How To Bid On eBay
If you are new to eBay, chances are you are looking to purchase rather than sell? If that is the case with you, be not afraid my friend, bidding on eBay is extremely easy. It only takes a few steps and a watchful eye. I love the competitive aspect of bidding and I think you will to.
First off, find the item you would like to purchase. What exactly are you looking for on your first time at eBay? Is it small or large, an everyday household item or limited collector’s item?
May I suggest that you start small with your first bid? Starting small allows you to learn the eBay process and if you do win the bid (which I really hope you do), the shipping and handling will not be outrageous or take years to arrive.
The first step is to log onto eBay. If you have not yet created an eBay account, see How to Register on eBay.
Once you are logged in search for the product. If you are looking for a trading card of Michael Jordan, you would search “Michael Jordan player card.” Thousands of search results should appear. Take your time and go through all the listings. Search for the best deals.
I always think it’s necessary to wait until someone else bids on the product. Do not bid too early, as this will only jack up the price. Wait and be patient. A lot of people select the “watch this item” option in the top right hand corner of the product’s page. “Watch this item” allows the user to track the auction and easy access later to place a bid.
In the product’s description you will find a lot of useful information. On the left you should find a photo(s) of the product and the title. The current bid is listed and directly under that option is where you can place your bid. The description also includes how long the auction has left (in terms of days/hours/seconds), the shipping rate and estimated time of delivery, the item’s location, and number of bids placed.
All this information is useful. Never place a bid before studying this information and making sure it fits with your needs. The shipping option(s) and payments are also important to consider because this is not included with the bid, so you must pay the bid plus the shipping costs. Also, check the buyer’s reputation and history. The buyer has a profile with feedback information. Avoid buyers with bad reputations or checkered pasts.
When you are ready to place a bid, enter the amount of your bid and select “Place Bid.” Sometimes the internet connection speed cannot keep up with the bidding and the amount you bid has already been raised. If this has occurred, either enter a higher bid amount or forfeit the auction. When you place a bid that is the maximum you are willing to pay. Any bid over that amount by another buyer and you lose the auction or must counter the bid. I always start out bidding light and enter my maximum bid (or max amount of money I’m willing to pay) as close to the end of the auction as possible.
eBay will notify you via email when you place a bid, if another (and higher) bid is placed on the auction, and when the auction ends.
If you win the auction, an email you notify you of the winning product and will request you send payment as soon as possible to ensure shipment. The seller will probably also come into contact with you after you win the auction.
photo by ooOJasonOoo