How does ebay operate?

How to operate with ebay?

• I just registered on eBay and I've never bought/sold anything on here before. I know there are a lot of scams on there but you can also get some pretty good deals if you know how to search for the items you need. So could you guys please give me some tips on how to avoid scams as much as I can and the best way to find good deals etc.? Anyway just hit me with as many eBay tips and tricks as possible. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Always fully read the entire description. I've seen fools selling boxes for items instead of the items. You have to know exactly what you are buying. Also watch out for descriptions that just say something like 'good condition'. That can mean almost anything. An item that looks to be in good condition to one person may look horrible to another. Always click on the feedback number beside the sellers ID. See how many things they have actually sold in the past. Some scammers will buy up super cheap items just to get a good number behind their name and they have never sold anything at all. If they have sold things see what kind of things. People who sell used clothing don't start listing Rolex watches and plasma TVs. Accounts get hacked. Usually through fake emails that look like they are from eBay but aren't. Those emails will tell you to update your information and the links provided will take you to a page that looks like it's eBay but isn't. These hackers then start selling items on your account. Never agree to a side deal. To be covered by eBays buyer protection program you must buy the item directly off eBay and not through an email. NEVER agree to wire money anywhere. Western Union can be picked up anywhere in the world and is not refundable. eBay does NOT have agents that will hold your money until you inspect a car. Anytime you are in doubt about an item or its description email the seller to ask questions BEFORE you bid and wait to get an answer. Always pay through PayPal with a credit card that offers protection. Even if the eBay/PayPal dispute process fails you can still do a charge back that way. Don't bid on two or three of the same item unless you want all of them. Sellers get real unhappy when you email them and ask to be let out of a deal because you already won one. Try to avoid listings that say 'no returns'. Most of these people will try to deny you a refund if an item arrives different than described and you end up having to go through the whole dispute process. Be smart. Be cautious. Be safe.