E-Bay First Timer..Chicken Needing Courage

[Girls Scout Leader]

I have never used e-bay. Ok, so I am getting into the new century kicking and screaming. My DS got an X-Box for Christmas and the prices there are just incredible, comparing to retail.

I was taught that if it seems too good to be ture, it probabally is.

so how do you get these good deals? I read the intro tutor, and it seems actually quite easy.

Easy and cheap, plentiful.

So what's the drawbacks? I am a coward. Please reasure me.

 

[minniecarousel]

I'm a newbie too. DH just replaced my childhood Barbie, so I'm having fun buying her clothes! Honestly, read the seller's feedback. I have so far used only PayPal to purchase, and it seems to work fine. Check the shipping charges before you bid. One seller is charging me $5.00 to ship a doll dress that can fit into a padded envelop! Good luck.

(Hopefully, you'll get some responses from the Ebay vets!)

 

[MerryPoppins]

I've been ebaying for several years. I sell and I buy. We've had several bad experiences, but many excellent ones.

My advice?

Know the going price by doing an advanced search for closed auctions. See what the game or whatever has gone for in the past. That gives you an idea of how to bid.

Check feedback of the seller. If they have a lot of negatives, beware! I'm not saying don't buy from them, but be aware that others have had problems.

Ask questions before bidding. If you wonder if a game comes with the manual, is in excellent condition, is original instead of a copy, etc., ask. Also find out what the shipping will be in advance.

Check to see what else the seller has available. You can save on shipping if they have more than one item you'd like to have and they are willing to combine shipments.

Have fun. Oh and check half.com too. They have great deals as well.

 

[Robinrs]

Yes, the deals DO exist! As with anything if you're a educated consumer you can do very well on eBay.

Everyone's advise about feedback is so right on. With anything you need to make sure whoever you're buying from is trustworthy. Feeback will let you know if there are any big problems. Of course, there are some buyers NO ONE can satisfy so read the negatives to see if they are worthwhile.

I got nearly 90% of my son's Christmas on eBay. He's a Nintendo fan and I got him games for 2 to 3 dollars each! He also loves GI Joe and I got him two vintage collectable GI Joes, New in box with EVERYTHING for $13.00! That was less than the faux Joes in Target!

Also CHECK THE SHIPPING! Some people try to make all of their profits in the shipping costs! I was looking for a laptop carrier an saw one for $1 buy it now. Checked the shipping and it was a ridiculous $25!! I sell also and I know that's not possible for the size of that item. I sent a buyer 5 handbags for less than that!

Welcome to my world. I was a chicken at first, too but with a little bit of education, eBay can be FUN!

 

[clutter]

Check out half.com. I buy most of my movies there, less work than ebay, lower prices than "buy it now!" I think they sell a lot of the computer games there, too. Plus, shipping is a standard amount, usually.

 

[elmosmom]

Ebay is great fun but as others mentioned there are a couple things to watch.
Beside checking feedback be sure to watch shipping and handling charges. They can be very out of line. I think taking the insurance is a good idea--My best advice though is save any correspondence you have had with the seller until the item is in your hands. This would be e-mails and even money order receipts, if you use them. I also note when payment is mailed. This all is helpful if there is a problem.

Someone once told me to have a charge card used only for online purchases. We always pay with money orders--keeps me from over buying--

 

[CajunDixie]

FYI There is a huge Ebay thread on the Budget board.

Just double check feedback.....actually go read some of them. And check all shipping fees.

 

[Girls Scout Leader]

OK! This does sound doable. I did know about the feedback but did not think about the shipping or to check the other items they may have also or aabout sold items. And I should have known that one, because in Real Estate, we check "solds" for guidence on pricing properties.

thanks everyone!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Glad to help!