If you want to buy a popular item, bidding on eBay can become competitive very quickly.You want to win as well as place a bid.You will be an eBay genius in no time at all if you get it down to an art.
Step 1: Pick out the item you want to purchase.
You can browse the categories or use the search feature to find what you're looking for.Click on the one that suits you when you scroll through the listings.
Step 2: Look at the details of the item.
Double check the price, condition, and overall product description so that you know what you're getting.Since some sellers post deceiving photographs on their listings, don't just look at the photo and make your decision.The seller's rating should be checked.Ratings and reviews left by other buyers allow you to gauge if the purchase will be worth it.A good seller will have a rating between 94 and 100 percent.The number of ratings a seller has is indicative of their popularity, and it's even better if they have many high ratings.
Step 3: Click on the button to place the bid.
This starts the bidding process.You may be asked to sign in now if you are not already signed in.If you don't have an eBay account, you may need to create one.You don't need an account to monitor your bids and orders.You can type in your maximum bid.The highest amount of money you are willing to pay for an item is your maximum bid.Incremental bidding works if you type the amount in the box.Automatic incremental bidding is used by eBay to ensure that buyers get the lowest possible price for the item.The seller's minimum bid amount will be the same as your opening bid.If your maximum bid is higher than this minimum, eBay will increase your bid.Until your maximum bid has been reached, this process will continue.If you want to pay for the item, you should only bid on it.Every bid you make is considered a binding contract by eBay.It is important that you only bid on the item you intend to purchase.You have to bid an amount that you are willing to pay.You should always pay your maximum amount even if you receive the item at a lower price.If the maximum price is reached during the bidding process, you will have to pay the full amount.Don't bid on two items at the same time.You will have to pay both if you win both bids.Unless you want two of the same item, you should only bid on one listing for a particular item and wait for the auction to end before trying a new listing.If you want, raise your maximum bid.If you decide to pay a little more for an item, you can raise your maximum bid by simply placing another bid at a higher amount.There are limits on the number of bids that can be withdrawn.You can only withdraw your original bid in a few instances.You can fix the error if you accidentally entered the wrong amount.If the item's description changed significantly after your bid was placed and you can't get in touch with the seller, you may withdraw your offer.
Step 4: You should review and confirm your bid.
Click on the "Confirm Bid" button if you are sure that the maximum bid amount is correct.
Step 5: You can access eBay on your smart phone.
The mobile version of the website is free, works on any smart phone, and can be found at http://m.ebay.com.Mobile versions of eBay are visually formatted in a way that makes them more accessible on a mobile device.You can download a mobile app to access eBay.All major smart phone brands have a free mobile app for eBay.The appearance of eBay may look different through the app than it does on the website, but you can still use it to search and bid on items as usual.
Step 6: You should search for the right item.
To start a search on the mobile website, type a description of the item into the search bar and press the magnifying glass icon.If you don't have a specific item you are looking for, you can browse the product categories under the search bar on the home screen.The same basic technique still applies if you use a mobile app.Depending on the version of the app you have, the search bar will be positioned in the upper right corner or upper center.The "Browse Categories" option is located underneath your saved searches or favorites on the initial screen.
Step 7: The details of the item should be looked over.
It's important to understand the product description, price, and condition.Since bids on eBay are considered binding contracts, it is important that you understand what you are bidding on.The seller's rating is important.A seller with a rating of 94 percent or higher is trustworthy.A seller with more ratings is more popular and reliable.
Step 8: Place bid.
The same button is used for both mobile web and mobile app versions of eBay.This is the beginning of the bidding process.Either way, sign in or create an account.You will be signed in if you are using a mobile app.If you are merely using the mobile version of the website through the phone's Internet browser, you may or may not be signed in.You can choose the maximum bid.Touch the bid box with your finger and use the on-screen keyboard to type.The highest amount of money you are willing to pay is your maximum bid.After you finish typing, you can continue.Your bid will be the lowest possible.As other buyers place bids until your maximum amount has been reached, your bid will continue to increase.You should only place bids that you are willing to see through.A binding contract is a bid.You should only bid on items that you are willing to pay for and your maximum bid amount should not be more than you can afford.If you want to raise your maximum bid, simply place another bid on the item at a higher amount.Don't plan on withdrawing your bid.If you accidentally entered the wrong amount or the item's description has changed since your original bid was placed, eBay will only allow you to withdraw your bid.
Step 9: You should confirm your bid.
Use your finger to press on the "Confirm Bid" option if you want to make sure the maximum bid amount is accurate.
Step 10: Expect to get notifications.
If you use the mobile app version of eBay, you will be notified when someone outbids you.
Step 11: Extra cents are included with the maximum bid amount.
If you want your maximum price to be $50.00, enter a maximum bid of $50.11.Most sellers are willing to pay whole dollar amounts.Many eBay auctions are won by small margins.If another seller shares your maximum bid of $50.00, that seller will set his or hermaximum bid at $50.00.If the $50.00 mark is reached, your bid will be raised above your competitor's bid.
Step 12: Wait until the end.
The last 10 seconds of the auction are when the most effective bids are placed.A bidding war can take place if you place your maximum bid well in advance.The other buyer has the opportunity to raise his maximum bid even higher once your maximum has been reached.
Step 13: You can open two browser windows.
Use the second window to place your final maximum bid during the last 10 to 15 seconds of the auction.Click on "place bid" if you want to type your maximum bid into the second window.Don't click on "Confirm Bid" yet, but make sure the button is visible.Hit the f5 button in the first window to refresh the page.The page should be reloaded every few seconds to keep an eye on the price.If possible, have the windows open side-by-side.It can be hard to switch back and forth.During the last 10 to 15 seconds, switch to your second window.Click on the button to place your final offer.It will be hard for anyone else to place a higher bid before the auction closes.