Know before you buy. Here are some tips to help you buy more confidently.

• Know the item

• High-price listings

• Overseas transactions

• Insuring items

Know the item

• Review the item description, checking for any discrepancies. Compare the item to similar items.

• Make an independent assessment of the condition of the item. Be realistic in your expectations of used or older items.

• Contact the seller with any questions about the item’s condition.

• Review details about P&P, insurance, and payment options.

• Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or if the listing has a significantly delayed dispatch time.

• Make sure that the item is legal and allowed according to eBay's listing policies.

High-priced items

• Popular higher-priced items (computers, jewellery, and electronics) may carry a higher fraud risk. Give extra scrutiny to the transaction.

Overseas transactions

• Use caution with overseas transactions. Different laws may apply.

• Allow additional time to receive your item. For more information, see Buying Internationally.

Insuring items

• eBay highly recommends that buyers insure their items and that sellers send packages in a traceable manner.

• See how the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Programme can add confidence to your purchase.