The Garage Sale Millionaire: Make Money with Hidden Finds from Garage Sales to Storage Unit Auctions and Everything in Between, Revised and Updated

If the Deal Sounds too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Whether you’re looking to buy an item on eBay or Craigslist, at a thrift store or in a secondhand store, you’ll need to do more investigation prior to making any purchase. As the saying goes, “If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Million $ Tip

Always get a money-back guarantee in writing. Even when this guarantee is listed in an auction on eBay you should still print out a copy of the auction with the money-back guarantee for your records. This paper trail will help you prove your case in the event that you need to contact eBay’s security department over a dispute with the seller.

On eBay you have to ask detailed questions. Request specifics about the seller’s return policy, ask for better pictures and always pay by credit card. Remember, using a credit card gives you better recourse if your purchase is not as it was represented in the seller’s auction. With eBay in particular, it’s a huge plus if the seller agrees to refund your money if you’re not completely satisfied. Learn to live by these words on eBay: money-back guarantee. Usually, you’ll only have up to seven days to return an item. This seven-day return policy is the norm on eBay, so be aware of it. If you go beyond the seven days, the seller will most likely not honor your merchandise return, and you will be left keeping something you really don’t want because you didn’t keep better track of time.

Items obtained through Craigslist are handled ...