For eBay buyers, we recommend the following steps to help ensure a successful trading experience:
Before bidding or using the Buy It Now button
Always read the item listing carefully and make sure you understand the seller's delivery terms, refund and return policy, and other terms and conditions. Your bid or use of Buy It Now is a commitment to buy the item from the seller. All bids are active until the auction ends. If you win a listing, you’re obligated to complete the transaction.
Check the seller's sales history through Feedback as well as the seller's current items to get an idea of their areas of expertise. For example, if the seller has only sold recipes, and then lists a plasma television, make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid.
Make sure your method of payment offers purchase protection. Learn more about PayPal's Buyer Protection.
Know the P&P charges before you buy.
Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it often is. Make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid.
Educate yourself about eBay's listing policies.
Communicate with the seller including using the "Ask seller a question" link on the item listing page.
Confirm authenticity of the item.
Read about more ways to know your seller
Before sending payment
Contact the seller to arrange payment. You can search for your seller's contact information.
Be particularly cautious with international transactions, as well as high-price and popular items.
Insure your item.
Keep a record of all purchases.
What to avoid
The use of instant money transfers as a method of receiving payment, via companies such as Western Union or Moneygram, is not allowed on eBay.co.uk. We have banned the use of instant money transfers as a payment method on the eBay.co.uk site to protect members, because in the past some sellers have exploited Instant Money Transfers in order to defraud buyers. If you notice a listing offering instant money yransfers as a payment option, please don't bid on it, and report the seller to eBay.
Transactions where the seller only accepts cash.
Unsolicited offers. If the seller offers to sell you the item directly without bidding on and winning the item on eBay, please don't respond.
