eBay tips and tricks Getting started

What is eBay?

eBay is an online marketplace that facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers. Think of eBay as the online equivalent of the classified pages of your newspaper.

When you buy ‘off the page’ you could be buying from an individual seller, or an independent trader.

eBay is not a shop; you aren't buying from eBay and in that respect the company isn't responsible if the goods that you receive aren't up to scratch.

Instead the company compares itself to providing the lights, the tables and the infrastructure to set up a market stall.

That said, we believe that eBay does have a duty to ensure that you are well informed about your purchases and how you pay.

How do I become an eBay buyer or seller?

You’ll need to register on the site to buy and sell items. This is a relatively straightforward, if time-consuming, process. Simply click on the Register link on the eBay home page.

You’ll be prompted to enter your personal details, including your name and address, and to set up an eBay user ID and password.

You’ll also need to enter your credit card details; this is a security check to help confirm that you are the person that you say you are.

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