[Gracie2006]

I suggest going in and reading the FAQs for buyers, particularly the safe harbor section. They give lots of good info there. In my experience, look for sellers with lots of feedback (hundreds, not in the single digits) and feedback ratings of greater than 95%. I will only pay with PayPal or credit card, so I have recourse if I get ripped off. That has only happened to me once. Do your research and read the fine print. Sometimes the sale price looks too good to be true, and it is because the shipping charges are outrageous. Research online at other websites and learn what the same item sells for new or at other auction sites and like at Craig's list. For hot selling items, like the new IPOD shuffle, you will do better buying direct from the manufacturer than you will on Ebay. Watch other auctions for the same item and see what the item ultimately sells for, that will give you an idea of how high to go on your bids. If the item is large, like a piece of furniture, communicate with the seller before bidding so you know what shipping etc. will cost you up front. Lastly, I don't start bidding until the last 15 minutes or so of the auction (if it is not a "buy it now" only item). Every time you bid it encourages someone else to outbid you. If you really want the item, you sit and wait to pounce! Good luck!