7 News Features: E-Bay The Easy Way

WSVN -- Maddening malls... Delirious department stores. The holidays are officially here.

If you're tired of being overcharged, get in line. If however you're looking for a bargain, think bid before you buy.

There's a reason why e-bay is the world's largest auction house. But before you point and click, there are secrets to spending in cyberspace.

Judith Yellen, e-bay Educator: "Most people wait until the very last minute to bid."

Judith Yellen is what you call an e-bay educator. Her job is to teach e-bay the easy way to buyers and sellers.

Judith: "A lot of people do this for sport... As a form of entertainment for them."

And that is exactly what you want to avoid. If you're interested in an item, Judith suggests researching the cost, researching the shipping options, and deciding what is the maximum amount you're willing to pay.

Judith: "A lot of people don't understand e-bay will do proxy bidding for you."

Basically, you tell e-Bay how high you're willing to go. Then it will bid in small increments up to your spending ceiling.

Judith: "Ebay will then send you an e-mail immediately to tell you you've been over bid."

Other options for seeking out a steal, head to foreign sites like e-bay UK. Also look for misspellings. Say for instance you want a diamond ring. Just switch the a and I around and now, you have a whole new list of options.

E-bay Buyer Cindi Cope: "I was thinking wow that's really pretty I wish I could buy that."

Cindi cope is an e-bay beginner. She decided to give Judith's advice a try on this bracelet.

Opening bid - 14 dollars

Cindi: "So I was thinking yeah, this is a good idea."

Seven days later - a really good idea. Cindi won the bracelet for just twenty bucks.

Cindi: "It was too easy. I'm calling myself an e-bay nerd now. I keep going back everyday to see what's new and check out the prices."

Now, if you're looking to sell, your timing couldn't be better. The holidays typically bring out the big spending bidders.

The best day to post - Thursday or Sunday.

Judith: "Like everything else in merchandising, there are trends and fads and there are seasonal peaks and lows."

Judith's recommendation is like a retailer, you need to promote your product.

Judith: "I always recommend people put a thumbnail picture of the item.

And always look for what's unique. E-bay does carry over one billion items so different is good.

Diana Duyser, Grilled Cheese Maker: "I just felt now is a good time to share her with the world."

Like who knew a grilled cheese sandwich with an image of the Virgin Mary would fetch $28,000

for a South Florida woman. Diana Duyser is proof once and for all that on e-bay anything and everything is for sale.

Diana: "Id like the world to see her. All she does is sit on a shelf and she should be out where people can be close to her and see her."

One more tip for sellers - always be honest. Remember that buyers can give feedback to warn others about you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: cstevens@wsvn.com

Judith Yellen
www.judithsconsignments.com