Doing Business at Web-Based Auctions

"Where can I find what my business needs at a reduced price?" Have you tried eBay^TM? eBay^TM is an online auction web site, like a never-ending garage sale, where you can find people selling everything from new and used computer equipment to extra memory for items to Beanie Babies or cars.

But I'm afraid of those online auctions.

eBay^TM goes out of their way to make sure your shopping and buying experience is as happy and trouble-free as possible. Every eBay^TM buyer and seller must be a registered user. During the signup process, eBay^TM requires personal information, including a valid credit card, in case there is litigation or one of the parties must be tracked down. eBay^TM also has a feedback system where users can rate each other. This way you can read what people say about doing business with a certain person, and decide if you want to buy from or sell to that person. The only things you can find out about another user are their e-mail address and anything they put on their "About Me" webpage; nobody can find out your address or phone number unless 1) you give it to them, or 2) there is a major problem with YOU and eBay^TM gets involved to try to resolve a dispute.

But I don't want to tell eBay^TM my personal info and credit card number.

Then this may not be for you. But remember, there is nothing you would be telling eBay^TM that you wouldn't be telling MicroWarehouse or MacZone or any company from whom you are purchasing an item using a credit card. eBay^TM does not run your card except for a listing fee and commission if you choose to sell an item through their system.

Tell me about your eBay^TM experiences.

* I just bought a Smart and Friendly 226, which is a CD-RW machine. The lowest price I'd seen for a brand new one was just over $400US. Someone was selling one that he'd opened but not used or registered, and I was the winning bidder at $220. Add $15 for shipping, and I've saved almost 50% by using eBay^TM.
* I recently cancelled my Sprint PCS account of course 3 days after their money-back guarantee expired, and they wouldn't take back the Qualcomm phone they'd just sold me for $150. I threw in a $30 headset adapter I'd bought for it, and the winning bidder got the two-item package for $112.50. Sure I lost a little money in the deal, but considering I wasn't going to use the phone and I started the bidding at $50, I'm quite pleased with results.
* My husband just bought not only the same model movie camera that Zapruder used to film the JFK assassination, but someone happened to be selling one that is around 150 serial numbers away from Zapruder's cameta. $23US including shipping, and it's in perfect working condition and no rust or dings!

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