Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

The lure of a bargain and the thrill of an auction are what usually draws shoppers to eBay for the first time.

Originated in 1995 as one of the first online auction sites, eBay has evolved into a “Buy it now” shopping experience where sellers can put things up for bid or set fixed prices on a wide variety of new and used goods. Since many people use eBay only occasionally, it’s easy to get confused by the buying options and possibly scammed by an unscrupulous seller. The eBay shopping tips will help get you get started and hopefully keep you out of trouble.

10. Know what you’re looking for

eBay is a huge storehouse of goods and it’s not easy to browse through. Plan ahead and narrow your searches to specific items or brands so you don’t have to look through many pages of items that aren’t of any interest to you.

9. Save your searches

If you’ve done a search that turned up items close to what you are looking for but not in the right size or price range, use the “Save your search” option. eBay will email you updates when new items show up in your range and timeframe.

8. Use the watch list

Put a specific item on your watch list and eBay will notify you when it is available, the price and who is selling it. Even if you don’t buy, you’ll get a feel for the market for an item and how fast it sells.

7. Use common sense

Once you find the item you want, use common sense before buying it. Check to make sure the item is authentic, use the ‘Ask a question’ link to get more info from the seller and keep in mind that if the deal sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t.

6. Read the seller’s feedback

Check the feedback listed on the seller. A positive feedback rating over 95% is considered good, but even if the seller’s rating is higher, read the negative comments for possible warning signs. The seller can reply to these comments and that is also useful information.

5. Check the shipping method

Check the shipping terms to make sure you’re not surprised the price or if you’re concerned about the special packing for a fragile item or insurance on or expensive piece.

4. Check the return and refund policy

High-rated sellers will have a description of their return and refund policy. If the seller you’re considering doesn’t, ask to see it. If they don’t have one, find another seller.

3. Check the payment options

Use sellers that are Paypal verified, or have a Square trade or a Powerseller seal on the auctions. Do not pay with cash or with instant money transfer services. Save your receipts and keep records of all purchases and contacts with the seller.

2. Set limits and bid late

If you are buying by bid, frequent eBay users suggest setting an upper limit to how much you will pay for an item and stick to it. They also recommend grabbing a stopwatch and waiting until the last five minutes of an auction before bidding – it’s the most exciting time and any bidding before that just runs up the price needlessly.

1. Leave feedback

Feedback is what hopefully keeps buyers informed and sellers honest, so leave information on your purchase and experience. If you had a problem, try to resolve it with the seller first before posting the details.