[Steep]

Always always read an auction thoroughly before bidding.

Always always check a sellers' feedback before bidding.

Decide how much you can afford to pay in total for an item and never be tempted to bid over that amount (there will always be another one tomorrow)

Check the payment method required to make sure that you are able to pay that way and that you are comfortable doing so. Most sellers will take paypal, this is generally considered to be the safest payment method, but not all do so check.

Do not bid for something unless you are 100% sure of the total cost. Remember if the item is coming from abroad there could be import duty and vat to add the the final price.

Whenever possible choose a delivery method that is insured and can be tracked even if it costs a little more.

Even if the seller has a great feedback percentage, look for the last few negatives and see when they were and what the problem was in case it's a recent trend.

Much bad feedback results from buyers failing to read auctions properly but at the same time a good seller will not try to 'hide' the true cost of an item or it's origin.

Read the positive feedback too, it will give you an idea of wether the seller is quick to deliver, is a good communicator etc.

Warning signs of a bad seller -
Obviously, bad feedback is one.
Hidden costs, some scams include low starting prices but high postage costs for small items.
Postage charges not mentioned in the auction.
Bull*hit compulsory insurance addons Check this one


Signs of a good seller
Once again, good feedback, don't be put off by a few bad ones, read them and decide for yourself if they are justified.
Good communications
Clear auction details, no hidden costs.

Sniping, an annoying but nowadays accepted method of bidding for an item and often the best way to snap a bargain. Sniping is waiting untill the last few seconds before bidding on an item so that others do not have the chance to outbid you. The trouble here is that a lot of people do it and so it is not always going to work for you. Generally only 'noobs' will bid days before an auction ends.

When you win the item you want to buy, pay promptly but do not leave feedback until the item is safe in your hands and you are happy with it.

If you have a problem with the item when you receive it, contact the seller first to see if it can be resolved before leaving negative feedback.

[Steep]

I was going to post this as a reply to some of the concerns expressed in the postie hasn't come thread but it grew and grew so I though it deserved a thread of it's own.

Hopefully it's going to be of help and is not too long winded.

eBay is a safe place to buy from if you just use your common sense and follow those rules ^