Tips for Finding and Buying

By Neil Rosenfeld

Purchasing on eBay: When purchasing items through eBay, you are most often dealing with individuals or part-time dealers. They are usually honorable and deal fairly, and the odds of having a problem are quite low. However, it is important to take some precautions to protect yourself. First, always check the seller's feedback rating to see if this is someone you want to do business with. Second, save all correspondence until the transaction is final; that is, you have received, inspected, and/or tested the item and you are happy with it. Last, never send cash for your purchase.

Searching for an item:
It is best to begin your search by clicking on Photo & Electronics from the Home page, which will bring you to the Photo Equipment & Consumer Electronics page. From there, you have the option of searching through the individual categories or running a more direct search for a certain type or particular make and model of equipment.

Viewing search results:
Upon completion of your search, you can view each item's description and, if the word "pic" is next to the title, see a picture of it. It is important to read the description carefully and ask the seller any questions you may have before bidding, since bidding obligates you to buy the item if you are the high bidder. You should also check the seller's feedback rating to see if this is someone you want to do business with.

Placing a bid:
When you find something you like, decide what you are willing to pay and enter your bid. If you are not sure what a fair price is for this item, you could run a search of past auctions and see what this item in a similar condition sold for. Another excellent reference for checking the prices of used gear is Shutterbug magazine.

Upon placing your bid, you will immediately be notified if you have been outbid or if you are the high bidder. If you were outbid you can easily go back and bid more if you like. If you are the high bidder, your bid will be increased automatically, as others bid against you, until your maximum is reached. You will receive an outbid notice if your maximum bid is surpassed.

Completing the transaction:
At the conclusion of the auction eBay will notify the high bidder and the seller of the results. It is typical for the seller to make first contact, informing the buyer of the total amount due (final value plus shipping and handling), acceptable method(s) of payment, and their mailing address. If payment is made with a check, there is usually a delay in shipping until the check clears, otherwise the item should be shipped upon receipt of payment.

If you have any concerns about the item or the seller, and you would like to examine the item before accepting it, escrow services are available. For a fee, an escrow service will act as an arbitrator between buyer and seller. They will hold your payment and give you a chance to check out your purchase and return it if you are not satisfied. As a last step to completing the transaction, use eBay's feedback system. If you are happy with the item and the way the seller handled the transaction, take the time to give positive feedback.

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The preceding material was written by Neil Rosenfeld. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.