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As a casual Ebay user, I have enjoyed using it with my family for several years.

Pros
Ebay is very good about providing accurate feedback for buyers and sellers. Ratings show how many people have listed negative feedback, and if it is recent, you can see why. There is also the option for rebuttals if the feedback is incorrect. I have never had a problem with this except when items were not sent.

Ebay also allows sellers to allow potential customers to ask questions. These questions can also be posted in the listing for other potential customers.

There are also options to customize shipping with insurance and price calculators. This is really great for buyers.

Cons
For inexperienced users, there are many nuances that make Ebay difficult to navigate. Buyer feedback, as well as ratings and location, can help judge whether a seller is reputable. I also check out how the page is organized. If the listing is clean and presents the product well, I feel the seller is more professional.

It is also very hard to sell on Ebay. Simple listings don't look as good as complicated ones, but those cost more and can be confusing. It is important to make your product look more appealing that a used pair of boots. However, when I bought a dress in a size too small, I simply created a simple page with exactly what I had seen on the original seller's page (plus a disclaimer on the small size), and sold the dress immediately.

Speaking of sizing, it can be very tricky. Good sellers will list many measurements, as well as allow for questions. However, vintage clothing can be difficult because sizes vary from today. If you are looking for a new pair of shoes, or a new prom dress, try it on in stores before looking for it on Ebay. This ensures, unless there were alterations made, that the dress will fit. Also, look for pictures on real models for a more accurate representation.

Why I Use Ebay
We have mainly used Ebay for purchasing items not found in stores. My mother mostly searches for lots of knitting needles and Nordic sweaters. We have also purchased semi-formal dresses, coats, and cowboy boots. You can get many deals, but one has to be careful to assess whether the seller is reputable. I bought Red Sox tickets (great seats too!) for only $45 a ticket and it worked out great. I also know people who buy things and never receive them. Ebay offers ways for the seller to attempt to regain lost funds.

I have also sold semi-formal dresses, event tickets, and cowboy boots (a year after I bought them!). Selling is definitely more difficult than buying, but it is a great way to get rid of what you don't need.