Registering in eBay Philippines is
free, whether for sellers or buyers. It is eBay.com, the international site, that charges a fee for sellers. However, because it is free, it is a free world for unscrupulous individuals who want easy money. For starters, here are a few tips to survive and stay happy in eBay.
Buyers
-Check the rating of the person selling the item. If the seller has negative feedback, check the details and judge for yourself if you can trust the person. In my case, if there is a comment that the seller did not deliver the paid product, I forget about his item and move on.
-Zero feedback is not always negative feedback. If the seller of the item you are eyeing does not have a rating yet, strive to pay for the item in person. If this is not possible, see if the transaction counts for the eBay insurance program.
-Read thoroughly. Do not scan: read. Read everything in the title, description, and other parts of the ad web page. My trick is to read the ad thoroughly once. Then, a day after, read it again with a fresh eye. This allows me to see any loophole in the description.
-Check the prices. Do not go all excited over small price tags. Sellers may add insurance fees, handling fees, delivery charges, and other extra fees on top of the final bidding price, so do check that as well.
-If you agree to have the item delivered, insist for a courier service that gives a tracking number, and get teh tracking number from the seller so you can check your package until you receive it. Keep your payment proofs as well.
-Compare, compare, compare the prices.
-As much as possible, and unless the item is negotiable, avoid haggling. eBay items are mostly FOR BIDDING.
-Bid only if you are sure you want the item, you agree with the terms of the seller, and you can and will pay for the item.
-If you have questions, use the ASK THE SELLER link at the bottom of the ad web page. Clarify everything before bidding.
-Most items do not have warranty, so if you want to be sure that you are getting a good deal, strive to do a meetup so you can inspect the item before paying.
-Do meetups in public or commercial places. Avoid going to the house of the seller, or having the seller go to your house. Avoid places you are not familiar with and have a friend or two accompany you. If you are a girl, better have a male friend with you on the meetup.
-Rate your seller. Tell eBay about your experience with the seller. This keeps the nasty sellers at bay.
Published: February 21, 2008
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