huge help to you in taking care of that list! Look for the icon to take advantage of these services. Remember that not every seller will offer all three Gift Services.

This is not the time of year to forget your common sense. If a listing looks too good to be true, it probably is! Be sure to check out the seller's feedback -- go read the comments; don't just look at the number! Remember that eBay does offer the eBay Fraud Protection program, but the program only covers purchases up to $200 and there is a $25 processing fee. If you pay by credit card, you may have more protection, but in either event, you will want to have the gift in time for the holidays, not have to find another and wait for a refund.

Look to see where the seller is. The postal and shipping services will be busy this time of year, so you will want to allow enough time for your package to make it to its destination.

Read every word of the listing, and be sure that you understand what it is that you are bidding on or buying, and how much shipping and handling will be charged. If you have any doubt whatsoever, write to the seller (using the Ask the Seller a Question feature available on the item description page) and ask! This is a very good time of year to look for listings by sellers from whom you have bought in the past and been pleased with their service.

Finally, do not wait until the last minute! Start looking now for those special items, the ones that you know the people on your list will treasure. You can find the most amazing gifts on eBay!