Know before you buy. Here are some tips to help you buy more confidently.

Know the item

• Review the item description, checking for any discrepancies. Compare the item to similar items. 

• Make an independent assessment of the condition of the item. Be realistic in your expectations of used or older items. 

• Contact the seller with any questions about the item’s condition. 

• Review details about shipping, insurance, and payment options. 

• Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or if the listing has a significantly delayed shipping time. 

• Make sure that the item is legal and allowed according to eBay's listing policies.

Confirm authenticity

• When buying collectibles, take steps to confirm that the item is authentic. Learn more about authentication and grading 

• Have a third-party authentication service inspect the item. For example you can get opinions about sports memorabilia, coins, stamps, and jewelry.

Consider escrow for high-priced items

• Popular higher-priced items (computers, jewelry, and electronics) may carry a higher fraud risk. Give extra scrutiny to the transaction. Learn more about escrow services. 

• Use caution if you pay through an escrow service. Use www.escrow.com, eBay’s approved escrow service.

Use caution with overseas transactions

• Remember that different laws may apply.  

• Allow additional time to receive your item. For more information, see Buying Internationally.

Insure your items

eBay highly recommends that buyers insure their items and that sellers ship packages in a traceable manner.