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eBay Buyer Checklist
Before ever bidding on an item, use the following checklist to make sure you've done your homework and get a good a deal as possible. After you use this checklist a few times it will become second nature.
- Searching
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When searching for your item, make sure you've done the following:
- Know exactly what you're looking for (SKU, manufacturer, etc.)
- Search Retail or Price Compare engines for going price
- Checked for misspelled words in the title
- Take note of any buy-it-now and reserve prices
- Determine your maximum price for the item
- Item Evaluation
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You've found several possible items, for each item make sure you've done the following:
- Confirm it's the exact item you want
- Read the description for any possible issues - heavily used, broken or missing parts, etc.
- Review the seller's feedback - is it consistent with the item
- Review shipping costs - confirm with seller if details are not included
- Confirm shipping location - will they ship it to your country?
- Review item location - is it in a different country?
- Ask seller any questions about the item (and received response)
- Are the pictures of the actual item, or are they "stock photos"?
- Does the seller have other items you can combine to save on shipping?
- Is it a "Dutch Auction", and if so, how many do you want?
- Is the return policy acceptable?
- Is it an authentic item, or is it a forgery/duplicate/photocopy/etc.?
- Is it Buy-it-Now, reserve price, make offer, or other type of auction?
- Bidding
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- Sign In on eBay
- Wait until the last possible time to bid - "sniping" is usually very effective at saving money
- Know your maximum and bid that - eBay's proxy bidding will handle the rest
- Confirm you bid was placed
- After the Auction
- If you didn't win, re-evaluate the price you bid and the winning bidder
- Verify the bidding results on the item page to make sure you were the winner
- Don't use third-party "partner" checkout services. Most are safe, but eBay's checkout works very well.
- Type the URL in the address bar - don't use links inside email's.
- Before typing in your password _ANYWHERE_, verify the URL/Address in the browser window.
- Verify the final price and shipping/handling amount
- Don't fall for any scams - (extra large money orders, etc. They can be forged easily)
- After receiving the item, verify it's the correct item and as described. If not, use eBay's recommend resolution steps to resolve any problems with the seller.
If you have a additions for this checklist, please contact us.
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