The biggest problem with online shopping is knowing who is trustworthy as a seller. Being able to identify a good seller from a bad one is vital as it can decide whether your experience with eBay is pleasant or horrible. There are a few key things to look out for when choosing your item.

1. Firstly shop around for prices, you may find the item you want for a price lower than you expected. Check the shipping price too as you will have to pay for that as well unless it is possible to pick up the item in person, which does not happen very often. If there are no details on shipping prices in the item's description, or if you are unsure, then contact the seller. They won't be offended by such a simple question, and if they are then they are not worth buying from.

2. The next thing to check out, once you have found out the lowest price, is the most important part of online buying. You have to check the feedback score of the seller. If the seller has over 95% positive feedback then they will be reliable. However, always check out their detailed feedback and read a couple of the most recent comments to get an idea of what the seller is like. If there have been any recent bad comments, hunt them down and read to see what the problem was. If there are a lot of recent bad comments about shipping, postage times, and delayed comments then this seller is probably not very reliable. It is always possible to find a brilliant seller.

3. Use Paypal to pay. They are reliable and secure. You will not have to pay any exchange rate charges as Paypal converts money automatically, whereas your bank will charge you. Also they are brilliant for helping with problems such as returns. If there are any problems, such as the seller has not contacted you and the item has not arrived, then you can fill in a form on eBay which is transferred to Paypal who will organise a refund for you. This system is quick and efficient, but must only be used as a last resort for when you haven't heard from the seller for a good month or so.

4. If there are any questions you have about the item, in regards to price, shipping, quality or quantity then ask the seller. They should be able to clear up any uncertainties you have about the item on sale.

5. Keep in contact with the seller, always ask to be emailed when they have shipped the item and make sure you tell them when you receive it. This helps to avoid any confusion as to what is going on and means that both you and the seller are kept up to date on how the transaction is going.

One last thing to remember is that if you can buy the item in your area for a price cheaper than any on EBay, it is safe to say that you would be better off going to the shops. EBay is brilliant for buying unusual items online or buying things at a cheaper price than the high street shops.

Do research into what you want to buy, check out any details with the seller and don't forget to check their feedback rating! If you bear in mind these points while shopping online then you will get a better deal and be able to avoid anyone who is likely to rip you off.

Learn more about this author, Sora Jhannoa.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to avoid being ripped off on eBay?
We want to hear your view. Write now!