If you've been on eBay for any amount of time, you've surely dealt with someone we'll call "the idiot." This person can be either a buyer or a seller, but the stubbornness of some people is what makes the otherwise necessary online auction site a pain for some people. The eBay Survival Guide will get new people started, providing far more information on "the idiot" than the actual site does. Veterans know everything in here though.
This is not a book for the power seller, even if the marketing materials say it is. It's for the semi-experienced, someone who needs a little more information than the various FAQs the site offers. It offers the type of outside advice that wouldn't necessarily be considered professional for the site to post, but can be absolutely invaluable for those who are not sure of the sometimes tricky processes.
That pertains to both sides of a typical auction. It's easier to understand here to, as the information is far more plentiful and written in plain English. Any confusing terms known to eBay veterans are explained in detail. There's even a little information on what to do outside of the site, such as where to find items to sell and researching their value.
It's obvious that author Michael Banks has been doing this for a while, and that's about the only thing the experienced eBayer will be interested in. His personal experiences become entertaining, either because you've been through something like this and can relate, or because the sheer stupidity of "the idiot" comes through clearly. The section towards the back on scams is also a nice read, as curiosity is put to rest as he explains how each one works and why seller promises are useless.
All of this is laid out nicely, with plenty of pictures for the complicated explanations. Again, this is not the book for the experienced seller. However, those who are desperately searching for deeper information and don't like the hassle of the help boards (which can be just as aggravating as the selling/buying process) will do well here. The reasonable price ($20) only makes it more enticing.
Article comments