Understand the item and the seller Consider escrow for high-priced items Know the details for overseas transactions

Here are some tips to help you buy with confidence.

Understand the item and the seller

• Read the item description carefully. 

• Compare the item to similar items. 

• Look at the item's condition in pictures and the item description. Be realistic about used or older items.

• Read the details about postage and payment options. 

• Be careful if an item is listed very far below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or if the listing has a significantly delayed postage time. 

• Check the item is legal and allowed according to our rules for listing.

• Look at the seller's Feedback.

• Read the seller's answers to questions about their item and terms of sale. To ask the seller a question, go to the listing and click the Ask a question link.

• Look at the seller's policies on postage, payments, and returns.

• View the seller's other items.

• Here's more about knowing your seller.

Consider escrow for high-priced items

• Popular higher-priced items (such as computers, jewellery, and electronics) can be a high fraud risk. You might consider using a reputable escrow service such as Escrow.com

Know the details for overseas transactions

• Other countries may have different rules than yours.  

• Allow additional time to receive your item.

• Here's more about buying globally.

A message from our lawyers

The PayPal service is provided by PayPal Australia Pty Limited (ABN 93 111 195 389) which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence, number 304962.  eBay International A.G is an authorised representative (number 30831) of PayPal  for the purpose of providing information about PayPal.  eBay and PayPal are not acting as your agents, are not providing personal financial advice to you and do not take your individual circumstances into account in providing information about PayPal.  You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before deciding to sign-up for or use the PayPal online payment service at https://www.PayPal.com.au

*PayPal Buyer Protection and PayPal Seller Protection are also subject to the terms and conditions in PayPal's User Agreement, incorporating the Buyer Protection policy and Seller Protection policy which include details on eligibility criteria and the discretionary nature of the policies.