I started using eBay about five years ago. However, due to bad experiences with both sellers and buyers, I decided to cancel my account. Nevertheless, I recently decided that it was time to give this online shopping resource another try. This decision is due in large part to the fact that there are some great deals to be had here and in this economy sometimes that overrides the negative experiences. However, I have decided that there will be certain criteria to meet if I am to jump back into this online shopper's paradise.

When you are purchasing from a seller, it is important to look at thier feedback as well as thier seller's status. I make it a point to stick to Power Sellers with a positive rating of over 95%. Even then, if there are negative remarks I will go through them and try to discern if they are just from buyers that may be a little too demanding, or if they are well founded complaints. There are times when I will take a chance on a seller with a lower status but my requirements for thier ratings are much higher.

Now, buyers obviously have to be treated differently. Unfortunately, there are new buyers on eBay everyday and these are our customer base so it is important that we are a little more accepting. However, in regard to existing eBay buyers we can discern thier ratings as well and it is important that we do so. But we must not only look at the feedback from the seller, but also the feedback that the buyer has left for the seller of contention. These feedback tools give us a greater advantage into understanding the practices of buyers and sellers.

Remember, it is imporant to know your customers, but it is equally important to understand who you are buying from. New users may find this whole process a bit daunting, but if you are diligent and understand the minutia involved with online shopping then you are one step closer to a happy shopping experience.