The more you know about your seller and the items you are bidding on, the safer you, as a buyer will be.

Know your item

• Research the vehicle you are interested in. If it is a passenger vehicle run a title check on it through your own state’s registration service (e.g. http://www.revs.nsw.gov.au/ for NSW). Check the value before you decide what you're willing to pay at www.redbook.com.au.

• Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below your expected price.

• Be realistic in your expectations of used or older vehicles - expect normal "wear and tear."

• Personally visit or have an inspection service visit the vehicle to ensure accurate representation.

• Read relevant information published by independent consumer watchdog organizations as part of your research.

Know your seller

• Know your seller. Check their feedback rating to gauge their selling reputation on eBay.

• Contact your seller with any questions about the condition of a vehicle before bidding.

• Do not place a bid if the seller doesn’t respond to your questions or is inaccessible by email and/or phone.

Note: Per eBay policy, if you are unable to reach the seller during the course of the auction, you may retract your bid once it has been placed.

Additional points

• Use caution when considering escrow. To avoid being deceived by fraudulent escrow services, use www.escrow.com, eBay's approved escrow service. For a small fee, www.escrow.com will hold your payment and forward it to the seller after you receive and approve the item.