Are you just starting off to buy and sell on eBay? Then read this article first. There are tips, ideas and hints on how to improve your EBay experience.

For buyers: If the seller is using a stock photo or didn't include a photo, ask for a current photo of the actual item, unless it's a major seller (in which case fraud should no be at issue) the seller should respond favorably to the request for an image, if the seller does not this is a warning sign. You have a right to ask for contact information once you enter into a transaction. Remember that once you ask for contact information, your transaction partner will also receive your contact information. Make sure you know what you are buying, so that there are no surprises when your item arrives in the mail. Bidding at the last moment doesn't always work; this method is popular, but with eBays proxy bidding system, it's not necessary. Simply enter the maximum you're willing to pay for the item, rather than bidding a million times.

Of course, sometimes it's a good idea to enter a higher maximum during the last few minutes of an auction, but usually, this isn't necessary. Use the search tool properly when searching for items this is certainly an overlooked tool when it comes to eBay. Remember that sellers are limited in the number of characters in the title of their item, and sometimes sellers write poor titles to begin with. If your search is yielding no results, try doing an advanced search. Check off search descriptions, and you just might find what you're looking for.

For the very beginning seller,

1) Go to eBay, open an eBay selling account. This procedure is very simple. Just follow the steps given.

2) Check out some of the listings already active in eBay.

3) When starting off for the first time, enter your listing, add a picture, and perhaps add a gallery picture. No need to get fancy.

4) Pay special heed to your title, make sure it is explanatory, and catchy, and has enough information for the buyer

5) Make sure in the "description" you disclose full details pertaining to your item. Do not hide or try to cover anything.
Also, try to write your description in a way that will grab the attention of the readers. Don't be boring in your writing. MAKE the buyer want to buy your product.

6) Do research, it's easy with eBay.

7) Learn, always learn! There are many places on the "net" where you can teach yourself for free.

8) Have fun on eBay, try the unusual, you will be surprised what sells.
When selling, write a title that accurately describes your item. Use manufacturers name and model number within the title if applicable. Write a detailed description that allows prospective bidders to make a decision about purchasing the item. A basic tip of the description can never be too long as long as it is describing the item. Host your own pictures. By hosting your own pictures, you will save money, and, more importantly, be able to use as many pictures as you need to adequately show eBay bidders your item. This is the simplest thing to do, and yet 70 percent of eBay sellers ignore this simple tip. List your item in the most appropriate category.

Many buyers only search eBay by looking at listings within categories. If you are not in the right eBay category you will not be seen by lots of potential bidders and you item may end up selling for less than it's worth. Systemize your eBay selling. Using a system to sell on eBay will lower the amount of time spent selling each item, and insure you don't forget any important activities. Know the fair price and your maximum eBay includes an option in their advanced search to search for completed auctions. Use the completed auction search feature to find similar items and their final price.

Search other stores like Amazon.com, overstock.com, and other online stores to see if they are selling it for less than the auction. You can also use sites like Shopping.com and PriceGrabber.com to find existing non-auction deals. And most importantly, know your maximum bid. Determine the price you're willing to pay for the item. If it sells to someone else for a penny more that your maximum, you should be able to think "They overpaid!" You should also feel that if you win it for one penny less than your maximum, you can think "I got a deal!" Your maximum bid should be your true maximum bid.

Review seller feedback before ever placing a bid, you must review the seller's feedback. The seller should have very few negative feedbacks, if any. With items worth only a few dollars, you can be more lenient with new sellers. If it's an expensive item, be very careful bidding if the seller has a low feedback rating or any number of recent negative ratings.

Is the seller using an anonymous e-mail address (eg Yahoo! hotmail), scammers often use anonymous e-mail accounts. Seller and buyer leave feedback on the same day the auction ended. Feedback left by the buyer and seller the same day the auction ended, often for more then one auction. This might indicate the buyer was a shill. The other side of buying is the selling. Anyone can sell anything on eBay. Open an account, list your product, and wait for the bids to start coming in. There are secrets to being a power seller on eBay. If you have any questions, ask again, a seller who does not respond to your e-mail, is not much of a seller.