For eBay buyers, we recommend the following steps to help ensure a successful trading experience:

Before bidding or using the Buy It Now button

• Always read the item listing carefully and make sure you understand the seller's shipping terms, refund and return policy, and other terms and conditions. Your bid or use of Buy It Now is a commitment to buy the item from the seller. 

• Check the seller's sales history through feedback as well as the seller's current items to get an idea of their areas of expertise. For example, if the seller has only sold recipes, and then lists a plasma television, make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid. 

• Make sure your method of payment offers purchase protection. Learn more about buyer protection programs. 

• Know the shipping charges before you buy. 

• Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it often is. Make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid. 

• Educate yourself about eBay's listing policies. 

• Communicate with the seller including using the "Ask seller a question" link on the item listing page. 

• Confirm authenticity of the item. 

• Read about more ways to Know your seller.

Before sending payment

• Contact the seller to arrange payment. You can search for your seller's contact information. 

• Be especially cautious with international transactions, as well as high-price and popular items. 

• For higher-priced items, you can pay using an eBay approved escrow service like Escrow.com.  

• Insure your item. 

• Keep a record of all purchases.

What to avoid

• Paying with instant money transfer services, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, which send cash instantly from storefront locations, by telephone and over the Internet. 

• Transactions where the seller only accepts cash. 

• Unsolicited offers. If the seller offers to sell you the item directly without bidding on and winning the item on eBay, please don't respond. 

• Fake escrow services. Use caution when considering an escrow service to pay for your item. Learn more about escrow.