Shopping on eBay US can open the door to millions of products — from rare collectibles to discounted electronics and fashion. But for Singapore shoppers, one concern always lingers: How do you make sure what you’re buying is real, safe, and worth your money?
While eBay has robust buyer protection, scams do happen. This guide walks you through practical tips to avoid fraud, recognise warning signs, and shop confidently from eBay US with the help of Buy&Ship.
1️⃣ Understand How eBay Works
eBay is a global marketplace where anyone — from big retailers to individual sellers — can list items for sale. Some listings are Buy It Now (fixed price), while others are auctions, where you place bids until the auction ends.
Because sellers vary in experience and reliability, research is essential before you buy. On Amazon, most products come from established vendors; on eBay, you need to vet sellers yourself.
2️⃣ Check the Seller’s Reputation
One of the easiest ways to filter out risky sellers is by checking their feedback rating:
- Look for sellers with 98% positive feedback or higher
- Read recent reviews, not just the overall score
- Check for repeated complaints (e.g., slow shipping, poor packaging, fake items)
Tip: Prefer Top Rated Sellers — they meet eBay’s strict standards for service quality, shipping, and returns.
3️⃣ Study the Listing Carefully
Before you click “Buy,” read every detail:
- Photos: Are they clear, high-resolution, and showing the actual item? Stock photos only can be a red flag.
- Description: Look for precise details like brand, model number, condition, and included accessories.
- Condition: New, used, refurbished — know exactly what you’re getting.
If any information is vague, message the seller to confirm. Scammers often avoid direct answers.
4️⃣ Spot Unrealistic Prices
If something is too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious if:
- The price is far below the average market rate
- The item is a high-demand brand (e.g., Apple, Louis Vuitton) but listed at a fraction of the price
- There’s no clear reason for the discount (e.g., damaged packaging, clearance stock)
Compare prices with other eBay listings and even on Amazon US for a reality check.
5️⃣ Use Secure Payment Methods
Always pay through eBay’s official checkout system using PayPal or a credit card.
Avoid:
- Direct bank transfers
- Cryptocurrency payments
- Off-platform transactions (e.g., seller asks to “save fees” by paying outside eBay)
These methods remove eBay’s buyer protection and make it nearly impossible to get a refund if things go wrong.
6️⃣ Understand eBay’s Money Back Guarantee
eBay offers a Money Back Guarantee for most transactions. You’re covered if:
- The item never arrives
- It’s significantly different from the description
- It arrives damaged
To make a claim, act quickly — usually within 30 days of delivery. Keep all messages, receipts, and photos for proof.
7️⃣ Look for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee
For certain categories like sneakers, luxury watches, handbags, and trading cards, eBay works with independent experts to verify authenticity before the item reaches you.
This means your purchase will be shipped to an authenticator in the US first, then forwarded to you. It’s an added step, but worth it for peace of mind.
8️⃣ Be Careful with New Sellers
Everyone starts somewhere, but if you’re buying high-value goods, stick to experienced sellers.
- If you do buy from someone with few sales, start with a low-risk purchase
- Check if they have detailed product photos and a well-written description
Scammers sometimes create fresh accounts, make a few small sales, then disappear after a big-ticket scam.
9️⃣ Use Buy&Ship for Safer Shipping
Even if you find the perfect deal, some eBay US sellers don’t ship directly to Singapore — or their international shipping fees are sky-high.
With Buy&Ship, you can shop any eBay US listing and ship it affordably to Singapore:
- Sign up at Buy&Ship Singapore for free
- Get your personal US warehouse address
- Enter it at eBay checkout as your shipping destination
- Once your item arrives at the US warehouse, consolidate shipments if needed
- Ship to Singapore from just S$9/lb, with delivery in 7–12 days
This not only saves on shipping but also gives you a secure point to check tracking before it leaves the US.
🔎 Quick Safety Checklist for eBay US Buyers
✅ Check seller feedback (aim for 98%+)
✅ Read the full listing description
✅ Compare prices with market rates
✅ Use eBay’s official payment system
✅ Prefer listings with Authenticity Guarantee
✅ Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals
✅ Use a reliable forwarding service like Buy&Ship
📅 When to Shop eBay US for the Best Deals
Scams aside, timing your purchases can maximise savings:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Huge electronics and fashion deals
- January Clearance: Off-season stock at deep discounts
- End of Season Sales: Shoes, apparel, and sports gear at low prices
- Special Collectibles Drops: Rare trading cards, sneakers, and limited-edition items
By combining safe shopping practices with the right timing, you can grab incredible bargains without the risk.
eBay US offers Singapore shoppers endless possibilities — from vintage collectibles to brand-new tech. But as with any online marketplace, awareness is your best defence against scams.
By checking seller ratings, understanding eBay’s guarantees, and using a forwarding service like Buy&Ship for reliable shipping, you can shop confidently and securely.
With the right precautions, your eBay US experience can be both rewarding and scam-free.