EBAY, Newbie Seeking Help. R Ebay Purchases Guaranteed? Is it Safe?

[JenxD]

Im new to the whole online shopping world, and ive recently been looking around the ebay website. I see incredible deals but im wondering if it really is too good to be true.
Is my contact and financial information safe when making purchases?
Im using pay pal as payment method, but i still want to know if its safe and reliable.
Also, how can i know if the seller is legit and reliable?
Are purchases guaranteed? Will i actually receive the product?
and Who is the guinea pig? Seller sends product first? or Buyer pays first?

i came across this seller
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-HP-PAVILION-DV80…

is this a good purchase? in terms of reliability and legitimacy?

thanks alot for any help

my kids need labtop for school, so i must fix it quick.
p.s i cant afford retail fix ups, dont mention geeksquad at all.

 

[dapple]

Feedback rating plays an important role in purchasing off ebay. Make sure the feedback rating is high (close to 100%) The more feedback at 100% generally the better.

Also, be sure to read the item descriptions very carefully. As to not be confused on what you are purchasing.

Also, if you pay with paypal but the item comes damaged, or doesn't come at all, or doesn't work like you thought it would, then you can open a CLAIM and the seller won't get his money until the claim is resolved, and if it's resolved in your favor, then you'll get your money back.

Also, sometimes sellers have a return policy.

Purchasing from ebay with paypal is generally considered safe, but use common sense too.