Know before you buy. Here are some tips to help you buy more confidently.

• Know the item

• Confirm authenticity

• High-price listings

• Overseas transactions

Know the item

• Review the item description, checking for any discrepancies. Compare the item to similar items.

• Make an independent assessment of the condition of the item. Be realistic in your expectations of used or older items.

• Contact the seller with any questions about the item’s condition.

• Review details about shipping, and payment options.

• Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or if the listing has a significantly delayed shipping time.

• Make sure that the item is legal and allowed according to eBay's listing policies.

Confirm authenticity

• When buying collectibles, take steps to confirm that the item is authentic. Learn more about authentication and grading

• Have a third-party authentication service inspect the item. For example you can get opinions about sports memorabilia, coins, stamps, and jewelry.

High-priced items

• Popular higher-priced items (computers, jewellery, and electronics) may carry a higher fraud risk. Give extra scrutiny to the transaction.

Overseas transactions

• Use caution with overseas transactions. Different laws may apply.

• Allow additional time to receive your item. For more information, see Buying Internationally.