Check the ending price of items similar to the one you're interested in before you bid. This will increase your chances of winning. Why? You'll be able to better estimate what your bid should be before you place it.

To check ending prices, all you need to do is run a completed listings search. Here's how:

1. Click the "Advanced Search" link at the top of almost any eBay page. It's usually located at the top-right corner.

2. Enter your item in the box.

3. Check the "Completed listings only" check box.

4. Click the Search button.

Once you've run a completed listings search, you'll be able to bid more effectively for almost any item because you'll know the final price range beforehand.