How to Buy From An Ebay Store

Not every seller on eBay is running an auction or a fixed-price listing. Some eBay members have stores. These are virtual stores that are a lot like physical ones. They have business names, a storefront (their Web page), an area of specialty and inventory that is constantly moving. Sellers with eBay stores are usually full-time merchants who either make their living strictly on eBay or who use their eBay stores as adjuncts to their physical ones. Either way, it is easy and fun to buy from an eBay store.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Current eBay account in good standing
• Internet connection
• Computer
• Credit card or other means of payment

Buy Cool Things From an eBay Store

1. Sign in to your account at eBay (see Resources below).

2. Click on "Buy."

3. Hit the "Store Index" link.

4. Decide whether you want to search for eBay stores by name or category, and then click on the option you choose.

5. Pick a store. Read the store name and list of product types and decide if it sounds like a place you want to patronize. If you decide to shop there, click on the name of the store.

6. Browse the store's offerings. Most stores will present you with a list of all of the items it has for sale as well as a list of categories. You can scroll the general list or search for something specific in the store by clicking on a category and seeing what's there.

7. Find an item you want to buy and click on it.

8. Complete your purchase by clicking on "Buy It Now." Then, follow the check-out instructions. Each store has its own check-out policies. However, most stores will take PayPal or credit cards as a form of payment, which enables you to finish the transaction right away.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional assistance with buying from an eBay store, visit the eBay Help page (see Resources below).
• Most of the items you will find in eBay stores are fixed-price items. Just like in a physical store, the item is available for one price only, and that is the price the store sets. Store owners do occasionally put some of their inventory up for sale in auctions--usually as a way to get the names of their stores out to the eBay community.
• Help eBay maintain the security of your stored information. Never give out any personal details about yourself to another user unless it is necessary to complete a transaction. It is also a smart move to make periodic changes to your eBay password.