eBay Shopping Guide: How to Find the Best Deals

Welcome! If you've landed on this page, you're probably excited to explore the world of eBay.

Whether you're new to the platform or just looking for amazing deals, this guide is here to help you navigate eBay like a pro and find the best bargains.

You heard that right!

This guide will cover everything you need to know to improve your eBay shopping experience.

We will start with setting up your account and move on to understanding the different types of listings.

You will also learn to use search techniques, compare prices, and use eBay’s promotions and coupons.

Plus, we'll give you essential tips for checking seller reputations and staying safe while shopping online.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and strategies you need to find the best deals and make smart purchases on eBay. 

So, let’s get started and turn you into an expert eBay shopper!

Wait. It will be a long ride, so grab a glass of water, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Your eBay Account

Finding the best deals on eBay starts with having an account. Your eBay account will let you navigate the platform, find deals you like and then enjoy those deals when you checkout.

To create an account, visit the eBay website at the top left corner of the homepage.

You will see links labelled “Sign in” and “Register.” if you already have an account, you just have to click Sign in to enter your account.

If you don’t have one, click register to begin the account creation process.

You will be taken to the registration page, where you will be required to register as an individual or a business.

If you plan to use eBay for sales, register as a business. But since you are reading this to learn how to find the best deals, you will have to register as an individual.

You will be required to fill in your name, email, and a strong password. However, you can also create an account using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.

Creating an account is not enough, as eBay will ask you to “go and verify.” A verification link will be sent to your email; click on it to verify your account. 

Alright, you are in. Let’s fire down!

How to Use Search on eBay

To find the best deal, you have to know how to search for one. This means you must know how to use eBay’s search features.

You can decide to shop by category if you do not know what to look for. But when you have an idea, the search bar is the best feature.

Type what you are looking for into the search bar, hit search, and eBay will give you a list of items that best match your search criteria. You can then start scrolling through the search options to find the best.

Applying Search Filters on eBay

*story break*

One time, my sister misplaced her phone on a trip to Santorini. It was difficult to trace because she had turned off her location, and the phone was muted (talk about double wahala).

This experience taught me the importance of using precise search techniques to locate missing items or find specific products online.

If you do not have the time to scroll through the search results, you can use the filter options on the left side of the search bar to make your search more specific.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are different filters you can use.

For example, as a Pride of London fan, I want to buy my club’s jersey. I enter the term “Chelsea jersey” in the search bar. 

On the left side, I can filter my search by size, gender, brand, product, colour, player, price, condition (new, used), buying format (auction, buy it now, offers), location, delivery option, etc.

When I choose and apply my filters, the search results will automatically update to show the items that match my criteria.

Using Advanced Search Filters

If you don’t want to use the search bar, you can use the advanced search option next to the search bar.

With this feature, you can find items by seller, item number, stores, etc. it allows you to be more detailed in your search.

Want to take it a step further? You can set extra preferences like:

• Condition: New, used, or refurbished.
• Price Range: Minimum and maximum price.
• Buying Format: Auction, Buy It Now, or Best Offer. T
• Location: Choose items located in specific countries or regions.

How to Save Searches for Future Reference

Did you find a search page you want to save and return to later? No problem. You can save a search using the “Save this search” option under the search bar.

Clicking on that link will reveal a pop-up that says, “We'll send you an email when there's something new.”

To view your saved searches, click “My eBay” at the top right corner of the page. From the dropdown menu, select “Saved searches.” Here, you can view and manage all your saved searches.

How Buying Works on eBay

There are two ways to buy on eBay. You can use the Buy It Now option to pay a fixed price and receive the items immediately, or you can use the auction feature to bid for an item.

Buy It Now:
These listings allow you to purchase items immediately at a fixed price. If you’d rather not auction for an item and want to secure it, you just have to click on the “Buy It Now” button, proceed to checkout, make payment, and the item will be yours.

Auction:
These listings, on the other hand, let you place bids on items. Auctions have a starting price; you can enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay.

eBay will automatically increase your bid in small increments up to your maximum. The highest bid at the end of the auction wins the item. 

For a long time, I called Auctions Bazaar. If, like me, this was your go-to name for it, here is a high five ✋

Best Offer:
Some listings include a Best Offer option, where you can propose a lower price to the seller. The seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer. 

Reserve Price:
Some auctions have a Reserve Price, the minimum amount the seller is willing to accept. The item will not be sold if the reserve price is not met.

Buy It Now vs. Auction

Choosing between "Buy It Now" and "Auction" depends on your preference and urgency.

"Buy It Now" is ideal if you want to snag an item quickly and without the stress of competing for a good bargain. Conversely, auctions let you fuel your competitive spirit since you’re up against others.

While both methods serve different purposes and appeal to different people, the court of public opinion on Reddit thinks auctions are gradually fading out.

Understanding Listing & Listing Descriptions

A listing is a page that displays a product or products on a website, in this case, eBay. You must go to a listing page to use the Buy It Now or Auction.

Now you're on the listing page.

What's next? Read descriptions carefully. You need to fully understand the details of the item you want to buy, and the listing description will provide that detail.

When going through a listing description, watch out for the following:

• A title/ name of the item.
• Brief description of the item, including item condition (new, used or refurbished), size, colour, brand, model number etc.
• High-quality images from different angles.
• Seller information and ratings.
• Shipping options.
• Return policy.

Making a Purchase

Once you’ve found the item you want, the next step is purchasing. Here’s how to do it:

Add Items to Your Cart:
When you find an item you want to buy, click the “Add to cart” button. This allows you to continue shopping and add more items to your cart. You can view the items in your cart by clicking the cart icon at the top of the page.

Proceed to Checkout:
Once you’ve added all the items you want to your cart, click on the cart icon and then the “Proceed to checkout” button. You’ll be taken to a page to review your items, enter your shipping address, and choose your payment method.

Complete the Purchase:
Review your order details to ensure everything is correct. If your shipping address is not already saved in your account, enter it.

Choose your preferred payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal. Finally, complete your purchase and click the “Confirm and pay” button.

Tracking Your Order

After your purchase, you’ll want to keep track of your shipment. Here’s how:

How to Track Your Shipment:
Once the seller ships your item, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

You can also find the tracking number in your eBay account under “Purchase history.” Click on the tracking number to see your shipment's current status and estimated delivery date.

Understanding Estimated Delivery Times:
The estimated delivery time is the time frame in which you can expect to receive your item. It is based on the seller’s handling time and the shipping method you chose.

Remember that this is an estimate, and actual delivery times may vary due to weather, holidays, or customs delays.

Related: How to Choose the Right Shipping Company for Your Needs

Handling Returns and Refunds

eBay’s Return Policy:
eBay has a return policy that allows buyers to return items within a specified period, usually 30 days if the item isn’t as described or if you change your mind. The return policy details are usually listed in the item description.

Steps to Return an Item and Request a Refund:

If you need to return an item, 

• Go to your eBay account and click “Purchase history.” 
• Find the item you want to return and click “Return this item.” 
• Follow the prompts to provide a reason for the return and choose how you want to handle the return shipping. 
• Print the return shipping label provided by eBay, pack the item securely, and drop it off at the designated shipping carrier. 
• Once the seller receives the item and confirms its condition, you’ll receive a refund using your original payment method.

How to Get the Best Deals on eBay

Check Deals Section: 
eBay regularly offers special deals and discounts. To find them, you have to be a regular visitor to the eBay homepage.

At the top left corner of the page, you will see the “Daily deals” link. Click on it, and you will be led to a dedicated section for heavily discounted items. These deals cut across tech, fashion, home and gardening etc.

Bookmark this section and check it frequently, as the deals change daily. By consistently monitoring this section, you can catch some fantastic bargains that might not be available elsewhere.

If you are looking for a specific item and you are wondering if it’s on a deal, you can use the search bar to search for it and use the “Deal and savings” filter to check for the one on deals.

Use Sales Items Filter:
When searching for items, use the filters on the left side of the search results page. Select the “Sales Item” filter to see items with reduced prices.

This filter will show you products marked down, allowing you to find bargains quickly. The “Sales Item” filter is particularly useful during special sale events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday when eBay offers additional discounts.

To find the “Sales Item” option, click on “See all” on the “Show only” option. This will reveal other filters; choose the “Sales Item” option.

To get the best results, combine the “Sales Item” filter with other filters such as price range, item condition, and location.

For example, you can filter for used items under $50 that are on sale and located within a region. This helps narrow down your options to find the best deals. 

Bargain with Seller:
Welcome to the Balogun market style. You can contact the seller directly if you’re interested in an item but think the price is too high.

Send a message using the “Contact Seller” link on the item page. Be polite and ask if they will lower the price or accept a lower offer.

You might be lucky and have the seller give you a lower price or even discounted shipping.

Tips for Negotiating Prices

Be Respectful:
Always be courteous when communicating with sellers. A friendly tone can go a long way.

Offer Reasonable Prices:
Don’t lowball the seller. Offer a fair and justified price. This is not the time to do Nigerian mother style.

Highlight Benefits:
Explain why you’re interested in the item and how quickly you can purchase it if they agree to your offer. Providing reasons for your offer, such as being a repeat customer or purchasing multiple items, can make your request more compelling.

Add Items to Your Watchlist:
When you find an item you like but aren’t ready to buy, click the “Add to Watchlist” button on the item page.

This will save the item to your watchlist, which you can access from your eBay account. Adding items to your watchlist allows you to monitor them and see if the price drops or the seller offers additional discounts. 

When you use the watchlist: 

• eBay will notify you if the price drops or if the item is about to end.
• You can compare multiple items to decide which one offers the best deal.
• You can quickly find and revisit items you’re interested in without searching again.

Use the Best Offer Feature:
You will see a button on the item page if an item has the “Best Offer” or “Make Offer” option. Click it and enter the amount you’re willing to pay.

You can also include a message to the seller explaining your offer. Making an offer allows you to purchase the item at a lower price than the listed “Buy It Now” price.

Look for Free Shipping:
Free shipping can reduce the total cost of your purchase. When searching for items, use the “Free Shipping” filter on the left side of the search results page. This will show you only the items that don’t have shipping fees.

Filtering for free shipping can help you find items that offer additional savings. Many sellers offer free shipping as an incentive to attract buyers, so taking advantage of this option can reduce your overall costs.

Bid on Auctions:
Participating in auctions can be a great way to get lower-priced items. To bid on an auction, enter the maximum amount you will pay in the bid box and click “Place Bid.”

eBay will automatically increase your bid in small increments if other users outbid you up to your maximum.

The bidding process can be exciting and competitive. Understanding how it works and setting a maximum bid limit can help you avoid overbidding and stay within your budget.

Tips for Winning Auctions

Bid Strategically:
Place your bid in the final moments of the auction to avoid driving up the price.

Set a Limit:
Decide your maximum bid beforehand and stick to it to avoid overpaying.

Monitor the Auction:
Keep an eye on the auction, especially as it nears the end. You might need to increase your bid to stay competitive.

By employing these strategies, you can enhance your chances of winning auctions and securing great deals on eBay.

Use the eBay App to Get More Deals:
The eBay app can help you find exclusive deals and stay updated on the go. Some deals and discounts are available only through the app. Enable notifications to stay informed about these exclusive offers and never miss out on a great deal. 

Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Shopping on Best Buy and Shipping to Nigeria

Additional Tips for eBay Shopping

Check Seller Reputation:
One of the most important aspects of shopping on eBay is choosing the right seller. The reputation of a seller can give you insight into their reliability and the quality of their items.

Each seller on eBay has a feedback score, which is displayed as a percentage. This score is based on the ratings given by buyers. A higher percentage indicates better overall satisfaction from previous customers.

Take the time to read reviews from other buyers. These reviews provide detailed feedback about the seller’s service, communication, and the items' condition.

High ratings and positive reviews are good indicators of a trustworthy seller, while many negative reviews or low feedback scores are red flags  (wrapper).

Utilise Price Comparison Tools:
To ensure you’re getting the best deal, comparing prices across different sellers and platforms is a good idea. There are several tools and websites available to help with this.

Price comparison websites such as Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Shopzilla allow you to compare prices of items across various online stores, including eBay.

Additionally, browser extensions like Honey or CamelCamelCamel automatically compare prices and track price changes over time, helping you find the best deals without much effort.

eBay also often shows similar items and prices on the listing page, which you can use to see how the price of your desired item compares with similar listings.

Take Advantage of eBay Coupons and Promotions:
eBay frequently offers coupons and promotional deals to help you save money. Finding and using eBay coupons is quite simple.

Check eBay’s homepage or the “Deals” section for coupons and promotional codes. Signing up for eBay’s newsletter can also help, as it allows you to receive notifications about upcoming sales and exclusive coupon codes.

When you find a coupon, please enter the code on the checkout page and check the expiration date and any associated terms and conditions.

Stay Safe While Shopping:
eBay has several features to help protect buyers, but it’s important to be vigilant. Recognising and avoiding scams is essential.

Be wary of listings with prices that seem too good to be true or sellers who ask for payment outside of eBay’s secure payment system.

Always check the URL to ensure you’re on the official eBay website, as scammers sometimes create fake websites that look similar to eBay to steal your information.

Also, never share sensitive personal information with sellers, such as your banking details. eBay will never ask for this information via email.

Does eBay Ship to Nigeria?

eBay ships to Nigeria, though this is dependent on the seller. If the seller you are buying from doesn’t offer international shipping service to  Nigeria, you have to find a way to ship your items down–using a cross-border shipping company.

Cross-border shipping is when a company ships your item from another country to your own country. 

What to Look Out for in a Cross-Border Shipping Company

Just like you look for certain qualities when picking a partner, you also have to look for certain things when choosing a cross-border shipping company.

This is so that you can be sure your items will reach you on time and in perfect condition. 

Reliability and Reputation:
Research the company's history and customer reviews to gauge its reliability. Look for testimonials that highlight their ability to deliver on promises.

Shipping Rates and Fees:
Ensure the company provides clear and detailed pricing information. You also want to look for hidden fees that could increase the cost of shipping.

Looking for good deals doesn’t end with eBay. Compare rates with other shipping companies to ensure you get a good deal. 

Delivery Timeframes:
Check the company's standard delivery times for different shipping routes. Ensure they can meet your timeline requirements. And if you need your items faster, check for companies that offer expedited shipping.

Tracking and Transparency:
A good shipping company provides real-time tracking so you can monitor your shipment's progress at every stage. They will also provide you with regular updates and notifications about the status of your shipment.

Customs Handling:
The company should have experience with customs regulations and processes in the destination country (Nigeria). This helps avoid delays and additional costs.

Customer Support:
Customer support is golden. You also want to ensure your choice company has a responsive customer support team with multi-channel support/ messaging.

Using Heroshe for Seamless Shipping

We’ve already established that finding the best deals on eBay is just one part of the equation.  You must also get a cross-border shipping company to ensure your purchases reach you safely and affordably.

This is where Heroshe comes in. We offer a simplified shipping solution for international buyers, making getting your eBay bargains delivered to your doorstep in Nigeria easy. 

How Heroshe Works

Sign Up for a Free Account:

Create a free Heroshe account to get started. Once you're registered, you'll receive a unique US shipping address that you can use for all your eBay purchases.

Shop on eBay:
Shop on eBay as you usually would. When you find an item you want to buy, use your Heroshe-provided US address at checkout. This allows you to take advantage of domestic US shipping rates, which are often cheaper and faster.

Ship to Heroshe Warehouse:
Your eBay purchases will be shipped to Heroshe's warehouse in the US. Once your items arrive, we prepare them for delivery to Nigeria.

Receive Your Items in Nigeria:
Heroshe handles all the logistics, including customs clearance, and delivers your items to your doorstep in Nigeria (for an extra fee). You can also track your shipment throughout the process to stay updated on its progress.

Why Over 40K People Use Heroshe

Competitive Pricing: 
We recently reviewed the shipping rates of 11 courier companies offering shipping services from the U.S. to Nigeria. And guess what? Heroshe stood out as the cheapest. For $8 per kg, you can start shipping with us.

Convenience: 
We take care of all the complex logistics, including customs clearance and last-mile delivery, so you can shop on eBay without worrying about how to get your items home.

Reliability: 
With a dedicated customer support team and a track record of reliable deliveries, we ensure your eBay purchases reach you in perfect condition.

Tracking and Constant Updates:
Like there is always live update of football matches available, our tracking feature lets you track your items anytime of the day.

We also provide you with constant updates from when your item arrives at our warehouse in the U.S. to when it gets to our Lagos warehouse.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best deals on eBay requires patience, persistence, and a keen eye for detail. By following the tips and strategies in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy eBay shopper.

So go ahead, explore eBay, and discover the incredible deals that await you.

When you are done exploring, sign up on Heroshe to enjoy love and  swift delivery to Nigeria.

Happy shopping!