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How to buy smart on eBay
If you’ve never used eBay before visit the eBay how-to-buy page. Otherwise, jump right into our step-by-step article.
Step 1 Decide on the specific product that you want to purchase (brand, model, etc.)
Step 2 Use Internet Resources like google and Amazon.com to determine the going retail and used prices on the specific product that you decided on in step 1 (above). While researching, be sure to check on return policies and warranties being offered on new, used and refurbished products. These considerations should be taken into account before you buy.
Step 3 Armed with the information that that you collected in steps one and two above, you need to consider how much the product is worth to you. Write down the maximum dollar amount that you are willing to spend on this product.
Step 4 Consider the shipping costs. If the shipping costs include insurance and/or rapid delivery, slightly higher than normal shipping costs may be worth it. However, keep an eye out for sellers trying to boost their profits by adding costly shipping and handling charges.
Step 5 Know the risks and how to deal with them.
| Risk | How to reduce the risk |
| Buying from an unscrupulous character | Review the feedback from prior customers of the seller.
After you select a product on eBay, look for “Positive feedback” percentage information located in the upper right hand side of this screen. Next, Click on the “See all” link located on the first line of the “Latest Feedback” section. This link will allow you to review specific actual customer comments about the seller. |
| Ending up with a product that does not match the condition and/or functionality of what was described on the eBay listing | Checkout the stated “Return Policy” on the eBay listing. This should be located directly below the “Current bid:”
Review the eBay buyer protection page http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/protection-programs.html#bpp Limit your purchases to only sellers located within the country that you reside in to enjoy the consumer protection laws that your country offers. Carefully inspect the product as soon as you receive it. Make sure that the product that you received matches the seller’s description. If you are buying an expensive product, it may be worth spending a few dollars to have it inspected by an expert. |
| Never receiving the product that you order and paid for. | After purchasing, ask the seller for a delivery tracking number (e.g. UPS or U.S. Post Office tracking number) that you can use to track your shipment online. |
Step 6 Bid or Bail. Now that you’ve completed your homework assignments, it’s time to decide if biding on eBay is right for you.
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering some great rebates, tax credits and financing for consumers who choose energy efficient options.
For example, you may be able to get a 20% rebate on the purchase of an energy efficient appliance when you turn in your old energy hog. So, this example alone could be a pretty good deal when you consider that you can save on both the appliance purchase and your monthly power bills as well.
According to the Department of Energy:
Consumers can find financial assistance for energy efficient purchases and improvements in the form of tax credits, rebates, and energy-efficient financing.
Learn how you can take advantage of federal tax credits for your energy efficient purchases and improvements. For information on state and local tax credits, see State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances will be available from your state in late 2009 or early 2010. Find out how the program will work and how you can apply.
Learn about your options for energy-efficient financing programs, including mortgages to home improvement loans.
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