The first picture that crosses the mind for most people about second hand items would be something faded, dusty and old. Another popular opinion is that items sold on eBay auctions are fakes. I had the honor of talking to some people who are against eBay auctions and at the same time personally take part in as many eBay auctions that I can afford. It’s just to answer the question of whether things are as bad as some people say.
Image via Wikipedia
Here’s some useful tips I would like to share before you purchase or bid on anything on eBay or eBay auctions. You can avoid a negative experience by simply following these simple rules.
Know your products well.
Someone expressed to me once that “EBay auctions as not being reliable and as a place where you don’t get what you pay for”. First off, I know this comment isn’t true at all. After bidding in more than 30 eBay auctions, I always get what I bid for and still is a satisfied customer now.
The secret to a positive eBay auctions experience is to start off by bidding for simple and lower priced items first (as in my case white metal figurines). You simply have to surf the net and check the product with the manufacturer’s website first before even considering to place a bid. If the seller does not state who the manufacturer is, then do not bid or purchase the product. Trust only sellers who have nothing to hide.
Stick to non electronic/electrical and less complex products.
One bad choice leads to one really bad experience. Normally people make a mistake by not doing their homework and then they blame everyone for it. Try to stick to simple items and not complex items such as electronics or any high end stuff. If you really want to buy an electronic product, check whether the seller has a brick and mortar store other than an on-line store. It is important to note down the address and contact information. The rule of the thumb is still to bid or buy only less complex products when on eBay.
Check the seller’s ratings.
All seller’s have ratings. Most sellers have a rating between 99.8-100%. If you want to be extra safe, only buy from sellers with a 100% rating. A 100% rating means 100% satisfied customers without any incidents. A popular seller also has a icon that states “Power Seller”. It means the seller has sold several thousand items at his or her eBay store. If you choose a five star seller, you can expect a five star service.
Check the seller’s buyer comments.
Buyer comments give you an idea of what the seller is all about. If you see any hint of poor service, you can immediately have the choice of not proceeding any further.
Ask the seller questions about the product, shipping cost etc.
Always ask questions. It’s not only to know about the product but also a good way to log the promises made by the seller to the buyer (that is you). Keep your messages in your inbox just in case. If any dispute happens during and after a transaction, the messages between you and the seller can be used as evidence.
Stick to your trusted seller.
It takes several purchases to find your own trusted seller. Once you have found a trusted seller that stocks up the products that you like, you will begin to have a healthy business relationship with that seller. In return for your loyalty, the seller would be more motivated to continue providing the best service possible like choosing the fastest delivery time and offer the best packing for shipping. That is what makes eBay auctions such a success. A great business model that allows the seller and the buyer to build a sense of trust with each other.
I personally think that used items isn’t really that bad at all. If you want a product in a crispy new box then eBay auctions may not be the right place for you. People really take part in eBay auctions for it’s best prices that can’t be beaten anywhere else. You are actually paying for the product and not the packaging. If you can see past that, I shall say welcome to the club.
Painting a Miniature from eBay Auctions
Website: 2PaintMiniatures.com
Good tips, particularly about the sellers’ rating.
I have bought and sold on ebay so I found this very interesting
Great article for this time of year.
I browsed through Ebay but never bought anything. Your article is very helpful
Your article is very helpful! I agree with buying only from trusted sellers. Good job!
Good tips.
I have browsed Ebay but haven’t bought anything. I know people who buy there and like it.
Graet tips! I haven’t bought anything from ebay yet because I fear that I might get fooled.
Nice tip for this season
Great tips, but I haven’t tried Ebay yet.
Good article. I don’t do eBay much. I have my own store at eCrater.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Have heard of eBay, glanced but did not join, as heard some negative feedback. So good, you manage to find your favorite items there.
my daughter buys loads from ebay shops, mainly clothes and I did buy a dog scooter to run out with my dogs in harness!
Great article! I used to own an ebay store.
Very good article, I often buy from ebay stores.
TX for your wisdom in this area.
My boss uses ebay and he always find everything he need and for a fractions of the price. Great article and put together with very valuable information and written well.
I love this article, my boss uses ebay and he always find everything he need and for a fractions of the price. Great article and put together with very valuable information and written well.
I know people who use ebay and they seem to be satisfied. I tried to sell some things on there one time. It didn’t sell and I had to pay $5 needless to say that was my one and only time.
useful suggestions..
Great advice and yes, doing our homework is very important
We have a small collectables business and both buy and sell on ebay, as well as a NZ auction site called trademe. Ebay is a wonderful experience as long as you’re careful, thanks for putting people’s minds at rest.
Sharif yet another top article you post! Great tips and thanks very much my friend. Craig.
revisiting
These are some interesting and useful tips….
Great tips! Learnt a few things reading this. Thanks!
It is a good business option, something I have to explore soon. Thanks for the info.
I to came from a family were hand me downs was a done deed, and like you didn’t till recently appreciated this.
Do now in fact I love second-hand shops, always on the hunt for a good bargain.
Although I have never looked at e bay I certainly have taken note of your advice here,
wink wink thank you
Mr. Sharif:
Judging by your first and last names, I’m assuming that English is not your native language. So, I strongly suggest that you find someone who is PROPERLY QUALIFIED, to proof-read your articles before you submit them.
Don’t feel offended, but please understand, I am not being critical for the sake of feeling superior.
What happens is that, when other people who are thoroughly familiar with the proper Grammatical Rules, try to read your articles, not only does it become difficult for the reader to figure out what you’re trying to say, thereby making your material more time consuming than it has to be, but even if your facts are accurate, you still come across as an ignorant person with a 3rd. grade education level, for writing.
Believe it or not, when readers get that impression, the writer, any writer, automatically and instantly looses a great deal of his/her credibility, no matter how factually correct their articles may be.
So, better luck next time.
AL.
This is very cool. Thanks,