Tips wanted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electrolux
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 10:57:03 am
content: I need some tips for buying from ebay.

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 11:18:43 am
content: You have to be patient if you want to get your item at a good price, and you have to know what the item is worth to avoid overpaying.Snipe auctions(I use esniper). If "Make Offer" is an option then use it. Pay with paypal. Communicate with your seller; be reasonable, but firm. Open a case at the first sign of trouble; don't get strung along until past the date when ebay/paypal will resolve issues. Contact ebay/paypal customer service if things are really messed up and the seller won't communicate. I'm not saying to be an asshole, but don't let somebody else talk you out of asserting your rights (scammers know the rules and hope that you don't).

author: electrolux
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 12:55:21 pm
content: Quote from: dfmischler on February 11, 2014, 11:18:43 amthanks

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 02:26:08 pm
content: Wait. A long time. Set up saved searches for items. Troll the newly listed section for deals. The only time you're going to get a /really/ great deal is if someone doesn't know how to use eBay, miscategorizes the item, or doesn't know what the item is worth. Wait for best offer deals. Read all the listing, ask the seller questions.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 02:29:00 pm
content: The way i look:(condition) + Buy It Now + Newly Listed(condition) + Auction + Ending Soonesti usually search used or for parts or not working as my condition as thats what im after XD

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:19:56 pm
content: It depends what you're looking for. Contrary to what some people think sniping is alive and well on ebay and ebay allows it. Best offer listings can be good. I've noticed that pawn shops try to sell some questionable stuff. They try to make something out to be better than it is, check the pictures carefully. Individual sellers do the same too. Look at some ipad listings for a good laugh. "The screen is cracked and part of the display doesn't display but everything else is fine." Then they try to price it with all the legit ipads. Time and patience. But also don't forget to check other sources. ebay prices are sometimes inflated. For example new Fluke 177 on ebay are more than remanufactured directly from fluke. Ebay's a contest to see who will pay the most and don't forget it.

author: Dongulus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:59:28 pm
content: Quote from: TCWilliamson on February 11, 2014, 02:29:00 pm+1. This is how I have gotten some good deals too.Do some searches and identify some specific models to look for. Check recent sold listings to get an idea of what your average, expected price is and the minimum, super lucky price. I find that if I wait for a while, I can often find a deal at a below average price. Patience will help you avoid jumping on buys that look good at the moment then turn out to be worth less than you bought it for.If I need some working equipment, then I don't take chances and will only buy new. If you have some technical skill and already own some equipment, you can take a chance on used and "for parts/not working". I have gotten lucky with buying "for parts/not working" in the past. Many sellers have neither the knowledge nor equipment to test what they sell so they list only what they can guarantee. For these, I tend to take risks on sellers that are as upfront and complete as possible in their product description and pictures.Finally, and most essential, if it doesn't feel right, then don't buy and never spend more than you are willing to lose.

author: bluejonah
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 10:13:31 pm
content: These are excellent tips!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 03:53:38 am
content: On the make an offer, don't be afraid to lowball. What is the worst they can say-no? I probably have a 40% win streak lowballing. I picked up a BK Precision o-scope listed for $140 shipped for $100 shipped. The listing had 8 watchers, but mine was the first offer and it worked just as he said it would. I also bought a Tek 2235 o-scope at a hamfest that was listed for $60 and got it for $40 (I offered $30 and he came down to $40) at the end of the day because the seller didn't want to carry it home. At the same hamfest I picked up a Fluke 1953A counter/timer for $10. The husband wanted $15 but SWMBO said $10-also works perfectly. At the same hamfest a friend of mine picked up a Fluke 87 III for $20 because of a faded display. He fixed the issue and loves it. Too bad I didn't see it first. I echo everyone else. Do your due diligence. Set your price in your head and don't go a penny above. Another deal will come along. The hunt is almost as enjoyable as when the package is delivered.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 04:01:32 am
content: The most important thing is to be very suspicious if- The item/cost seems too good to be true- The seller is new

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 04:03:42 am
content: ... and luck, nothing can beat it if it strikes.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 04:19:36 am
content: Pay attention to the shipping cost, yes the item may only cost 6 bucks but 85.00 shipping and handling! Shipping counts.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 04:29:13 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on February 12, 2014, 04:19:36 amThere must be a new term for this shipping nonsense on ebay. I see more and more ridiculous shipping charges. But I just lower the price I'm willing to pay for the item.Shiping instead of sniping. Used in a sentence "That seller is a habitual, serial shiper."

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 10:08:44 am
content: Look for misspellings in the title and alternate words for what you're searching. You'll find bargains.+1 for shiping, I heard "shitping" before.Btw. from the OP I first thought he was looking for tips for a soldering iron he could by from ebay.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 11:11:15 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on February 12, 2014, 04:19:36 amTrue. But sometimes an item can be worth the shipping costs. My previous logic analyser (complete with software on disks, probes, accessoires, etc) cost $66 + $350 for shipping due to the weight (all in all about 60kg).

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 12:31:04 pm
content: ...and sometimes people hide value in the shipping cots to avoid taxing.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 12:51:27 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on February 12, 2014, 12:43:51 pmThey do. At least in Germany or Austria. They try to research it. If they think the shipping costs are too high or the price is too low, they'll just correct it. Sometimes that works in peoples' favour. A buddy ordered a set of high frequency connectors at $200 a peace. Customs thought that must have been a mistake for so flimsy looking connectors and "corrected" it to $2 for calculating tax. Though it might have had something to do with the different decimal delimeter

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 06:42:49 pm
content: Quote from: con-f-use on February 12, 2014, 12:31:04 pmThat makes a lot of sense. It benefits the buyer but in the long run the seller probably has the advantage. Because some people just look at the shipping price as cost of the transaction and pay the final price without adding in the shipping and when you ask them how much they paid they'll tell you the price minus shipping.If you want to find out how bad their shipping is change your zip code to the sellers zip code and recalculate shipping charges. Some don't change at all!Then there are sellers that charge $10 for local pickup. What the???

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 09:32:48 pm
content: Over here you pay tax over the item value and the shipping costs. The shipping is considered a service you bought.

author: electrolux
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 10:52:07 am
content: Quote from: Psi on February 12, 2014, 04:01:32 amHow do you know if the seller is new.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 11:21:44 am
content: Total number of transactions is displayed next to the name. Also look at the positive rating, wouldn't go under 98% positive.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 03:21:45 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 12, 2014, 09:32:48 pmIn DK the max value for "no" vat. Is set to 12$,but thats wo. Shipping.Meaning a $14 Unit at free shipping , Will Cost $25 extra in vat handling fee , plus 25% of the 14$ in vat.A$12 Unit with$5 in shipping Will slip through , as the $12 for the gods doesn't exceed the max value./Bingo

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 04:49:19 pm
content: dfmischler, I was not aware of esniper. Thankyou!

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 08:12:44 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 12, 2014, 09:32:48 pmThen only the seller would benefit.

author: CaptnYellowShirt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 07:52:58 am
content: The only sure way to make money in a stock market is to be the broker.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 03:46:40 am
content: Quote from: con-f-use on February 13, 2014, 11:21:44 amI set my standard a bit higher. Nothing under 99% and typically nothing under 100 transactions. I have yet to be burned in over 100 transactions myself. All transaction are buying only, I don't sell on eBay,

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 03:54:27 am
content: Oh yeah- another tip. Setting up saved searches on a mobile device makes it way easier to check for new items, just refresh and it will tell you what is new!

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 04:35:31 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on February 11, 2014, 02:26:08 pmThere is no longer any way to create or edit saved searches

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 05:43:07 am
content: Quote from: edavid on March 02, 2014, 04:35:31 amYou can do it on both the mobile site and in the official app. To create, search for something and click the star on the results page.To edit just go to your saved searches. Edit as usual.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 09:54:05 pm
content: Yes you can edit your "Followed Searches" Also when creating/editing a search try out the "More refinements" linkmiddle-left of the page. You can get very specific, number of miles from your zip/postal code, include or exclude sellers, limit to a region, limit to auctions and a lot more.I have not tried it yet but if you're into programming you can have a look at the search API.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 11:49:44 pm
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on March 02, 2014, 09:54:05 pmFollowed Searches are not the same as Saved Searches, and I find them useless. As I mentioned, it's no longer possible to edit Saved Searches on the non-mobile site. I'm looking into the mobile site thing.