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Knowing your seller
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Before you buy from a seller, here are some ways you can get to know them.

Look at the seller's Feedback.
Check the seller's detailed seller ratings and Feedback before you make a bid by clicking on the seller's Feedback score next to the seller's user ID in the Seller info section of the listing. If a seller has no Feedback or negative Feedback, use the Ask a question link to find answers to questions or send a message to the seller.
Note the icons by the seller's user ID.

Icon

Meaning

Top-rated sellers are PowerSellers who have achieved the highest DSR ratings.

The seller created an About Me page to tell you more about themselves. Click this icon to open their About Me page. (Buyers can create an About Me page too.)

The seller is ID Verified. When a member gets ID Verified, a third-party company working with eBay confirms the member's identity by cross-checking their contact information across consumer and business databases. Learn more about ID Verify.

The user has been a registered eBay user for 30 days or less.

The user has changed their user ID within the last 30 days.

Get answers about the item.
  • If you still have questions about the item after reading the description or terms of sale click the Ask a question link. If you don't see your answer, you can send a note to the seller.

  • If you’ve bid on or won the item and haven't received communication from the seller, you can also request the seller’s contact information.

Read the seller's policies on shipping, payments, and returns.
  • Shipping and handling: Look at shipping and handling charges before you bid or buy. 

  • Payment: Look at the payment options the seller offers.  Electronic methods such as PayPal, Moneybookers, ProPay, Paymate, and Internet merchant credit card payments offer the best security and can be the fastest way to get your item shipped. For most categories, you won't be able to pay with cash or instant cash wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram.  Here's more about choosing a payment method.   

  • Returns: Read the seller's return policy before you bid or buy. Contact the seller if you have any questions. Some questions you might want to ask include:

    • Does the seller accept returns, or is the item sold as is?

    • Under what circumstances can you return the item?

    • Would you have to return the item to the seller within a certain time period?

    • What kind of refund does the seller provide?

    • Who pays for return shipping and handling?

    • Does the seller charge a restocking fee?

View the seller's other items.
You can view other listings offered by the seller by clicking the Related items and services tab. An enlarged image and details on each item appears when you place your pointer over an item's image. To see additional items, click the See other items or Visit Store link in the Seller info section.
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