Eight Simple Ways Christmas Shoppers Can Avoid eBay Scams

    /24-7PressRelease/ - November 21, 2005

1. Only buy items with photos. The photograph is a good way to insure the seller actually has the item.

2. Check the sellers feedback. If the seller has few feedbacks or recent feedback as a buyer but not as a seller this may be a clue.

3. Look for similar items online. You might find new items cheaper in an established store.

4. Make sure the address you send payment to is the same as the seller's registered eBay address. If it's not the same address, it may be a tip off.

5. Educate yourself. Learn about the items you are interested in. When you factor in shipping costs and uncertainty about the condition many items are cheaper to buy locally. You might also make new friends who share your interests.

6. Ask the seller questions. This gives you information about the character of the seller. If you are unsure about the condition, ask for additional photos.

7. Check the available payment options. If the seller only takes money orders or wire transfers that could be a clue. If you can pay with a credit card, do so. This gives you additional protection. Almost any credit card transaction can be reversed by calling the issuing bank.

8. Remember the seller is selling. Descriptive words like rare, uncommon, great deal, and others are sales techniques used to get higher bids. Ignore them.

Source - The eBay Buyer's Guide.

To help eBay shoppers during the Holiday buying season, eBay business expert Terry Gibbs has put together a free report to help people avoid eBay scams. The eBay Buyer's Guide is a free report available from:

http://www.news.iwantcollectibles.com

IWantCollectibles teaches collectors and dealers how to find antiques and collectibles, and provides eBay training. For further information see the website http://www.news.iwantcollectibles.com

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