Safe trading tips for buyers
Before bidding or buying
Before sending payment
Resolving transaction problems
About the buyer’s commitment to purchase
As a buyer, you can take precautions to help ensure a successful trading experience.
Before bidding or buying
Before you bid or buy, make sure you’re comfortable with the listing and the seller. Your bid or use of Buy It Now is a commitment to purchase the item.
Evaluate the listing |
Review the postage terms, refund and return policy, and other terms and conditions Make sure that you’re eligible to bid on or buy the item.
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Know the item |
Confirm the authenticity of the item If you have questions, use the Ask a question link in the listing Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.
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Know the seller |
Check the seller's Feedback Profile Review the seller's current items to get an idea of this person's areas of expertise. For example, if the seller has only sold shoes, and then lists a plasma television, make sure that you’re comfortable with the transaction before you bid If you’re unable to contact the seller, don’t bid on the item.
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Make sure your seller can communicate with you |
Make sure that you don't have any spam blocking software installed that may limit a seller from communicating with you If you have computer or connection problems, you can access your eBay account through any computer with Internet access, such as those at a library or a friend's house You can also access your eBay account through an internet-enabled mobile phone.
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Tip: If the seller offers to sell you the item directly without bidding on and winning the item on eBay, please don't respond. Instead, report it to us immediately.
Before sending payment
Learn what you can do to protect yourself before sending payment to your seller.
Review the payment methods the seller has offered in their listing and if you have any questions, you can contact the seller through the “ask seller a question” link or by requesting an invoice through My eBay
Exercise caution with international transactions, as well as high-priced and popular items
For high-priced items, you can pay using an eBay-approved escrow service like Escrow.com. Beware of fake escrow services
Don’t pay with cash or with instant money transfer services, such as Western Union or MoneyGram
Keep records of all purchases.
Resolving transaction problems
If you ever have a transaction problem, eBay can help you work it out with the seller with communication guidelines and in our Resolution Centre. You may also be eligible for buyer protection services.
About the buyer’s commitment to purchase
If you’re the winning bidder or if you use the Buy It Now feature, you’re obligated to purchase and pay for the item. All bids are active until the listing ends.
If sellers don’t receive payment for an item, they can file an unpaid item case using eBay's Resolution Centre. A case may be resolved when the buyer pays or both the buyer and the seller agree to cancel the transaction. If the case isn't resolved, an unpaid item may be recorded on the buyer's account. Unpaid items can lead us to take actions such as account restriction or suspension. If you feel an unpaid item was recorded unfairly and want it removed from your account, you can appeal it.
