eBay is Still the Best Place for Rock Bottom Deals!
The time has never been better to find a great deal on eBay. Whatever you're looking to purchase, eBay will most likely be the cheapest of all places to purchase an item. How is this possible? Serious eBay sellers number in the millions, and each have their own little niche. They search clearance items, have access to items no one else has access to, and no a thing or two about finding deals on what buyers want.
With new safety precautions in place and new seller regulations, it's easier than ever before to have a fun, no hassle shopping experience on eBay from start to finish. However, there's a trick! You have to know what you're doing in order to find a good deal on eBay...
Follow the Rules!
Like selling on eBay, there are some ground rules you should follow when making purchases on eBay. Here are some definite guidelines that you should adhere to at all times:
- Use PayPal only on your purchases. Be sure the seller accepts PayPal before you bid.
- Make sure the item is in the condition that you think it's in! Read the auction listing to be sure it states the condition. If it doesn't, ask the seller, and don't be afraid to ask them to be specific.
- Check out the seller's feedback! It's easy, and essential to finding a good deal. More on this later...
- Make sure you can pay for the item before you bid! There's nothing more annoying to a seller than a buyer who bids and doesn't pay. It costs these small business owners and casual sellers time and money!
Research the Product
If you're looking for that certain something on eBay, you have to know what that certain something is. If there's any information about the product you are looking for available online, do your research and read up before clicking the place bid button. You're likely to come across product reviews as well, so use those to your advantage. You may even find a better product than what you were originally looking for.
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A Little about eBay's Search Engine...
Never Pay Full Price Again!
Finding Deals Listed in the Wrong Category
Deals can be had in numerous ways on eBay, but one of the biggest finds you might encounter are items listed in the wrong category. When using eBay's search, by default, the "all categories" category may automatically be selected. However, most buyers narrow their search using the categories. For eBay sellers, all it takes is a quick click to list the item in the wrong category. For whatever reason, be it mistake or intentional, this is where some of the best eBay deals are hiding.
When searching for an item, try using the "all categories" selection. This should bring up many results for your item in most cases. A list of categories on the left will show the number of items in each category. Look for items that might be listed in a strange category, or have few items in that particular category, and the results might surprise you...
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Expand your Search to International
The eBay sellers in your country only represent a small percentage of all of the items in the world...expanding your search to the international market will increase your chances of finding a good deal. Use the "advanced search" option right next to the search bar, and open up the marketplace! You can even exclude words, so you won't be bogged down with irrelevant eBay items. Before you bid, make sure the seller ships to your country.
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Deals can be found anywhere!
eBay Deals Poll
Bidding Tricks
Most buyers don't think of this, but in a bidding war, you can often lose by only a few cents...it can be pretty infuriating! A common tactic to ensure a winning bid is to enter an odd number for your bid, like $65.78. The other guy may have bid $65.50 for the item, but since you've put in that odd number, you'll be the winning bidder instead. Since most buyers think in whole and even numbers, you'll have the advantage.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byeBay Purchases
Bad Times
eBay contstantly has a reliable stream of traffic that comes to the site to purchase items, especially on certain days and nights. During Sunday nights, the site experiences its biggest traffic surge and biggest bidding wars. Friday and Saturday nights often experience the least traffic of any night. The site experiences even less traffic and bids between the hours of midnight and 6am eastern.Between these hours, you can find excellent deals. Look for auctions that are ending during these late hours, and place a bid early (or use a bid sniper). You'll often have no bidding competition! Other nights to consider are holiday nights, like Father's Day or Easter.
On the other hand, auctions ending on Sunday night, as well as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, will often end with higher and more bids than those ending on other nights. Keep this in mind, sellers! And buyers, keep in mind you might be paying more for your item on these nights.
Completed Items
Check the completed eBay item results by checking the box on the left of the search box. All of the auctions that have ended in the past two weeks for that term will show up, giving you a good idea of what the average selling price has been recently.
Ask the Seller a Question
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the auction does not contain the information that you need, just simply send a message to the seller. If you don't receive a response, try again...but this should be an indication of the service you are likely to receive throughout the transaction. Slow emails will probably mean slow ship time. Here are some common questions to ask buyers:
- What are the product dimensions?
- Is the item authentic?
- Do you combine shipping?
- Is the item new or used? Are the tags attached?
- What is your return policy?
- Do you ship internationally?
- Do you accept PayPal?
Try to be as courteous and polite to eBay sellers. Treat them as you would want to be treated. You are much more likely to get a fast, pleasant, accurate response with a friendly message than a short, rude response.
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My items on eBay
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Stay Away from Money Orders!
If a seller doesn't accept PayPal or credit cards, use caution! You really have little to NO recourse through eBay if the transaction doesn't go as you had planned. If you are sending money orders or cash, money orders or worse yet, a check (now they have your checking account number!) through the mail, you're taking a huge risk.
Earn Rewards for Buying!
Rewards points are very popular now, and why not? You can earn cash back or rewards points from sites like PayPal, Big Crumbs and credit card companies (Discover has a good rewards system) will put more money back in your pocket for every dollar you spend.
eBay Sniping
Sniping auctions sounds like a controversial tactic, and it is. Some die-hard eBay addicts love the thrill of the last minute bidding war in-person, and loathe sniping. Sniping is the use of a software or third party service to automatically place a bid last minute on an auction, for a small percentage of the sale price. Bid sniping can help find a great deal, and there are many services available. It breaks no eBay rules and it is completely legal. It's up to you whether you would like to use bid sniping software/services or not!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byScam-Proof buying
Hook your PayPal account up to one of your credit cards and add an extra layer of security to your buying. If the transaction goes badly and you can't get your money back from the seller or through PayPal, you'll have the option to dispute the charge through your credit card company.
Analyzing a Seller's Feedback
The feedback score of a seller is situated right next to their User ID name, and is their most important asset as an eBay seller. It's also an excellent tool for buyers, allowing them to examine the seller's history and customer satisfaction rating.-
How to Quickly Analyze an eBay Seller's Feedback Score
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Finding a reputable seller, at first, can seem tedious. The quickest, easiest and most effective way to for buyers to find a trustworthy eBay seller is, quite simply, to read their feedback! It's tried and true. There is an easy-to-learn science to a...
eBay Bargain Shopping for Dummies
eBay Bargain Shopping for Dummies
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 10/16/2008)
List Price: $14.99
eBay can seem scary for the unexperienced at first, but with a little education about eBay, you can save boatloads of cash without any risk. Find the best deals safely, easily, and quickly. The For Dummies collection here provides an excellent book for newbies and experts alike on finding great deals, from basic shopping and account set up to more complex eBay buying.
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Google IT!
eBay's search engine isn't perfect. Sometimes you'll miss something in the eBay search engine, but it will show up in Google. Try it out and see if it works for you!
Once You Find a Deal...
...check the seller's other items! If you've found one deal, you could possibly find many more listed by the same seller. They may all be ending at 3 am, or the seller might be inexperienced and not using the right (or enough) keywords. Whatever the case, be sure to check! You might be able to combine shipping and get even more for your money.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byBuying in Bulk
If you're buying a large quantity of items from an eBay seller, try contacting them before you make the purchase to see if they can offer any additional discounts or combined shipping. If you're spending a lot of money with them, they will most likely be pretty easygoing about it. It can't hurt! eBay is a much different marketplace than anywhere else, and prices can be lowered and raised at the seller's whim.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byIpods on eBay Right Now...
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How to Set Up a PayPal Account
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Buying Authentic Designer Handbags Online
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Check Amazon Before you Bid!
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A Few Bid Snipers...
- EZ Sniper
- "The easy way to master eBay." Free trial on 3 snipes.
- Auction Sniper
- No download required eBay sniping at its finest.
- SnipeSwipe
- Free automatic sniping service. Couldn't be easier.
- Bidnapper
- Snipe an auction, win it, move on.
Need Help Selling?
Find some of the best methods to start making cash on eBay, it's simpler than you might think! Clean out your closet, your attic, your cellar, and fill up your pockets!-
How to Make Money on eBay by Writing the Perfect Auction Listing
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Hold off on that Negative Feedback!
If you're unhappy with your eBay transaction, contact the seller before you do anything. Most eBay sellers will be more than happy to rectify any situation and hold their feedback dear. Leaving immediate negative feedbacks will only tick off a seller, and you'll have a hard time dealing with them once you do this. If the seller is not willing to work with you, file a PayPal dispute, and once the transaction is overwith, leave the appropriate feedback response. Just be sure to give the seller ample time to respond!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byIt's a Good Source of Inventory!
Finding great eBay deals can be some of the most profitable sources of inventory you can find anywhere. If you know what to look for, you can make quite a bit of money! Read here for more ways to get eBay inventory!
eBay vs. Amazon
The battle of the titans! Both have amazing deals and are amazing companies, but which one is best? Drop by and add your thoughts, join in on the debate!-
eBay vs. Amazon
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eBay vs. Amazon Both companies are huge. Both companies have their specialties and finer points. While eBay might be a great place to pick up a deal, Amazon might be just the right place to get a no-hassle item quick. Don't forget about the sellers!...
What's your Favorite eBay Book?
eBay Income: How Anyone of Any Age, Location, and/or Background Can Build a Highly Profitable Online Business with eBay by Cheryl L. Russell
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From the bestselling authority on eBay--an online shopping guide that saves brides and grooms thousands of dollars
According to weddingchannel.com, the average wedding costs more than $10,000. But through the bargain-hunting power of eBay, it's possible to cut this budget down and plan an entire wedding for a savings of 80 percent! Everything can be purchased online, including dresses, invitations, flowers--even gifts for the wedding party. This complete guide helps couples navigate this hot eBa...
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eBay: The Missing Manual by Nancy Conner
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Titanium eBay:: A Tactical Guide to Becoming a Millionaire PowerSeller by Skip McGrath
Take it to the next level.
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eBay PowerSeller Secrets: Insider Tips from eBay's Most Successful Sellers (2nd Edition) by Debra Schepp, Brad Schepp
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Join the ranks of top eBay sellers with even more insider tips!
Are you ready to take your eBay selling to the next level? This beyond-the-basics guide reveals the trade secrets that have propelled the savviest entrepreneurs into eBay PowerSellers. Now it's your turn to start earning up to $150,000 per month through your eBay business!
The Second Edition of eBay PowerSeller Secrets is packed with up-to-date guidance in effectively running a eBay store, selling and shipping internationally, find...
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Tax Loopholes for eBay Sellers by Diane Kennedy, Janelle Elms
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Hundreds of Legal Deductions for eBay Sellers!
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You'll get step-by-s...
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How to Quickly Set up an eBay Store that Looks Professional and Makes Money
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Who doesn't love Squidoo? Squidoo is great! It's a fun place to browse around, read some lenses, drive some traffic, recommend products, advertise your business, earn money for a charity, educate the public, or earn money for yourself! If you've crea...
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How to Market your eBay Store with Squidoo
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First off, what is Squidoo? Squidoo is, according to Wikipedia, "a platform designed to make it easy for anyone, for free, to set up a page on a single topic he or she knows or cares a lot about." It's easily customized, and you can include links bac...
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Where to Find Inventory for eBay
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Finding a source for your inventory on eBay is the toughtest part of selling, hands-down. Customer service, shipping, creating a listing, even HTML are all CAKE next to the difficult task of sourcing. Naturally, other eBay sellers are not willing to...
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So you'd like to kick your sales up a notch but don't know how? After you've already optimized your listings by completing the checklist below, you're ready to move on to download the Google Store Connector. If you don't have an eBay Store, Yahoo St...
Guestbook
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Silver_Lotus
lots of excellent advice here! Posted July 16, 2008 |
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Lakota429
Super job along with super information!! Another 5 star lens! Annie~ Posted July 14, 2008 |
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sisterra
Another great lens!! Posted July 03, 2008 |
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NewRiver
Good advice! Posted June 27, 2008 |
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minnymalse
This is great! And fits right in with my EbayReview lens. Definitely on my lensroll.:) Posted June 24, 2008 |
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wildrosetreasure
Great lens very informative. Posted June 24, 2008 |
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Amazon's Kindle...
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Who has the better deal, Amazon or eBay?
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