Protecting yourself as a buyer

Find out what to look for before you bid or buy, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you ever have a problem with a purchase, learn about our buyer protection programs.

Top questions

I didn't receive an item I paid for. Does eBay offer insurance?

What's an unpaid item?

Solve a problem

To request a seller’s phone number, click the Advanced Search link at the top right of any eBay page. From the Advanced Search page, click the Find Contact Information link on the left side, in the Members section, and follow the instructions.

It may be just a simple misunderstanding. Email your trading partner. If that doesn’t work, request their contact information and try to call them. You can also use these tips to try to work things out.

I’d like to use a different payment method.

If you haven’t placed a bid yet, use the Ask a question link in the listing. If you’ve already won or bought the item, email or call the seller and ask if a different payment method can be worked out.

I never received my item or the item isn\'t what I was expecting.

If your item hasn't arrived, or is significantly different from its description, first contact the seller. Find out what else you can do to resolve the issue.

I received an email from eBay saying that an unpaid item case has been opened for an item I purchased.

If you buy an item and the seller doesn't receive payment within 4 days, eBay may open an unpaid item case. If you don't respond within 4 days, after the case is opened, the unpaid item may be recorded on your account.

Help topics

Basics

Safe trading tips for buyers
Before you bid or buy, read these recommendations.

Knowing your seller
Get to know your seller and avoid problems later.

Choosing items confidently
These tips will help you make your decision to buy easier.

Contacting eBay members
Trying to get in touch with someone? Find out how.

Communicating with your trading partner
Sometimes misunderstandings happen. These tips will help you work things out.

Using authentication and grading services
Is an item genuine? For a small fee, an independent evaluator can help.

Buyer protection programs

About our buyer protection programs
Learn how our programs and processes can help protect your purchase in case of a problem.

What to do if you don't receive an item or it's not as described
Learn what to do if you paid for but didn’t receive an item, or if the item is different from its description.

eBay's role when you need to resolve a problem
Find out what we can do if you have a problem with a transaction on eBay.

eBay Motors vehicle protection programs
Feel safe when you buy a vehicle on eBay with our protection programs.

Business equipment purchase protection
Business owners who make major equipment purchases are covered by our protection program.

Beyond the basics

Reporting inappropriate trading
Find out what we can investigate and the actions we’ll take.

Limits on seller activity
We’re committed to reducing fraud and negative buying experiences.

Resolving transaction problems in our Resolution Center
If you have a problem with a transaction, contact your trading partner. If that doesn’t work, you can work it out in our Resolution Center.

Appealing unpaid items
Find out how to appeal an unpaid item recorded on your account.

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Center to post a question.

Shortcuts

Find a member

Open a case in the Resolution Center

PayPal Resolution Center

Rules & policies

Seller performance policy

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