How eBay Really Works (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

eBay is a billion-dollar phenomenon. For the millions who want to jump on the bandwagon, here’s the straight scoop on how to get started making the most out of the Web’s greatest marketplace. Based on interviews with successful eBay buyers and sellers, this insider’s guide reveals what everybody wants to know, including: how to avoid rip-offs, find great stuff, bid and set a price, and run auctions. It tackles tough questions that eBay hopes users will forget, such as: Is it safe to buy big-ticket items, and Are listing enhancements really worth it? Quick-Start Guides give ready-to-go newbies a jump-start, and there are informative screenshots, tips on PowerBuying and Selling, and hints on making eBay a full-time job.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402737696
• ISBN-13: 978-1402737695
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #382,708 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, and Easy to Read and Use Guide., January 5, 2007

By	Robert Kaufman "eBay seller, accountant" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This is one of the few eBay books I've read that really gives the whole picture about eBay--not just relentless cheerleading about how much of a sure thing it is. Half of the book is for new buyers; the other is for new sellers. So there's a lot here for new eBay users no matter what they're interesetd in. I like that the authors use a lot of stories from real sellers and buyers to make their points and keep this fun to browse through and read.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So you want to sell on ebay? Which book to buy?, January 14, 2007

By	Gary Richardson "Amazon entrepreneur" (AR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

How eBay Really Works is a latecomer to the How to sell on ebay book category and that's a good thing because it's fresh, not dry and outdated. Back when I was starting there were fewer books about ebay, Most of them were a dry read and had lots of screenshots of ebay web pages. Some of those old books are here on Amazon and sell quite well due to their ratings and longevity on Amazon itself. I've read quite a few of them and I can tell you they are getting stale quickly.

Brad and Deb told me they were writing a new book geared towards the ebay novice, the ebay buyer who wishes to become a seller. I thought, "Boy have they got a job". I thought how could they make it different and better, than the other 100 how to sell on ebay books already pounded out by everyone and his brother/sister who thinks they know how to "eBay". Writers, who have never sold or bought a thing on ebay, yet profess to others in print as if they were experts.

First you get two writers for the price of one! Second you get 352 packed pages of eBay info for only $14.95! Brad & Deb are true hardcore ebay aficionados buying and selling on ebay. If they haven't bought or sold it on ebay they know someone who has! And that is where their strength and expertise lies, when they write an eBay book they harness the power of the eBay community and bring it to life on printed pages, you'll never be bored reading How eBay Really Works, It features quite a few of the best sellers on eBay contributing the best secrets and tips they have, found in no other book. The My Best eBay Sale and My Best eBay Buy stories that end each chapter really pull this book together. There are lots of sidebars, interesting facts and quick start lists sprinkled throughout.

I think every buyer and seller on eBay should have this book! It really does explain how to be the best buyer you can be, how to get the best deals, how to handle a transaction gone bad and how to avoid a bad transaction in the first place. It really is about how eBay really works and in a few places the underbelly of ebay is exposed, something ebay doesn't want you to see. ( eBay is not always a rosy picture, despite how ebay and the media paint it.) This book will help you navigate those pitfalls with hints and advice from top sellers who have been in the reader's shoes.

One of the sections I enjoyed most in the book was setting up a website and moving beyond eBay. I think this section was very applicable for an eBay book and should be one of the first considerations for anyone who wishes to make a living selling online. Ebay is now like the Army, (It's a great place to start). The truth about eBay's Prostores, not to be confused with eBay Stores, is an eye-opener, another must consider section of the book. Ultimately, the message in the book is that you can do it, you can sell on eBay, it's easier than you think, the authors point out all the things you need to know in order navigate ebay SKILLFULLY.

Brad and Deb have written three eBay books

eBay Powerseller Secrets:Insider Tips from eBay's Most Successful Sellers
eBay PowerSeller Million Dollar Ideas
How eBay Really Works

I have bought and read all three, each is different, yet all are packed with information you can use. I recommend purchasing this one and ebay Powerseller Million Dollar ideas together, you get a discount and more bang for your buck!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resources for newbies, October 22, 2007

By	R. Ellis - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As someone who wanted to get started as an Ebay seller, this book was a great resource for me. The buyer section was a little mundane since I've been doing that for awhile, but I still learned pointers that I didn't know before. For the potential seller who is intimidated by the unknown, however, this is a gold mine of tips, hints, and how-tos on getting started as a seller on Ebay.