Protecting yourself as a buyer

Categories

Searching & researching

Finding items

Managing your results

Using Reviews & Guides

Bidding & buying

All about bidding

Managing your buying activity

Resolving buying problems

Becoming a better buyer

Selling & seller fees

Selling basics

Seller fees

Creating effective listings

Managing your selling activity

Resolving selling problems

Ramping up your selling

Using seller tools

Selling with an eBay Store

Payment & postage

Paying for items

Receiving payment

Packing & posting items

Feedback

All about Feedback

Membership & account

Getting started on eBay

Registration & signing in

Managing your account

Sharing with eBay members

Protecting your account

Resolving buying problems

Find out what to look for before you bid or buy, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you ever have a problem with a purchase, learn about our buyer protection programs.

Top questions

I didn't receive an item I paid for. Can I get a refund?

What's an unpaid item?

Solve a problem

To request a seller’s phone number, click the Advanced Search link at the top right of any eBay page. Once you’re on the search page click the Find Contact Information link on the left side, under the Members section, and follow the instructions.

It may be just a simple misunderstanding. Email your trading partner. If that doesn’t work, request their contact information and try to call them. You can also use these tips to try to work things out.

I’d like to use a different payment method.

If you haven’t placed a bid yet, use the Ask a question link in the listing. If you’ve already won or bought the item, email or call the seller and ask if a different payment method can be worked out.

I never received my item or the item isn\'t what I was expecting.

If your item hasn't arrived, or is significantly different from its description, first contact the seller. Find out what else you can do to resolve the issue.

I received an email from eBay saying that an unpaid item case has been opened for an item I purchased.

If you buy an item and the seller doesn't receive payment within 4 days, eBay may open an unpaid item case. If you don't respond within 4 days, after the case is opened, the unpaid item may be recorded on your account.

Help topics

Basics

Safe trading tips for buyers
Before you bid or buy, read these recommendations.

Knowing your seller
Get to know your seller and avoid problems later.

Choosing items confidently
These tips will help make your decision to buy easier.

Contacting eBay members
Trying to get in touch with someone? Find out how.

Communicating with your trading partner
Sometimes misunderstandings happen. These tips will help you work things out.

Buyer protection programs

About our buyer protection programs

Learn how our programs and processes can help protect your purchase in case of a problem.

PayPal Buyer Protection
PayPal offers buyers a protection program for eligible transactions. Find out if you qualify.

What to do if you don't receive an item or it's not as described
Learn what to do if you paid for but didn’t receive an item, or if the item is different from its description.

eBay's role when you need to resolve a problem
Find out what we can do if you have a problem with a transaction on eBay.

eBay Motors Vehicle Protection Program
Feel safe when you buy a vehicle on eBay with our protection program.

Beyond the basics

Reporting inappropriate trading
Find out what we can investigate and the actions we’ll take.

Limits on seller activity

We’re committed to reducing fraud and negative buying experiences.

Resolving transaction problems in the Resolution Centre

If you have a problem with a transaction, contact your trading partner. If that doesn’t work, you can work it out in our Resolution Centre.

Appealing unpaid items

Find out how to appeal an unpaid item recorded on your account.

Tutorial

Buying with confidence

5 minutes

Need help?

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Centre to post a question.

Shortcuts

Find a member

Open a case in the Resolution Centre

PayPal Resolution Centre

Rules & policies

Seller non-performance

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