Shops - A Guide to eBay

eBay is a common place nowadays to find those really unique and collectable vintage pieces from significant eras. VINTAGEZINE frequently shops and browses the auction website on the look out for re-markable pieces. 

But just what is eBay?

eBay started in 1995, in San Jose, California, when a computer programmer and his wife decided to launch an auction website called 'Auctionweb', for traders to sell off unwanted items to prospective collectors all around the world. The site was later re-named to eBay and has since become the largest and most successful online business.

eBay has grown in popularity due to its safe and motivating online environment, where anyone can purchase goods confidently. It provides a huge amount of product including electrical goods, clothing and even cars amongst many more everyday objects and items. 

eBay works like an electronic flea market. Sellers pay a small fee plus a 1.5% fee to eBay in order to market their product, to buyers who can use the site without any charge. 

The Benefits of eBay

1.  eBay is an international market and caters to all worldwide nationalities.

2.  There is a huge amount of goods and you can find just about anything and everything.

3.  You can bid for products to ensure you get your purchase at a budget that suits you or you can 'buy it now' at a fixed price.

4. It is purely a virtual and easy to use business.

5. The 'positive feedback' allows buyers to comment on the service of sellers, to ensure an honesty incentive, so that buyers know what to expect.

6. Purchasing can be done through other payment methods such as Paypal, Bidpay and Escrow.com to ensure safe and trusted payment between parties.

7. Its a lot easier and time efficient way to find products than shopping at the market is.

Do's and Don'ts of eBay

1. Never place a bid or 'buy it now' without knowing exactly what your getting first.

2. Check out any conditions that the eBay seller might have placed in the advert - such as extra shipping costs, when it will be sent and sizes and quality of clothing, particularly if it is vintage or second hand.

3. Get more information from the seller if you have a query.

4. Read the feedback section before making your purchase from a desired seller.