14 eBay FAQs From Our Experts

Discover great selections at great value at eBay. A leading destination for both buyers and sellers alike, eBay is the ideal place to go whether you are buying used or new items, rare or commonplace merchandise, luxurious or plain pieces, and one-of-a kind or trendy pieces. Enabling people to shop smartly through access to a growing community of buyers and sellers, eBay empowers shoppers while creating economic opportunities through its unique shopping platform.

What products does eBay sell?

Here are the products available at eBay.

Do I need to sign up for an eBay account to start buying?

No. You can shop for most of the items offered at eBay even without registering for an account, provided that the item does not cost more than $5,000. Just select Buy it Now and then Continue as a Guest after you have made your selection. If you wish to bid for an item, however, you will have to register for an account.

What payment options are accepted at eBay?

Here are the payment methods eBay accepts.

eBay Accepted Payment Methods

Can I cancel my eBay order?

You may cancel an order, provided that it is still within 1 hour after you have placed it or the seller has not dispatched it yet. If an order has already been dispatched, you can still contact the seller so they can cancel the item for you. Click here for more information on order cancelation.

Can I change my shipping address after I have placed an order on eBay?

If you have already placed an order and want to change your shipping address, you will need to contact the seller so they can make the necessary changes for you. More information can be found here.

What shipping options does eBay offer?

Shipping rates and shipping options can be found at the Shipping section of every listing. Note that shipping costs are shown separately from the actual cost of an item. To find out what shipping options a seller offers, just go to the Shipping and Payments tab.

How long does it take for my eBay order to get delivered?

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the eBay listing. You will get a more precise estimate once you provide your delivery address at checkout. Delivery estimates can be affected by several factors such as the handling time, courier or shipping services, as well as cleared payment. To learn more about delivery estimates, click here.

Does eBay offer international shipping?

Yes. If you are buying from an international seller, note that international shipping may cost more. It will also take longer to get delivered to you. Whether you can track your international shipment or not depends on whether a seller uses eBay’s Global Shipping Program or not. Sellers using GSP provide tracking information while non-GSP sellers may not have that option. Learn more about international purchases and shipping here.

Do I have to pay for import charges when buying from an international eBay seller?

Yes. Buying from international sellers often means paying for import charges. How much you will have to pay will depend on the price of the items, the weight, their dimensions, their origin country, as well as other applicable local duties, taxes, and fees.

What is eBay’s return policy?

If you received a damaged or a faulty item, you may return it for a refund. If you changed your mind and wish to send merchandise back, you have to ask the seller if they will accept the return. Sellers will have 3 business days to respond to your return request. Once approved, you will need to send the item back within 5 business days. Sellers will cover the shipping costs if the item you’re returning is damaged or faulty. You will have to shoulder the shipping costs if you had a change of mind. Learn more about how to make a return here.

What is eBay’s policy on refunds?

Once a seller receives a returned item or agrees to refund you, they will have the refund issued within 2 business days. You will receive an email to confirm this. Refunds for PayPal transactions will usually take between 3-5 business days to go through. For credit card refunds, it may take up to 30 days to complete.

How does eBay bidding work?

Bidding on an auction is one way of getting the items you want at a bargain price. To participate in an auction, sellers will set a starting price. You will then bid against other buyers. After the listing ends, the highest bidder gets the item and will be prompted to complete the purchase.

Can I retract an eBay bid?

Placing a bid means agreeing to buy the product if you are the bid winner after the listing ends. There are situations, however, when you may be allowed to retract a bid. Click here to find out the instances when you can retract a bid. You may also contact a seller to find out if they can cancel the bid for you.

How do I contact eBay customer service?

You can contact eBay customer service by phone at 1 (866) 540-3229 or you can email them here.