
Fast Tips For Buyers
New to eBay? Why not join
the 14 million Brits who buy and sell on eBay.co.uk every
month. It’s easy, fun and you can find great bargains right
across the site, from the weird and wonderful to everyday
items.
Here are some tips if you’re thinking of buying on
eBay for the first time…
- Browse the site - take some time to look at
the different categories. Find out what’s on sale and how much
similar items sell for.
- Check sellers’ feedback - see what other users
have said about them. If you click on a seller’s feedback,
you can check out their Detailed Seller Ratings, which tell you
what their customer service is like. And don’t forget to
leave feedback once you’ve received your item. Be honest and
open, so that other buyers will know what to expect.
- Communicate – if you’ve got any questions
about an item, e.g. about details such as postage costs or item
size – just ask the seller direct, before you place a bid.
- Bid, bid, bid - once you’ve found the item you
want, just enter the maximum amount you’re prepared to pay and eBay
will do the rest. Avoid obvious prices, like £5, in favour of
something a bit more obscure, such as £5.51 – to help you pip
someone to the post by a few pence. And if you enjoy the
thrill of the auction, you can bid right down to the wire.
Almost a third of bids happen in the last five minutes of an
auction listing
- Pay safe – when paying, keep your transaction
on the site and pay with PayPal to make sure you’re
protected. Never use a money transfer service such as Western
Union or MoneyGram. There’s a high risk of fraud associated with
these types of payment services and they’re banned on eBay
Fast Tips for Sellers
Everyone has something to sell –
eBay’s not just about the weird and wacky. Most of the things
bought on eBay.co.uk are household items that you probably have
gathering dust around your house. New, unused goods do particularly
well.
Here are some tips if you’re considering selling
for the first time…
- Start by buying – The best way to learn how
eBay works is to buy a few items before you start selling. This way
you’ll already have some feedback too.
- Start your listing at the right time – have a
think about the best times to list – don’t list in the middle of
the night!
- Start at a low price – if you keep your start
price low, you’ll attract more buyers
- The title is vital - the first thing that
buyers see is the item title. You only have 55 characters to get
their attention, so make them count. Include details on condition
and size. If it’s new or used, say so!
- Retail with detail – make sure you include all
available information when you’re describing your item and use
good, clear pictures. Also, make sure you’re on hand after
the sale to provide great customer service. This will ensure
positive Feedback and a great experience for both you and your
buyer!