In this uncertain economy, holiday shoppers are expected to take advantage of the savings and convenience of shopping online from home this year.  Americans are growing increasingly savvy with their limited spending power and saving money by eliminating the expense of driving from store to store looking for that certain item for those on your holiday list, also provides shoppers with an enormous catalog of specialty items that cannot be found at traditional brick and mortar stores, delivered to their doorstep.

Ebay, the number one retailer and auction site on the web,  and Ebay Powered Niche Sites like RawHog.com, the Harley Davidson Marketplace and Collectibles store,  are wildly popular and the preferred shopping and auction portals throughout the world.

There are a few basic tips that you should practice when purchasing any items on line through a private reseller or auction.

Note: If you have purchased items as a “guest”, your items will become eligible for buyer protection after you register. It is always better to register with Ebay before you place a bid, and keep your account current for all future transactions. Additionally, claims must be filed within 45 days of the PayPal payment.

1. Carefully read the item description
This should give you a good understanding of what’s on offer. In particular check the picture, shipping details and buyer requirements. If you have any questions, email the seller.
2. Get to know your seller
It’s important to get to know the seller’s reputation before you buy or bid on an item. You can do this by simply reviewing their feedback and if you have any questions just click on “Ask seller a question”.

Request the seller’s contact information and give the seller a call.

3. Pay safely
There are several ways you can pay for your item – eBay recommends you use PaisaPay which is the safest and easiest way to pay online. Learn about the other payment options*.
Credit card (and Debit Card) companies typically provide some level of identity and purchase protection as well.
4. NEVER pay with Western Union
Instant money transfer services like Western Union are not safe to use online and are prohibited on eBay. Unscrupulous sellers prefer these payment methods and may try to convince you to pay this way but we urge you not to. Even Western Union warns against using their services for online payments, such as transactions on eBay.

Look for options like PaisaPay that offer buyer protection.

5. Protect yourself

If you receive an item that is significantly different to its description or you don’t receive it at all, you may be protected with the Buyer Protection Program**.
*If you have paid for an item, but didn’t receive it, or you paid for and received an item, but it was significantly different from the item description. Note: If you paid for your item with PayPal, you’ll be taken automatically to PayPal to file a PayPal Buyer Protection claim.

**Vehicle purchases are protected for up to $50,000 or the vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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