ebay question: advice, please!

[JJ40]

This is slightly off topic, but I have seen some CL stuff on ebay that I wouldn't mind buying. I've never used ebay before and am a little nervous about it. I don't like the idea of giving my credit card number over the net, even though I know they have a security policy.

Has anyone bought anything from ebay? Any tips for a first-timer?

Thanks!
Julie

[mightyh]

I've bought lots of stuff from half.com (a subsidiary of ebay) and tons of other internet businesses. I don't know if this is going to make you feel any better, but I've never had a problem (knock on wood) with my credit card, so long as your computer shows the tiny gold "lock" when you start entering your credit card information. As I understand it, this lock (at the bottom right hand corner) indicates that you are on a secure site.

Good luck! I really enjoy being able to order things over the internet.

[kltcarley]

I have recently made purchases on ebay and half.com. I have already received my items and didn't have any problems. I agree that it makes me feel better using the "secure site" to make a purchase.

[This message has been edited by kltcarley (edited 11-02-2000).]

[BethR]

I too was antsy about using my credit card for Internet purchases. A few things I've read helped change my mind. One is that credit card fraud has declined to the point that now many credit card companies don't hold the cardholder responsible for any amount of fraudulent purchases (it used to be $50 for most cards). You may want to check with your credit card company about their policy on this. The other thing was that (and I hope this isn't just myth) it's statistically safer to send your card info over the Internet than to give it to a waitperson at a restaurant. For what it's worth, I've made many, many Internet purchases--including from EBay--and I've never had a problem.
Beth

[comabri]

I feel pretty safe using my credit card number on reputable and secure websites (ebay is both). I've read that using your credit card number on secure e-commerce sites is actually SAFER than using it in-person at retail stores. It takes someone a bit smarter to hack into a secure computer system to steal a credit card number than to steal the carbon from behind the register or memorize your number from over your shoulder.
Of course, now that I've said that, I'm sure it will come to bite me in the you-know-what.

[Ralph]

Putting your credit card number on a reputable, SECURE site is perfectly safe.
In fact, I've read that it's probably safer than giving it to an unknown voice/operator over the phone. What are those operators doing w/that number? While almost all are responsible, they could just as easily be writing on scratch paper to share w/their friends! Plus, how secure is your phone connection?
To ensure that the web site is secure, look at the FULL web address; it should start out with https - the 's' means secure. Also, both Internet Explorer & Netscape give a small lock-type icon at the bottom of the browser indicating a secure site. Almost all reputable "e-tailers" (especially big names like ebay, amazon, half.com, cooking.com) now have secure sites; many will display a link on their pages indicating use of secure software. If it ISN'T a secure site, RUN LIKE HELL!!
I've never had a problem ordering on the web & would recommend it in a heartbeat. As the commercial says: "shopping at 2AM in your underwear - priceless!"

[Mitchdoggy]

I've purchased about 20 different items from Ebay and never had a problem. However, I don't bid on items that have less than 50+ feedback comments. I have heard that several people have had problems with getting the merchandise from sellers with low feedback numbers. Haven't had any problem with cc info over the internet, but have had major problem with hotel employee using my cc. The cc company ended up loosing out I think.

[JJ40]

Thanks, everyone, for your input! I feel much better about trying ebay now.

Julie