red_magpie is mainly a posting ID for the Answer Centre and Discussion Boards. On my other IDs I have been a buyer and seller on eBay for over ten years. The Discussion Boards are a good way to learn about eBay but as in all public forums there is a small minority who will subject other users to personal abuse, or target their auctions. I would recommend all regular posters to adopt the simple precaution of using a posting ID. A few tips! I've put together the tips below based on some of the most common problems raised on the Answer Centre. I hope that they are of help. Understand eBay buyer protection. Do learn about eBay’s buyer protection policy – there's a link to it on every auction page. It only applies if you pay by PayPal and some things are excluded (e.g. vouchers, gift certificates, customised items like dresses made to order, vehicles, boats, anything not paid for by paypal). There is a time limit for claiming, currently 45 days. Don't let buyer protection tempt you to take unnecessary risks; disputes don't always go the buyer's way and even if you win you have to pay the return postage. Sellers need to know about buyer protection too. A surprising number don’t realise that they are responsible for loss or damage in the post, or that proof of posting isn’t sufficient (eBay and PayPal require proof of delivery (e.g. recorded or special delivery). Read the description carefully. A lot of cases come to the Answer Centre because the buyer simply didn’t read the description before bidding. Sometimes buyers bid without noticing that items that are for collection only, or complain about faults that were mentioned in the description. Do read the description carefully and if in doubt ask questions before bidding – especially about combining postage, or if you want to ask whether the item can be collected. Know the risks! The great majority of sellers are honest but there are still plenty of scams. Be suspicious of anything that seems very cheap - apparent bargains often turn out to be seconds, customer returns, old stock, grey imports, cheap unbranded copies or just plain counterfeits. The above applies especially when buying from abroad – particularly from China, where there is a huge problem of shoddy and counterfeit goods. Remember that anything you buy from outside the EU may be subject to VAT and import duties, and that you have no UK consumer protection. Returning faulty items with proof of delivery can be a problem and the cost of international postage means that it may not even worth making a buyer protection claim. Don't put too much faith in warranties. Buying through eBay is not like the High Street. Warranties may be invalid, e.g. because the seller is not an authorised distributor. Sellers' own guarantees are only as good as the seller who gives them. EBay and PayPal won’t get involved after the end of the 45 day buyer protection period. Customer service may be poor or non-existent and consumer rights, even where they exist, can be difficult or impossible to enforce. There’s no consumer protection for items bought from abroad or from private sellers. Is the risk worth taking, or would you be better off buying elsewhere? Only you can decide! Finally, enjoy using eBay! Don't get the doom and gloom out of proportion! Just keep your wits about you, know the risks and remember that if something looks too good to be true it probably is! EBay can be fun and there are some great bargains to be had.