The Fun of Buying on eBay

Today’s column is for all the friends and co-workers who have asked for advice over the years about buying and selling on eBay.

I am the eBay Queen. It started four years ago when I was researching an article. Within minutes of getting a user ID I took a break from my research and began bidding on Japanese egg cups, vintage aprons and oil paintings. Later I branched into Danish modern furniture, old cookbooks and new designer clothing. When my acquisitions outpaced what our small home could hold, I registered as a seller.

Over the course of hundreds of transactions and countless hours spent observing cultural norms and behavioral patterns in eBay land, I’ve gained some expertise.

Let’s start with selling: Leave it to the pros. I’ll share what I know about selling next week, but it truly is a hassle.

Buying is much more fun. But you have to take precautions to keep from getting burned.

KRT Wire | 02/22/2007 | The eBay Queen dispenses advice