Make a smart, safe purchase on eBay by following these tips.

Do your research

Learn all you can about the item. Read the item description carefully. Do you understand details about postage, insurance and payment options? Avoid making assumptions about details that aren't included in the description.

Check the seller's Feedback. From the item page, click the number in parentheses after the seller's User ID. You'll see what other buyers have had to say about doing business with the seller.

Ask the seller questions. If you have any questions or are unsure about something, contact the seller by clicking the seller's User ID or the "Ask seller a question" link on the item listing page. Common questions include "Do you accept returns?" and "How will you send the item?" If you have bid on an item and are having a problem communicating with a seller through email, you can request their contact information.

Research the item's value. Look at similar completed eBay listings using the completed listings search. You can also visit online stores that sell similar items and ask friends to help determine what the item is worth.

Make sure the item is legal and allowed. If you have any doubts as to whether the item you're interested in is allowed, check eBay's policies on prohibited, questionable and infringing items.

Consider your buying options

Determine the maximum amount you're willing to pay for the item. Take into consideration how much you want the item, how difficult it will be for you to find another one and how soon you need it. Then, determine the highest price that you're willing to pay.

Understand what entering a maximum bid means. eBay's bidding system means you can enter your maximum bid once and the system will automatically increase your bid only as much as is needed for you to stay the highest bidder.

Make every bid a serious one. Don't bid on multiple similar items from different sellers if you only want one, because you may be the winning bidder in more than one listing.

Consider Buy It Now. Does the listing you're interested in have a Buy It Now option? If so, consider whether you are willing to pay the Buy It Now price in order to guarantee that you get the item without having to wait for the auction to end.

Consider Best Offer. If the seller offers the Best Offer feature, then you can think of a price that you think would be the best price for both you and the seller and make an offer for that amount. In some categories, you and the seller can counteroffer each other until you come to a price you both agree on.

Plan ahead

Ensure your contact information and email address is up to date. Check your personal information to make sure it is correct. Also, check that any "spam" blocking software that you have installed does not limit a seller from communicating with you.

Start early if you plan to buy with Best Offer. The way to win with Best Offer is to start early in the listing so you can allow time for the seller to respond.

Plan for alternate computer access. If you have computer or connection problems, or need to be away from your computer, you can access your eBay account using any computer with Internet access. For example, you can monitor your bids through the "My eBay" page using the computer at your friend’s house or your local library.

Enjoy bidding and buying on eBay!