For your enjoyment and convenience, eBay offers several ways to shop.
Start by comparing buying formats and then learn more about each one.
If you're new to buying, also see Buying basics.
Comparing buying formats Method |
Benefits and considerations
| You bid up from the seller's starting price along with other buyers to get the best deal. You can watch the item to see how the bidding is going.
When the listing ends, the highest bidder wins the item and completes the purchase. |
Benefits:
√ Bidding can be lots of fun.
√ You can find some great deals.
√ You can use the eBay Feedback and, if needed, problem resolution services.
Considerations:
X You need to wait until the auction ends to buy the item.
X You might be outbid. | You can buy the item immediately at a fixed price. A seller may also include a Buy It Now price in their Auction listings.
When a Buy It Now price is offered in an Auction listing, the Buy It Now price will be at least 30% higher than the starting auction price.
If a seller offers this option, you’ll see the Buy It Now icon next to the listing. |
Benefits:
√ You can buy the item right away.
√ You don't compete with anyone else for the item. Once you buy it, it's yours!
√ You can use the eBay Feedback and, if needed, problem resolution services.
Considerations:
X If you want the item and it is an Auction listing with a Buy It Now option, you have to act fast! Buy It Now items are available only for a limited time on Auction listings. For most Auction listings with a Buy It Now option, the Buy It Now option is only available until the first bid is placed. | Classified Ads connect buyers and sellers, who then complete the sale outside of eBay. You'll see "Classified Ad" in the item listing and search results.
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Benefits:
√ You can find items or services that don’t fit into standard categories.
√ You can deal personally with the seller.
Considerations:
X Classified Ad sales aren't backed by eBay services and protection, including Feedback and problem resolution.
X Classified Ads are offered only for certain items. | Motors Classified Ad |
Benefits:
√ You can find a vehicle close to you so you can see it before you buy.
√ No worries about shipping the vehicle.
√ You can deal personally with the seller.
Considerations:
X Motors Classified Ad sales aren't backed by eBay services and protection, including Vehicle Purchase Protection, Feedback, and problem resolution. |
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Auction
In an Auction listing, sellers name a starting price and sell to the highest bidder.
Here's how to bid on an Auction:
Search or browse to find an item you'd like to buy.
Review the entire listing and decide if you want to place a bid. Some things to note are:
How many bids have already been placed on the item
Amount of the current high bid
The description (and possibly picture) of the item
Payment methods and postage costs
The seller's return policy
If you use automatic bidding, we automatically raise your bid as much as needed for you to remain the high bidder. You can win an item for less than your maximum bid, but you can also be outbid if someone else enters a higher maximum bid.
Learn more about how bidding works.
Buy It Now
Buy It Now is the simplest way to buy on eBay. It lets you buy an item when you want it, at a known price.
Look for items with a Buy It Now price. The Buy It Now icon appears next to items on category browse pages or in your search results
If you're only looking for Buy It Now items, click the Buy It Now tab on search results or browse pages
Compare similar items to figure out what is a good price and what you're willing to pay
Look at the item description and make sure you're happy with the item and the seller's terms
Check the Buy It Now price of the item. This is the price you'll pay for the item. Also check the payment options, postage cost, and any other additional costs that may be listed in the item description to know the total cost for the item
To purchase the item, click the Buy It Now button on the item page.
Buy It Now variations |
Description |
Items that only have a Buy It Now price only |
You can use Buy It Now to purchase the item right away. |
Items that have a bid price and a Buy It Now price |
You can place a bid and compete in the auction or use Buy It Now to purchase the item immediately, before bidding starts. |
Items that include a Best Offer option |
If a seller offers this option, you can suggest a price that you're willing to pay for the item.
Learn more about Best Offers. |
Classified Ads
When you see a Classified Ad listing, it means that you deal directly with the seller and buy the item at a fixed price. Because your Classified Ad purchase is outside of eBay, you won't be able to use eBay Feedback or problem resolution services.
To find Classified Ads:Click the Categories tab at the top of most pages
In the Everything else category, select Information Products
Look for items with the Classified Ad label
When you find a product you'd like, use the seller's email address or phone number on the item page to contact them.
Here's a list of items you can buy using Classified Ads:
Businesses for Sale
Internet Businesses & Websites
Wholesale Trade & Distribution
Construction - Buildings, Modular & Pre-Fab
Trade Show Displays
Tabletop & Portable Displays
Literature Stands & Racks
Trade Show Counters & Tables
Trade Show Display Accessories - Other
Trade Show Displays - Other
Real Estate
Specialty Services
Travel
Everything Else
Advertising Opportunities
Funeral & Cemetery - Other
Reward Pts, Incentive Progs - Other
Motors Classified Ad
You can use Motors Classified Ads to find vehicles close to you. This way, you can see the vehicle before buying and you don't have to worry about postage.
As with other Classified Ads, your purchase is outside of eBay, so you won't be able to use eBay Feedback or problem resolution services.
Here's how to find a Motors Classified Ad:Click Motors at the top-right of most eBay pages
In the Find section near the top of the page, click Advanced Search
Enter information for the vehicle you're looking for
Under "Items Near Me," enter the number of miles you're willing to travel to pick up your vehicle and your ZIP code, or choose the closest city from the drop-down menu
To shop with a Classified Ad, select listings with "Classified Ad" in the search results
You may also see a tab labeled "Local Classified Ads," which you can click to see only local ads
When you find a vehicle you like, give the seller a call or send an email, or enter any of your personal information they've requested so they can contact you.
The fine print
In all types of listings, including Classified Ads, sellers must treat the buyer’s contact information according to the eBay Privacy Policy. This policy prohibits sharing the buyer's information with third parties as well as using the buyer's information for any purpose other than communicating with the buyer about the item, unless the buyer gives express permission to do so.
