Navigating the world of eBay can be confusing, especially with its own unique set of terms and abbreviations. This guide breaks down common eBay jargon, helping you understand what people are talking about and avoid potential misunderstandings.
**Common eBay Terms:**
* **Bid:** The maximum price you’re willing to pay for an item.
* **Dutch Auction:** An auction where multiple identical items are for sale.
* **Feedback:** Comments left by users about their experiences with other users.
* **Mint:** In pristine, perfect condition.
* **Non-Paying Bidder:** A winning bidder who fails to complete the purchase.
* **PayPal:** A widely accepted online payment platform.
* **Rare:** Often overused, but generally implies an item is scarce.
* **Reserve Price:** The minimum price a seller will accept for an item.
* **Shill Bidding:** Fake bids placed to artificially inflate an auction’s price.
* **Snail Mail:** Traditional postal service.
* **Sniping:** Placing a bid in the final seconds of an auction.
**eBay Abbreviations:**
* **AUD:** Australian Dollar.
* **BIN:** Buy It Now – purchasing an item at a fixed price.
* **BNWT:** Brand New With Tags.
* **BW:** Black and White (used for photos, films, etc.).
* **CONUS:** Continental United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).
* **EUR:** Euro.
* **FC:** First Class (postage).
* **GBP:** Great British Pounds.
* **HTF:** Hard To Find.
* **NIB:** New In Box.
* **NR:** No Reserve.
* **OB:** Original Box.
* **PM:** Priority Mail.
* **PP:** Parcel Post.
* **SH:** Shipping and Handling.
* **USD:** United States Dollars.
* **VGC:** Very Good Condition.
Keep in mind that specialized categories on eBay may have their own specific jargon. If you encounter an unfamiliar term, try searching for it online with the word “eBay” to find an explanation. While understanding eBay lingo is helpful, avoid overusing it, especially in item titles. Many buyers are unfamiliar with these terms, and using too much jargon can deter them from bidding on your items. Understanding these basics will help you confidently navigate eBay as a buyer or seller.