OT: eBay- never used it. How's it really work?
 

I see a lot of members are using eBay, making purchases (and occasionally getting burned). I've looked at it now and again, but it seems like a somewhat convoluted process. How does it REALLY work - or how do you really WORK it?

It seems like a roll of the dice.

Try here too. http://www.offshorebid.com :D :D :D

I have had pretty good luck to date. I always check feedback and look at any other items they may be selling. As always if the deal seems to good to be true it IS. I also setup a different account to use with paypal and all my internet purchases. Has worked so far. Good luck and start off small.
Read the adds well also. Some try to play games like the $100 flatscreen that was on another thread. It was a screen door cover but you could tell. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the input.
Maybe there are other members out there that have made the big score, and are willing to share their experience. I don't hear many of those.

I guess I just don't get it.
This is not a great thread or anything, I am just curious.

Not a lot of action there, Nort. Two items for sale.

Not exactly a "big" score, but I got a 24p Hydromotive in almost new condition for $158 including shipping. Made me happy :D

Warren

Over sixty purchases with only one bad experience and it was corrected. Lots of bargins to be had.

My wife and I purchase on it regularly. She buys clothes, some jewlery, massage oil. I've bought craftsman tools, paslode airless nailers, two mini motorcycles and many other things..
Best if you know what you want and then look for it there. Example was she wanted a 'Dyson' vacuum and it was at Best Buys for $400. On ebay a dealer was selling the same, new delivered for $300 with warranty. It makes great sense for him even if his profit was only $20-30 because he made the sale while the store was closed and he was home asleep. The order was on the computer and he ships it out. Simple.

I've bought several items off E-Bay.
It helps to know what you're looking for and looking at, plus it's value. When bidding on an item, decide on how much you're willing to pay and don't forget to include shipping in that price.

Example,
I was bidding on a multi function display for one of my jet ski's. Price new from dealer is 300.00. E-Bay price for a used one started at 50.00 plus 8.00 shipping, an excellent value.
I bid a maximum price of 85.00. With one day left to go in the auction somebody upped the bid to 95.00 and as I found out they had a max bid of 110.00. I had to go to 125.00 to beat them. That 125.00 was really more than I wanted to pay but this item is few and far between.
I didn't win, somebody else upped the bid to 130.00 with only three minutes left to go.
I was mad and glad at the same time since I really didn't feel like paying that price. I'll just keep looking.

There are also not so good deals on ebay. I've see sometimes the exact item at Sam's Club for less.

Always check the prices. Get a shipping quote. Always ask a couple of questions from the seller. Always read their feedback. Check their other items too. If they say "as is", they mean it. There is something wrong and the value is vastly diminished.

I just got a killer deal on a set of K-planes with pumps, hoses, wiring harness, and dash controls for $810.00. I thought that was a great deal. I have bought a bunch of stuff off of ebay and have not gotten burned yet.

How does it work? Like this... If you bid more than anyone else in the world you win. You send them $ for the unseen item that you've won. What you win is likely not what you think you've won and to top it off there's a chance you'll never receive it to find out! :D:D:D

My sister-in-law bought a Kugerrand on eBay. There was a low-quality picture of the item. The coin was priced nicely.

What she received was actually the size of a dress-shirt button. She actually thought it was funny, and adapted it to fit a charm bracelet. Strangely enough, it was REAL GOLD.

I have purchased hundreds of items on ebay and 99% are liget as long as you do your homework and check there feedback you can get great deals on just about anything. I check around auction sites and stores before I bid so I know what kind of deal I'm getting.

I don't think you have ever bought anything, you surely don't know what you are talking about!!!

If its to good to be true there's a reason. She didn't research it!!

Ya, okay Mr. Ed. You clearly seem to know what you're talking about. :rolleyes:


BTW Mr. Ed, I do a lot of business on ebay. It is very much buyer beware.

I agree it is buyer beware. My brother has been screwed a couple times on Ebay with Car parts. They are not what they advertise or the wrong side of the car or what ever. I have purchased a bunch of things and have done a LOT of checking but I am ALWAYS worried if I am going to get burned or not. There is NO WAY that I would do business with anyone out of the US no matter how good the deal may look. I also notice that a lot of times projucts go up over full blown retail on things so you have to know what you are doing and not just assume that what you are getting is a good deal.

Jon