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Everybody with a computer has heard of eBay, but how many know how to use eBay effectively in internet marketing, to not only buy or sell, but to promote their website or internet business?

This article is the first of three and gives you advice on buying on eBay: how to get the best price, and the mistakes that many people make. The second and third article in this series will provide advice on how to sell on eBay (How to Complement your Internet Marketing Business by Selling on eBay Part II), and how to promote your own online business (How to Use eBay to Promote Your Website Part I). The latter is not a recognized use for eBay, but you can do so and keep within eBay rules.

Primarily you must use eBay as an alternative, not a substitute, for normal High Street or online shopping. Where it is appropriate you should check out the best prices offline and in online sales sites for the product you are looking for. In some case, antiques for example, this will not be possible, but if you are looking for a DVD or a TV set then check out prices on other sales sites other than eBay. eBay is not always the best bargain.

If you have decided to use eBay, then keep an eye on any products with a ‘Buy Now’ price. That means that you can purchase the item immediately at the ‘Buy Now’ price (which I will henceforth refer to as BNP) and circumvent the auction. Some items are sold only at a BNP, and some have a minimum auction price and a BNP.

A bidding war—read part II