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Step 1
Sign up for an eBay account. This will require you to choose an ID name for yourself and to give the site some basic information. Your name, address and phone number are all required to open an eBay account.
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Step 2
Browse through items for sale by entering a search description through the "Buy" link. This will bring up a list of items currently for sale that match the description you entered. Use fewer, more general words for a wider search or a specific description or string of words for a smaller, tighter list of items for sale.
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Step 3
Read the description of each item carefully before you bid to be sure that you understand what it is, what condition it's in and how they will expect you to pay for the item. Also make sure to check the shipping costs, as they can sometimes be rather high on items that otherwise may seem to be a bargain. Bid as much as you are willing to pay for the item. Resist getting caught up in a bidding war and paying more for the item than you planned.
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Step 4
Consider the seller's feedback rating and other eBay user comments before you bid on anything. A feedback rating in the high 90s with good comments from other buyers is a good indication that you'll most likely have a good buying experience. Comments from users about slow shipping, no communication from the seller and merchandise not as described are red flags that a seller is someone you probably need to avoid.
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Step 5
Start bidding on items. Most sellers accept either PayPal, checks, money orders or a combination of these options, while some will accept credit cards. If you want to buy things that require PayPal, you have to sign up for a PayPal account as well. Know that when you make a bit, it is binding and if you are the winning bidder, will you have to pay for the merchandise. Skipping out on too many purchases will result in your being banned from the website.
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Step 6
Buy things for a fixed price ("Buy It Now") when you want or need an item sooner than the auction end date or see one listed for a good price. These listings work much the same way as an online store. Click the "Buy" button and then confirm the sale on the next screen.
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Step 7
Pay for the items you buy. Pay right online away in order to get the item soon or pay through a check or money order if it is allowed. If you have questions about the item or when it will arrive, email the seller rather than the site itself. There is a link on every listing that allows you to contact the seller directly.
