Product Description

A no-holds-barred guide to safe and successful buying and selling on the popular online auction site. Reveals the strategies of winning bidders and offers tips for beating competitors to get the items you want--without overpaying or becoming the victim of scams. Filled with practical advice for avoiding frauds, what to do if an item doesn't sell, how to list items effectively, choosing an auction type, how to get the best price and much more. An excellent resource for anyone looking to steer clear of scammers, execute successful transactions, and win good stuff!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #664732 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-19
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Blogcritics, October 11, 2005 (http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/10/11/205251.php)
A good review of what you may already know, and good advice that you probably just didn’t think of.

Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer, June 28, 2006
"A nifty paperback that gets down to essentials and provides plenty of sound advice."

About the Author
Michael Banks started trading online in 1983, when he sold an old printer for parts. More than 20 years later, he's still at it. He's been an eBay seller and active bidder for several years and considers eBay the most fun, efficient, and varied online auction site. A full-time writer for 22 years, Banks has authored more than 40 books and has published countless articles on topics as varied as technology, model rockets and writing. He lives in Oxford, Ohio, home of the 1960s Preservation Society.

Customer Reviews

Best book to know about ebay online
This book was excellent and very informative. At first there was so many to chose from but I am positive I made the right choice. It is not expensive and worth every penny. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in either buying or selling on ebay.

'SOLD AMERICAN!!!"
Are you a frequent buyer or seller on eBay. If you are, this book is for you. Author Michael Banks, has written an outstanding book that is a nonconformist, irreverent, and realistic handbook for both buyers and sellers.

Banks, begins by presenting an overview of the organization and structure of eBay, along with what it offers and the basics of how it works. Then, he covers the basics of participating in eBay auctions. The author continues by introducing you to the basics of searching on eBay. In addition, he also shows you how to combine basic search techniques with Search commands and unconventional techniques to conduct truly high-powered searches. The author also considers the relationship between value, price, and demand, and looks at some methods for calculating prices. Then, the author takes a look at how you can fit the profile of the ideal seller, and how to handle those less-than-ideal buyers you may consider. Next, he shows you how to decide what you are going to sell.
Next, the author suggests how you might go about finding items to sell on eBay. Then, he explains how to go about creating a successful auction. The author continues by showing you how to write copy on eBay. In addition, he covers how to relist an item and how to improve your chances of selling it. The author also presents an overview of things you should know before you bid and buy on eBay, focusing on dealing with sellers. Then, he answers questions about bidding and tracking auctions, along with information about techniques and tools you can use to win consistently. Next, he presents some approaches to getting those auction items you've lost. Then, the author covers the steps and options involved in paying for and getting your items. The author continues by looking at some common scams and downright illegal activities that take place on eBay. In addition, he looks at several types of products that aren't what they appear to be. Finally, the authors shows you how you might go about getting information about an eBay member, through eBay and other channels.

This excellent book shows you how eBay works; how to find things on eBay; how to bid effectively and win; the best times for buying and selling; how to draw bidders without spending a bunch on eBay auction features; how to spot shills, fraudulent sellers and deadbeat buyers; and, a lot more. In addition, you'll find information about how to handle the offline aspects of online buying and selling, and some useful information about using the Internet in general.

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This book is great whether you are new to eBay or you have been using it for years. I have done some buying and selling on eBay and while I don't consider myself an expert I felt pretty confident in my abilities. There are a great many books out there about mastering eBay, but this one stands out amongst the crowd. This book opened my eyes to a whole lot more that eBay can do, for me, for you. The first chapter is the basics of what eBay is. After that it is a plethora of information. It covers topics from how to search to how to bid and how to post and item for the best results and how to attract bidders. This should be called the eBay bible because it is all you need. It can save you money, time, and effort. This book is packed with information that is easy to read and understand. Space is not wasted on excessive graphics; only the most appropriate and useful graphics are included. It is a fast read especially when you start getting excited about what you will learn and how soon you can use this knowledge. For those who are interested in eBay it is a page-turner. I am recommending this book to any one who uses eBay, from beginners to seasoned eBayers. The author participated in some of the original auctions in 1983 aimed at trading computer parts on college campuses, and now is a regular on eBay. He has written over 40 books on various topics, such as technology, writing and eBay.