Ebay buyer Tips

Do your research
Learn all you can about the item. Read the item description carefully. Make sure you understand details about shipping, insurance, and payment options. Don't make assumptions about details that aren't included in the description.
Ask the seller questions. If you have any questions or are unsure about the listing, contact the seller by clicking the seller's User ID or the "Ask seller a question" link on the item page. Common questions include "Do you accept returns?" and "How will you ship the item?" If you have bid on an item and are having a problem communicating with a seller through email, you can request their contact information from Ebay
Check the seller's Feedback. From the item page, click the number in parentheses following the seller's user ID. You'll see what other buyers have to say about doing business with the seller.
Research the item's value.
Look at similar completed listings using the completed listings . You can also visit online stores that sell similar items to help determine what the item is worth.
Check the legitimate item list
Make sure the item is legal and allowed. If you have any doubts as to whether the item you're interested in is allowed, check the policies on prohibited, questionable and infringing items.
Consider your buying options
Determine the maximum amount that you're willing to pay for the item. Take into consideration what the item is worth to you, how difficult it will be for you to find another one, and how soon you need it. Then determine the highest price that you're willing to pay.
Understand what entering a maximum bid means. ebay bidding system means you can enter your maximum bid once and the system will automatically increase your bid only as much as is needed for you to stay the highest bidder without going over your maximum bid.
Make every bid a serious one. Don't bid on multiple similar items from different sellers if you only want one. You could be the winning bidder in more than one auction, and you would be obligated to purchase any items you won.
Consider Buy It Now. Does the listing you're interested in have a Buy It Now option? If so, consider whether you are willing to pay the Buy It Now price in order to guarantee that you get the item without having to wait for an auction to end.
Consider Best Offer. If the seller offers the Best Offer feature, then you can think of a price that you believe would be the best price for both you and the seller and make an offer for that amount. In some categories, you and the seller can counteroffer each other until you come to a price you both agree on.
Plan ahead
Ensure your contact information and email address is up-to-date. Check your personal information to make sure it is correct. Also, check that any spam blocking software that you have installed does not prevent a seller from communicating with you.
Start early if you plan to buy with Best Offer. The way to win with Best Offer is to start early in the listing so you can allow for time for the seller to respond.
Plan for alternate computer access. If you have computer or connection problems, or need to be away from your computer, you can monitor your bids or other account activity by signing in to My eBay from any computer with Internet access.
Using PayPal
PayPal is a safe, secure way to pay for your items and the preferred payment method for most eBay buyers and sellers. PayPal lets you send payments securely online using a credit card or bank account. When you send a payment using PayPal, the recipient won't ever see your credit card or bank account information.
Check theShipping and customs information
The cost of shipping to your location is usually listed in the item description. If you find that shipping costs are not shown, you'll need to contact the seller to find out the shipping costs. Buyers and sellers are responsible for meeting any customs and documentation requirements for shipping to a country or region
Insure Your Item
Insure your items in case they are damaged in shipping.
Check the Feedback of seller carefully
Carefully review the seller's Feedback rating and comments.
Consider using escrow services for expensive items.
Use PayPal as a payment method to minimize the risk of unauthorized use of your credit card or bank account.
Currency
In your search results, prices are shown in local currency. Click the item you are interested in to see more details, including the current bid both in local currency and in the currency from where it is shipped.