What is eBay?
It's the world's first, biggest and best person-to-person online trading community. eBay is the place to find the stuff you want, to sell the stuff you have and to maybe make a few friends while you're at it! eBay is a giant marketplace, right at your fingertips. Looking for a vintage Barbie® or a faster modem? How about a leather jacket and a Harley® to go with it? Whatever you need, odds are you'll find it at eBay: there are over 2,000 categories and more than 2.5 million auctions a day.
You can buy, sell or just look around at eBay. This article will briefly talk about the process. For complete details and instructions go to the eBay web site at www.ebay.com.
To start bidding and selling right away, you must register. But you can browse around first. eBay makes it pretty easy for you. Browsing is free and you don't have to register, although eBay encourages you to become a member! They provide some useful links to the following:
New to Browsing?
Relax, kick off your shoes, and see how categories are organized for easy
browsing. To find items, click on "Browse" at the top of any eBay
page, or click on a category:
Antiques, Automotive, Books, Movies, Music, Coins & Stamps, Collectibles, Computers, Dolls, Figures, Jewelry, Gemstones, Photo & Electronics, Pottery & Glass, Sports Memorabilia, Toys & Beanies, Miscellaneous
New to Bidding?
The fun always begins with bidding! Learn the basics to get the goods you want.
To start bidding, you'll first need to register
at no charge as an eBay member. Then let the fun begin! Here's what to do:
Once you register, find an item you'd like to bid on by browsing through eBay's listings. Or, you can try a search for a specific item.
When you find something you want, scroll to the bottom of the item's page until you see the bidding area. Enter the amount of your bid, and click the "review bid" button.
Carefully look over what you're bidding on, enter your User ID and password and then click the "place bid" button. Bidding is now complete and you're off to the races!
As you wait for the auction to close (this is usually several days), you'll receive a daily email telling you if you're the high bidder or if you've been outbid by another eBay member. I
Going, going, gone! When the auction closes, if you are the high bidder, you must email the seller within three business days to claim your item. Congratulations—you're a winner!
New to Selling? (And
adding photos?)
If you're ready to Show & Sell, here's how to put your stuff on the auction
block.
Are There Fees?
Bidding or browsing is free. Only sellers are charged fees—and they're low!
Why eBay is Safe
The vast majority of buyers and sellers are honest and reliable. See how eBay
makes it so. Here's how you're protected with built-in safeguards every time
you buy or sell:
Instantly check the "reputation" or business practices of anyone at eBay.
Every eBay user is covered by insurance free of charge under the terms of our program.
SafeHarbor, eBay's safety staff, is here for your protection.
An escrow service can give you added security whether you're a buyer or seller in transactions involving expensive items.
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Dale Wiley J
Computer Help ãMarch 2000