Before You Buy/Sell on eBay

• Know what you are looking for, including specifics (brand, size, model).

• Check reviews at Epinions, Amazon,  Consumer Reports.

• Know what the going price is through eBay completed sales, My Simon, Amazon, Becketts (sports memorabilia), BookFinder (books).

How to Buy on eBay

1.  eBay Learning Center - It's free, it's comprehensive, it's from a reliable source.

2. Get an account. Once you register, you can bid and sell. Otherwise, you can only window shop.

3. Find what you want. Most often, you will run a keyword search, but use the directories to your advantage.

4. Badly listed items sells for less (if you can find them) as do badly described items.

5. My eBay. Keeps track of purchases, sales, bids, watched items.

6. Evaluate. 

   • Check the condition. New, used, refurbished, gray market?

   • Can you be sure it is what you want? You will not be able to complain if item is "as described."

   • How much is shipping? Can you combined shipping? 

   • Check feedback. Ask questions if you are unsure.

7.  Different ways to buy or bid.

   • Watching can be fun.

   • Bit by bit bidding and sniping. Save money, spend time.

   • Set a maximum and walk away.

   • Buy it now - save time, spend money.

   • Best offer - new option.

   • See if there is a reserve. No, you can't find out how much it is.

   • Stores can be cheaper and more reliable.

8. Paying for it.

   • Know what payment forms are allowed before bidding.

   • Money orders can add to the cost of purchase. Checks will delay shipping.

   • Paypal. Secure, private, preferred by many sellers. Transaction fee paid by seller. Owned by eBay.

   • Escrow. More secure for large purchases, but not free.

How to sell on eBay

1. Know what you are selling. What model number? How old? What condition? Warranty? Return policy?

2. Auction or set price? Reserve? Display options.

3. Enter details

   • Everything that will help the buyer.

   • Copy from manufacturer's site or have eBay fill it out for you.

   • Photo (one free). Note if it is a stock photo.

   • Payment options, such as Paypal, money order, check.

   • Shipping and handling. Insurance as an option.

   • Shipping restrictions.

   • Set a start / end time.

   • Every option costs you but may make the sale.

4. Set a reasonable price. Check completed sales. Relisting takes time=money.

5. Preview listing and fee.

6. Be prepared to answer questions.

Sales income and expenses

Net = $1.26

Other Options

• Etsy - Buy and sell arts and crafts.

• Craig's List - More like an online garage sale. Less oversight, protection, organization and description. Mostly localized, with pickup instead of mailing. No middleman, so no fees. No account required, though having one makes it easier. No contract agreed to online, so sale isn't complete until you hand over the money.

Located at http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/programs/ebay.html

Last updated 11/06/2012