Don't be scared of ebaY

I never shopped on ebaY until I actually got a job working for them at a call centre. Mind you, the call centre closed down a few months afterwards. BUT before it closed down I learned enough about ebaY to be more confident when purchasing on the site.

Here are some tips to know:

-Always check the sellers feedback (the little number beside their username). That is an obvious one... but it goes deeper then that. Not only do you check the number, but also the %. I never buy from someone with less then 99%.

-Read other buyers feedback. Make sure the buyers comments are relevant or similar to your item of interest. If the comments are all related to cosmetics and you are looking at a TV from the same seller, there could be something fishy going on... their account could be compromised.

-If there are any negative feedback go and read them and see if you have any issues before bidding or pressing the Buy It Now button.

-Most importantly ask the seller a question or contact them with any concerns you have. ie shipping, price, condition of the item. Communication is key... and be nice about it because the seller is usually always willing to work with you and make you happy.

-Double check shipping and make sure they ship to your country!! You do not want to receive a strike against your account for not paying for an item that doesn't ship to your country!

-Make sure you read the entire listing before moving forward.

-NEVER leave feedback until you are 100% satisfied with the outcome of the transaction.

Let me tell you I have been a member of ebaY since 2006 and I have yet to have an awful experience on the site. I have either had a positive experience or have been able to work with the sellers to come to an agreement or receive a discount or a refund. It is all about communication. Most times they are willing to work with you in order to avoid a negative feedback. The overwhelming majority of sellers are not trying to scam people, they are making a living and are not in the business of ripping people off. This goes back to ebaYs belief that "people are basically good".

Right now on ebaY a seller can leave a positive feedback but not a negative one against the buyer. So there is no reason to be afraid anymore. I am currently training to become an Esthetician. I have bought alot of stuff for nails and eyelashes off the site at an unbeatable price. I am slowly building my kit so that when I have my diploma I won't be overwhelmed with getting my supplies together.

EbaY also has 100% buyer protection on items purchased through PayPal. This makes it easier for members to buy with confidence. The seller is obligated to customer satisfaction.

Divas 2 cents: If you have a particular favorite item and you know the name, style number and everything about it... you may be able to find it cheaper on ebaY! I have done this for expensive bras or jeans. I have tried them on in-store and then found them cheaper on the ebaY (keeping in mind size conversion charts). Hey... anything to save a pretty penny!! :D