When you purchase an item on eBay, you can feel confident about shipping by knowing what to expect:

• Before you purchase your item

• Purchasing your item

• After you purchase your item

Before you purchase your item

Shipping Costs

As a buyer, to avoid possible problems or misunderstandings, you should consider the shipping costs and shipping services before you bid on or buy an item. Be sure to review the item description carefully for any additional information. If you have any questions about shipping, please contact the seller before you bid on or buy the item.

Important factors to consider include:

• How much does shipping and handling cost?

• Does the seller ship to my area?

• Can I get the item fast?

• Can I track my package?

• Is insurance offered?

• Can I get a shipping discount for buying more than one item?

When you view an item, you can see if the seller ships to your area, the shipping services available, the cost of shipping, and if shipping insurance can be added.

The seller can use flat cost shipping, which is the same price to all buyers. Or the seller can use calculated cost shipping, which is based on your location. Sellers will sometimes list two or more shipping services. Expedited shipping usually costs more, but can be useful if you need the item right away; however, you may not need the item right away and may prefer a less expensive shipping service.

Your shipping address

To make sure that your item is shipped to you correctly, make sure that your shipping address is accurate. You can change or add a shipping address when you pay for an item using the Pay Now button.

Some sellers may ask you to use a "confirmed" shipping address when you purchase items with PayPal. Your confirmed shipping address is the same as the credit card billing address that you have on file for PayPal. If you have already set this up, you just need to make sure that this address is linked to your eBay address book. Then, select this as your shipping address when you make your purchase using the Pay Now button.

Purchasing your item

Pay for your shipping costs at the same time that you pay for your item. If you have questions about the total cost of your item including shipping, you can request the total from the seller. To do so, click the "Request total from seller" link on the Review Your Item page when you use the Pay Now button to purchase your item on eBay.

You can select your shipping method in the Order Details section on the Review Your Item page. Click the "Show all shipping options" link next to the Shipping heading. Up to three different shipping options may be available for each item. The cost and estimated delivery times are displayed for each shipping option.

Shipping Discounts

Some sellers offer to combine items into one package and offer a shipping discount. You'll see your shipping discounts when you purchase your item using the Pay Now button. If you have any questions about the amount, contact the seller.

After you purchase your item

Depending on the shipping service, you may be able to track your item. If the seller prints the shipping label using PayPal, you can see the tracking number and tracking status of your item on your Order Details page from My eBay.

To track your item from My eBay:

Some sellers may include tracking information in their email to you. Also, some sellers may include the option of paying for insurance to protect your item against loss or damage. However, eBay does not require sellers to provide tracking numbers or insurance.

Problems with Shipping

If you have a problem with shipping, we recommend that you contact your seller first. If you're unable to resolve your problem, you may be able to open an Item Not Received or Significantly Not as Described dispute.

Sellers may charge reasonable shipping and handling fees to cover the costs for mailing, packaging, and handling the items that they sell. However, charging excessive fees for shipping violates the eBay Excessive Shipping Charges policy. Review the item description carefully to make sure you understand what the shipping costs are.