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New buyers to eBay may find it a little intimidating at first, but as you start to win bids it can become an exciting and enjoyable experience. That feeling you get when you win your first bid will probably get you hooked.

However, there are certain things that every buyer, new and experienced, must always check out before making a bid. If you are not happy with any of the following things then don't bid.

CHECK SELLER FEEDBACK

Look at the seller's feedback number. Although not all buyers leave feedback after receiving their purchase, the majority do. The seller's feedback number shows the number of satisfied customers the seller has had.

It's always wise to also check the feedback for any negative comments left by dissatisfied customers. Negative feedback doesn't always mean a bad seller. If the seller has a feedback of, for example, 300 and he has 3 negative feedback comments, then it's probably safe to buy from him. If however, the seller has a feedback of 5 and has 3 negative feedback comments, then he is perhaps best avoided. Always look at negative feedback in proportion to the positive feedback.

You may also like to read through a few of the positive feedback comments to see what customers have to say about the way the item was packaged and the speed of the service.

READ ITEM DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY

Make sure you read the description of the article you wish to bid on, carefully. Does it meet all your requirements? If it doesn't tell you everything you want to know, don't assume it will be what you want, write to the seller and ask him any questions you might have before bidding.

PHOTOS

Look at the photos of the item you wish you bid on. Is the photo of the actual item you hope to buy, or is it a stock photo that is used for lots of different auctions for similar items? If it seems to be a stock photo ask the seller if he can provide a photo of the actual item. Some sellers like to save time by using the same photo for such things as, tumble stones, stating that your item will be similar to the ones in the photo.' Often they are, but sometimes they're not, always check.

CHECK POSTAGE COSTS

Always check the postage costs before bidding. It's sad to say that some sellers on eBay do try to get a bit of extra money by charging excessive postage costs. If you think it's extreme then don't bid. Remember that this will be added to you winning bid amount so keep that in mind when deciding how high you are going to bid.

RETURNS POLICY

Check the buyers returns policy. Does he accept returns? Some don't. How long does he give you to return an item? Does he only accept returns for non-working items or does he offer a no quibble returns guarantee? If he doesn't state his returns policy then ask, don't just assume you will be able to return it.

CHECK OUT OTHER AUCTIONS

Do a search of the item you wish to bid on to see if there are any other people selling the same item. Compare starting bid prices, postage costs, and feedback. You may be surprised to see the number of auctions there are for the same item. Don't bid on the first one you see, always search for more.

DON'T BID TOO EARLY

Finally, don't get carried away and bid too early. Wait until the last few minutes if possible, or even the last couple of minutes to try to avoid people outbidding you. By waiting until near the end of the auction, it also gives you plenty of time to change your mind about bidding. Once you have placed a bid it is legally binding, so make certain you do want to purchase it before bidding.

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