ebay question

I have never purchased anything from Ebay.I have found a few things I want to buy? Should I set up a separate email account? I have a personal account, and an account for junk stuff. Also, what is the best way to pay? Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful.

No need to set up another email account. You won't get a lot of junk email from eBay; you primarily need an email for any correspondence associated with your purchases. For example, when you bid on something, eBay automatically sends you an email confirming your bid. If you win the item, you get an email confirming that you've won and giving you payment instructions. You might also get email from a seller letting you know they've shipped your item, etc. Paypal is the way you pay for things through eBay unless you deal with a seller who has a store, and they might allow you to pay pay directly with a credit card. Some individual sellers allow money orders and personal checks, but I think that's a hassle. You have to go get a money order, and a seller will wait for a personal check to clear before sending the item. Paypal allows you to link your account to an existing credit card and/or your bank account, so it's easier and faster. Feel free to PM me with any more questions, iwiwt.

ebay still skeers me. :wave:

We have literally bought dozens and dozens of items from ebay over the past 8+ years - we have never had a problem - we have paid cash in some crazy instances and had to send it abroad BUT, fortunately we have never had any problems. Like Peapod says, set up an account with paypal and enjoy!!

Make sure you check a seller's feedback before you buy!

:confused: Guess I need to spend more time on the page.

ebay still skeers me. :wave:

So glad I am not alone. That is why I am hesitant.

We have literally bought dozens and dozens of items from ebay over the past 8+ years - we have never had a problem - we have paid cash in some crazy instances and had to send it abroad BUT, fortunately we have never had any problems. Like Peapod says, set up an account with paypal and enjoy!!

Peapod and you make it sound easy, so it must be. I need to get with the program.:yikes: Tonight is the night!!!

PayPal is the ticket. A separate email address isn't necessary. Personally, I don't think it's a great idea because if any messages come to you via Ebay you will need to remember checking, yet, another address. No SPAM comes from Ebay.

Getting back to Paypal if you don't have one...
It's tied to a bank account. Using Paypal protects you for both purchases and sales. They can also be set up to accept credit cards.

Have fun with Ebay. It can be additing!

...and most importantly, when shopping on ebay, don't let a seller talk you into going directly to their website to make the purchase, sometimes offered at a "discounted" rate over ebay. It is a scam. If you buy through ebay, and you use paypal, you are "somewhat" protected from scams. However, shop from someone else's website, and ebay has no way of controlling the sale and exchange, leaving you more vulnerable.

Beware the eBay phishing scams--not from eBay, but like most phishing scams, they look very real. It will be a scam email saying your account may have been infiltrated or something and to click the link to verify your account.
Also, if you REALLY want something, consider using an auction sniping service. Lots of people do and it's very disappointing to watch the auction to the last couple of minutes, thinking that you'll be the high bidder, only to be sniped at the last minute. It's better to be the sniper than the snipee. You can google for info about sniping.

I love ebay. I have bought everything from collectibles to art to clothing. I also recommend paypal and checking the history of the seller. Remember...if it sounds too good-it probably is.

What are you shopping for? I have a bunch of crap and might be willing to part with a piece or two. :idontno:

What are you shopping for? I have a bunch of crap and might be willing to part with a piece or two. :idontno:

I am looking for some pieces of china. I was given tea cups and need plates to match. This is the last collecting thing I will own, not that I have I have much anyway. I have decided to have friends over to enjoy tea, good food, and company and wanted something pretty to use. Being my practical self, I never got into china and stuff, so I need just enough to have a few friends over. I would like to make a deal on one of your pieces of art!!

:wub: ebay. I agree with what everyone said about not getting a separate email account and using PayPal. But read the feedback carefully and also the auctions -- make sure you have a handle on the cost of shipping. Some sellers do not take PayPal, and I imagine that is because there is a user fee charged to the seller of about 2.7 percent.

I have bought tons of items and sold them too. I find that the better the description, the better off you are. The descriptions can be VERY educational for a collector or buyer of anything that isn't standardized -- if you see the same descriptive points listed over and over, you can tell they are important! Take the time to nose around a bit. After you register you can search "completed" listings to see how much similar items have already gone for. Most buyers do this and usually the threshold price remains consistent.

I agree about the sniping. I missed out on my first auction because of a sniper and never made that mistake again. At first it seemed mercenary but now it is just a matter of course. It's about the only way to win. Even if you aren't willing to pay enough to win, at least you stay in the game.

I actually purchased my most risky item yesterday. It's an antique dining table located on a farm in Northern Indiana that was labeled "pickup only." The pictures weren't great at all but I had learned enough to pretty much know what I was looking at. I asked the seller a ton of questions and ran it by someone else who knows antiques. I think I got a great deal! Way way better than paying for new, plus new has no patina. :wub: Now I have to arrange shipping. It is a lot of effort but I think it will be worth it.

Let us know how your buying turns out!

I am looking for some pieces of china. I was given tea cups and need plates to match. This is the last collecting thing I will own, not that I have I have much anyway. I have decided to have friends over to enjoy tea, good food, and company and wanted something pretty to use. Being my practical self, I never got into china and stuff, so I need just enough to have a few friends over. I would like to make a deal on one of your pieces of art!!

I'd be happy to sell you an entire collection of china, but I cannot part with a few plates from the set. Plus, they most likely won't match your tea cups. :floor:
Most everything in my house, except my dogs, is available for purchase. If you see something you like, let's talk. ;-)

I'd be happy to sell you an entire collection of china, but I cannot part with a few plates from the set. Plus, they most likely won't match your tea cups. :floor:
Most everything in my house, except my dogs, is available for purchase. If you see something you like, let's talk. ;-)

Darn....I was in the market for 2 new dogs.. I feel certain my two are lonely:lie:

Also beware of phishing emails from PayPal. Don't ever click on a link to any financial website from an email sent to you. If you want to go to the website, open up a new browser and type in the address. The phishing emails redirect you to a phony website that looks very real. :angry:

For sniping...www.justsnipe.com You get 5 free ones per week. I've never needed to purchase.