introduction to e bay

Nicole McGeeVirginia Beach Public Library

nmcgee@vbgov.com385-4614

The World’s Largest Yard Sale

Overview

• Started in 1995 with a single inventor.• 1996: 41,000 registered users worldwide. Hosting

250,000 auctions for the year.• 1997: Hosting 200,000 auctions per month. 341,000

registered users worldwide.• 1998: 2.1 Million registered users worldwide.• 2006-2008: mobile applications • 2009: 90.1 million active users worldwide

and $57.1 billion total sales by individuals

Searching

• No registration required to browse/search.• Type in a keyword or two into the search box

to start browsing items.• Check spelling.• Browse categories if uncertain what keywords

to use.

Results

• Sorted by “best match.”– Change sorting criteria using popup menu. • Time, price, distance, etc.

• Each listing includes time left in auction, current price, number of bids, etc.

• Refine search by using Advanced Search or the left-hand navigation column.– Limit by distance, price range, etc.

Item Description

• Review seller info if considering bidding!– Rating, feedback, # of completed transactions,

location, accepted payment types, etc.• Current bid price.• Time left in auction.• Description, shipping, returns info.• Use “watch this item” if not ready to

bid (10 free, or requires registration).

Interested? Getting Started

• Register – required to buy/sell• User Agreement & Privacy Policy• “My eBay”

• Watch items you want to track.• See which auctions you won/lost.• Check on your active bids- winning or losing?

Might want to bid again, etc.• Selling totals, buying totals.• Search all completed auctions.

Buying• Read the description carefully.

– Details??– What’s included or NOT included?– Pictures??

• Compare prices- completed (registration required) or active auctions.

• Ask seller questions BEFORE you bid!

• Make sure you know accepted payment methods, shipping $, and return policy.

Buying

• Enter maximum bid (the most you’re willing to spend on the item).

• Disputes- try to resolve with sellerbefore involving eBay.– eBay buyer protection program.

• Retracting/cancelling a bid.

Payment Options

• PayPal- online payment system– Bank account• Consider using a separate bank account JUST for eBay if

using it often.• Can specify credit or debit.

– Credit card– Select primary method, secondary backup

• Beware “spammers” – PayPal willNEVER email asking for personal info!

Payment Options

• Some sellers accept other forms of payment:– Checks– Money orders

• If payment sent via U.S. Postal Service, items are not usually shipped until payment is received.

Selling• Create a seller’s account (free):– Verify identity (credit, bank, or ID Verify service)– Accepted payment methods from buyers– Fee payment method (fees vary to sell on eBay)

• Refer to checklist for tips.

• Description: be specific, include pictures.

Selling

• Compare prices when determining starting price – search completed auctions (registration required) and active auctions for similar items.

• Lower starting prices = more bids.

Tips and Tricks

• Read descriptions carefully.• Types of bidding– Up front- maximum bid entered once.– “Sniping” – bid low, then wait until the last minute

to bid high and win the auction.• Bidding wars and shipping charges may make

it more expensive than buying locally.

Now Let’s Play!

Thank you!

Questions?

nmcgee@vbgov.com385-4614