News & Views

I have been using ebay since 1998. I have both bought and sold items and have learned some things I would like to share.
Buying
Just because you are using ebay, it doesn't mean you are going to get a good deal. If it is a popular item, it can easily get bid up too high. You could buy it at a store for less.
Check a seller's "feedback rating" before bidding. This is what past buyers have to say about their experience with the seller. This gives you an idea what your experience will be like. If a seller hasn't sold many things or recent buyers have left bad feedback, it probably is not a good idea to send money to this person.
Check the shipping cost before bidding. Some sellers will set this real high. You were wondering why they were selling the item so cheaply? Use PayPal or a credit card when possible (see below). This gives you added protection. If the seller doesn't ship the item, you can get your money back. Ask the seller questions before bidding. You will find out if they are responsive and helpful. This is a good indication that they will ship fast and the item will be as advertised. Also, you should be sure the item is what you want. Pictures can only tell you so much.
Selling
Take good clear pictures of the item you are selling. It is very important to make a good first impression.
Write a good headline that describes what you have to sell and its features. Make the buyer want to look at your ad.
Put your ad under the right product category. There are so many of them. What I do is run an ebay search for the item I am selling, to see where other people have placed theirs. Do another search of "completed auctions". This is really valuable. You can see where the people that made the most money placed their ad and what they said in that ad. You can also get an idea what your item is worth.
Write a clear description. List all the features- model number, how old, used or new, tested or not. Also, make sure you tell what is wrong with it (scratches or damage). You want the buyer to know exactly what they are getting, so there will be no hard feelings later.
Shipping. Make sure you charge enough. Weigh the package before listing (include packaging). An example of what to place in the listing- "Buyer pays shipping from zip code 90604 on package weighing 5 pounds." There are automatic shipping calculators you can use in your ad for UPS os USPS. Use the selection "Only ships to the United States" until you get more experience. You have to deal with customs forms if you ship outside the U.S.. Pack well so there is no breakage. There should be no "rattles" when the box is shaken.
Ship it soon. No one likes to wait until you get around to it. Get a PayPal account (see below). It is very handy. You can get the money instantly. No waiting for a money order or check to be sent. The seller does have to pay a 3% transaction fee though.
PayPal
PayPal is now the standard for exchanging money over ebay. Sellers that are large enough to have a store, can let customers use a credit card to buy their wares. It is too hard for us little guys to qualify for a credit card merchant account.
Paypal lets buyers use their checking account or a credit card to send money to the seller. Paypal acts like a bank. Once the buyer sends the seller money, PayPal sends an e-mail telling the seller a deposit has been made. The seller builds up a "savings account" at PayPal until they withdraw it or use it to buy things.
If you are a buyer, you can sign up instantly to use PayPal. To become a seller (receiver of money) takes a bit longer. You have to link to a checking account so you can add or withdraw from your PayPal account. PayPal also checks to make sure you are you. This took a week for me. WARNING use a tough password with letters and numbers. No names, words or phrases that a computer with a dictionary, phrase book, and common passwords list can hack. When you are a seller, this account is linked to a credit card and checking account. Make sure it is secure by using a hard password (I have to look mine up). PayPal or ebay will NEVER e-mail or phone you asking for your password. Don't fall for that old trick of the criminal.

I enjoy the convenience of using PayPal. It is well worth it to me.