Hate to Haggle? Use eBay

Haggling can be difficult and awkward, but if you hate to haggle use eBay to get low prices on everyday items as well as rare and collectible items. To use eBay, sign up for an account with eBay and with PayPal. PayPal is eBay's online payment service that is used by most eBay members. To buy on eBay, you need a PayPal account unless the item is local and can be paid for with cash. 

1. Search for eBay items in the search box that is included on every eBay page at the top of the page. This search box can be used like any search engine. Use one or more keywords to find what you want. The more keywords you use, the narrower the search results will be.
   
2. Compare the items that you find. When you use eBay, an item that isn't rare will generally have several listings by different sellers. Look through each listing to find the one that you want at the best price and with the best buying conditions. If you want it fast, look for a listing that offers a fast shipping option. If you want an item that has never been used, use the search options at the left of the screen to search only for the new items. 
   
3. Look at the eBay feedback of the seller that you want to buy from. When you use eBay, the feedback percentage shows you what the seller's reputation is like with past buyers and sellers. The closer the feedback is to 100 percent, the better that seller's transaction history is. Sellers under 98 percent positive feedback may be new sellers who have made a mistake, but they also may be sellers how have a history of angering their buyers.
   
4. Bid for the item or use a "buy it now" button if there is one. Auction listings have a bid box that shows the minimum bid directly under it. To use eBay for auctions, you must bid at that amount or over it to have your bid go through. If you bid higher, your bid will show at the minimum rate now but be raised again for you if someone outbids you. If there is a "buy it now" button, simply click the button and then confirm on the next page to make the purchase.
   
5. Pay for your purchases by PayPal unless the seller has a different payment method specified. eBay does not allow cash, checks or money orders to be used unless the item is a local pick up or it is a business machine or vehicle. 
   
6. Leave feedback after the item arrives. If your transaction goes well, leave a positive feedback for your seller. If it doesn't, let your seller know so that the dispute can be resolved before leaving any feedback. Most sellers who use eBay want to resolve any problems to avoid a blemish on their feedback records.