There are some great deals on eBay, but it is also tempting turf for scammers. Always read seller ratings left by people who made purchases from the seller. Ask the seller about alternate shipping options , next day shipping or shipping using a particular company, before your bid or buy. Inform the seller that you would like a tracking number for your purchase (before you buy).

I recently purchased a book using eBay. I didn’t ask the seller how the book will be shipped when I made the purchase. After I purchased the book, I naturally made this inquiry. The seller couldn’t recall how the book was shipped. He thinks it was shipped via UPS. Huh? How could someone not remember that detail. Ok. Maybe the person had 25 items to send and used different companies for most of them.

Next, I asked for a tracking number. The seller told me that he does not purchase tracking numbers. What? Red flags have definitely been raised. Tracking numbers are not purchased unless mail is sent via the United States Postal Service, otherwise are freely given when you ship a package. I am hoping that this is all a big mix-up and I’ll receive my book this week. We’ll see. It’s better to ask for specific shipping information before you spend your money. Lesson learned!