by sir_snipes_alot

Before placing any bid on eBay it is wise to do some preliminary homework. The time you take before bidding can save you many surprises and heart aches after the auction has closed. Remember that eBay considers any bid you place to be a binding contract between you and your seller. Here is a detailed list of what you might consider doing before placing your bid.

Search for similar auction items - see what other similar products are currently selling for. Also do a search for recently sold items similar to yours on eBay - note what the selling prices have been.

Read the full auction description very carefully - make sure you understand exactly what is included in the auction, and what its condition is. Remember if it doesn't say something's included - assume that it's not until you get confirmation that it is.

Read the seller's full terms of service - this is the information regarding payments accepted, shipping modes, shipping costs, handling costs, insurance costs, accepted payment timetable, and return policy. If something is not clearly stated, or information omitted - contact the seller to clarify the question.

Research your seller. Take the time to review all available information on your seller - this should include reviewing the seller's feedback history, make note of the number of positives, neutrals and negatives - don't stop there, you should also read all the comments left by other buyers regarding the seller. Next, review all the feedback your seller has left for others - this will give you a better idea of your seller and how they operate and respond to others.

Contact the seller - to clarify any issues, questions, or concerns. Your seller should respond to your e-mail, the way they handle the pre sale contacts will tell you a lot about what you can expect after the sale - if a seller doesn't respond before the sale, what do you think will happen after they have your payment and you have a problem.

Determine your true maximum 'would never ever pay more' proxy amount. The single most important key to winning an auction item is what you are willing to pay for the item compared to what other bidders are willing to pay for the same item. I always recommend placing one bid, for your absolute would never pay more amount, and placing that bid as late in the auction process as you are comfortable. There is absolutely no advantage to placing a bid early in the auction process, there are actually a few disadvantages to doing so however.

Place your bid using the bidding box at the bottom left of the auction item page. Be very careful when entering your bid. Make sure you place a decimal point (using a period - and not a comma) correctly. Check your bid once, check it again, and check it a final time.

Confirm your bid. The confirmation page gives you one last chance to change your mind, after this point you are committed to buying the item for the amount you enter as a bid. Again, review your bid price, check for decimal placement and typographical errors. Read the confirmation page and note the warnings and cautions - you are entering into a binding contract that, once placed, can not be withdrawn.

Good luck with your bidding - I hope you win your auction item and enjoy it!

Sir Snipes Tip: - Bid only once - Bid your absolute would never pay more maximum - Bid as late in the auction as you are comfortable.