eBay's range of buying formats makes it easy for buyers and sellers to do business together. Each format has its own characteristics and advantages.

Auction formats – If you enjoy the interaction of bidding and the fun of winning a treasure or a great bargain, investigate the following ways of buying.

• Auction-style Listings – These include Reserve Price Listings and Private Listings.

• Second Chance Offer – Under certain circumstances, the seller can offer the item to a bidder other than the auction's winner.

• Multiple Item Listing – Listing that offers two or more identical items.

• Speciality Sites –eBay Shops, eBay Motors, Want It Now.

Fixed price formats - If you want to pay a fixed price and get the item quickly, learn about these buying formats:

• Buy It Now – Sellers have the option to offer a Buy It Now price that allows a buyer to get the item right away without waiting for a listing to end.

• Best Offer – Sellers can choose this option to a Buy It Now listing so that buyers can suggest a price they are willing to pay for that item.

• Specialty Sites –eBay Shops.

Advertisement formats – These buying options do not directly list an item for sale on eBay. They help connect buyers with sellers, with any resulting sales taking place off eBay.

• Classified Ad Format – Instead of bidding as you would in eBay's auctions-style listings, interested buyers can contact the buyer directly, by using the contact information provided either in the listing, or through the Ask the Seller a Question form. Once contact has been made, interested buyers and sellers may arrange a sale off eBay.

• Specialty Sites – The Want it Now site is a place where buyers can tell sellers exactly what they want to buy.