Read 1,129 reviews Write a review at Epinions.com

If you've never been to Ebay, I know what you are saying! You're saying how can someone shop on Ebay, they don't even know the people they are buying from.. You could get scammed! I'm here to tell you, not if you do your homework.

I love collecting Wedgwood Jasperware, and got started on Ebay searching for unique pieces. I found that the prices on Ebay were about 75% lower than at the local antique malls I had been shopping at previously. I couldn't believe the deals I was getting. But, I also did my homework, so I've never gotten burned. Here are a few hints..

First, make sure you know what you are looking for. Some sellers don't intentionally misrepresent (I'm sure some do, however) their items, they just don't know what they have. I see many items listed as "might be Wedgwood." Make sure you know the markings that your collectible has on it (be is a "Wedgwood; Made in England" or a "F" for Fenton, etc). Some people will try to pass off milk glass with a star etched on it as Fenton, when Fenton has never used a star to mark their glass -- ever. Also be careful in the designer clothing market. If you want an authentic Coach, Gucci or Chanel purse, make sure the person guarantees the authenticity. Then, once you get it, call the company to verify the item number (Coach puts a number on the inside of every bag, so you can tell if it is counterfeit). But an educated buyer knows how to spot these auctions and avoid them.

Second, read the ENTIRE AUCTION! Many sellers list everything you need to know there. Some buyers are shocked to find out that shipping charges are $17.95 for that particular seller because the seller charges "handling" fees -- but if they would have read the auction page before bidding, they would have noticed that and avoided the auction if that was an issue.

Third is read the seller's feedback. If someone has multiple negatives, investigate why. If you don't feel comfortable buying from that person because they have a number of negative or neutral comments, then don't buy it. There's no worse feeling than feeling like you got scammed. Ask the sellers questions. If you feel they were rude, or unprofessional, don't do business. With Ebay, there is always someone else listing products like the one you are looking for.

I've bought everything from Coach purses, Wedgwood collectibles, to books and pet carriers on Ebay. I've made about 20 transactions so far and have yet to be disappointed. It's so easy! Just type in what you are looking for, and viola, you get a list a mile long! Their checkout and payment procedures are a snap, and they make it so easy to ask sellers questions about the products they have.

Of course there are going to be your bad apples, but do your homework.. and I'm sure you'll find shopping on Ebay is worth every minute!

**********UPDATE 4/04************
I'm going to offer a few more pieces of advice on purchasing designer handbags and shoes on Ebay. I've recently learned that "replica" designer bags can have the serial numbers that designer bags have. I haven't gotten burned, but I've also revised my policy. First of all, if they are selling "brand new authentic" merchandise, I ask them if they have a receipt. If they do not, then I don't buy from them. Many people will claim to have genuine Louis Vuitton bags, but in reality they are made in China and are a replica. Unfortunately, you cannot go by the person's feedback alone. Why? Because many people who buy the bags don't realize they are fakes. Fakes and replicas have gotten so good, that only a keen eye can tell the difference.

So here are a few guidelines I've come up with for myself.
1) If the item is brand new, ask for a receipt. If they say they don't have one, watch out. You don't know where they bought it, but it's probably not from an authorized dealer.. and thus you can't be sure it's real.
2) Never, ever, ever, ever buy from someone who doesn't offer a total money-back guarantee if it is a "fake." If they state their sales are final, and no returns are possible, but they guarantee the merchandise's authenticity -- don't buy from them. Why? Because even though they SAY they guarantee the authenticity, you can't return the bag for your money back if you determine it is a fake bag.
3) Use your good judgement. If the pictures are blurry, ask for better ones. Ask the seller questions about the authenticity (such as, if they don't have a receipt.. how do they know it's authentic). If the item is used, ask for a rundown of the defects (water stains, pen marks, etc).

Please everyone remember.. as with everything in this world.. CAVEAT EMPTOR. Let the buyer beware. If you think a deal is too good to be true (such as a Louis Vuitton handbag that retails for $800, and it's being sold on Ebay for $20), then IT IS! I promise. Good luck and good Ebaying :)