Renovating your bathroom on a budget
Renovations as we all know can be expensive, but once again eBay comes to the rescue as being the most useful place I have ever found for renovating! Almost anything you can think of can be found online from tap fittings to IXL-tastics, toilets to mirror cabinets; if only you know where to look and how to search smartly!
My eBay renovation obsession began when I snapped up a beautiful near-new pedestal vanity (pictured below) for 99c! I couldn't believe it, until I started searching I had no idea how much money I could save (more below) renovating this way - and best of all I could do it all from home - no more getting to Bunnings only to discover I left all my measurements at home - haven't we all done that at one point?
Tips for buying Fittings
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Graphics card buying guide
Graphics cards are usually a fairly simple upgrade to your personal computer, only requiring a small screwdriver to open the case and replace or add the card. The hard part is determining which one, though, as there are many different types available, many of which can be found on eBay Australia, both new and secondhand. In order of oldest to newest, they are
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A Guide To Safe Trading - Avoid Getting Conned
Unfortunately There are criminals and they ruin the eBay experience for many innocent buyers and sellers. I hope these tips will stop some of you from getting conned on the internet. I have used some examples that I have experienced or heard of.
For Buyers
General things to concider
1) Is it the actual item?
Beware what you are bidding on is is the actual item. In many auctions on eBay the auction is for a link, not for the actual product. I have already produced a guide on links and pyramid schemes. In many other auctions the item is not genuine. Examples are Oakley sunglasses and Gucci bags etc. I have also produced a guide on spotting fake Oakleys. Other things to look out for are copied DVDs or CDs. You know when they are fake when it says in the description that they are 'back-up files' and 'you should only buy them if you have the origional'. Don't buy them, you will be helping fraudsters!
2) Is there a photo?
If there is a photo is it one taken from the internet or is it one the seller as actually taken? If the seller has taken the photo himself/herself then the sale is more likely to be genuine.
3) Feedback
A mistake I made and it cost me £171.00, don't buy from sellers with a low feedback rating and lots of negative comments. I bought a phone from someone with two comments, one being negative. It prooved costly. You can usually trust shops, people with high feedback and when the seller is signed up with square trade.
4) Payment
When paying with PayPal you have some fall back if thing sgo wrong. There are fraud protection policies etc. However if you pay with other methods you may not be covered. If you don't have PayPal I would advise you get it. If you pay by other payment methods send it with insured delivery. Never send cash! Don't use any money transfer systems, it is the easiest way for fraudsters to get your details.
e.g. If you ring up and pay with credit card how do you know the person on the other end isn't going to use your details. The same applies for bank transfers.
5) Know what you are bidding on.
When you know what you want you should research it. Know you are not getting a fake. Read eBay's safety policies and ask questions. Genuine sellers won't be afraid to answer questions.
Orignal From: A Guide To Safe Trading - Avoid Getting Conned
For Buyers
General things to concider
1) Is it the actual item?
Beware what you are bidding on is is the actual item. In many auctions on eBay the auction is for a link, not for the actual product. I have already produced a guide on links and pyramid schemes. In many other auctions the item is not genuine. Examples are Oakley sunglasses and Gucci bags etc. I have also produced a guide on spotting fake Oakleys. Other things to look out for are copied DVDs or CDs. You know when they are fake when it says in the description that they are 'back-up files' and 'you should only buy them if you have the origional'. Don't buy them, you will be helping fraudsters!
2) Is there a photo?
If there is a photo is it one taken from the internet or is it one the seller as actually taken? If the seller has taken the photo himself/herself then the sale is more likely to be genuine.
3) Feedback
A mistake I made and it cost me £171.00, don't buy from sellers with a low feedback rating and lots of negative comments. I bought a phone from someone with two comments, one being negative. It prooved costly. You can usually trust shops, people with high feedback and when the seller is signed up with square trade.
4) Payment
When paying with PayPal you have some fall back if thing sgo wrong. There are fraud protection policies etc. However if you pay with other methods you may not be covered. If you don't have PayPal I would advise you get it. If you pay by other payment methods send it with insured delivery. Never send cash! Don't use any money transfer systems, it is the easiest way for fraudsters to get your details.
e.g. If you ring up and pay with credit card how do you know the person on the other end isn't going to use your details. The same applies for bank transfers.
5) Know what you are bidding on.
When you know what you want you should research it. Know you are not getting a fake. Read eBay's safety policies and ask questions. Genuine sellers won't be afraid to answer questions.
Orignal From: A Guide To Safe Trading - Avoid Getting Conned
Silver Jewellery : A Quick
There are many different types of silver jewellery items for sale on eBay but what's the difference between them all? What's real
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Want To Avoid Fake Gameboy Advance Games? Here's How!
.: Important Information about Counterfeit Games :.
Counterfeit games are an all too common sight on eBay. This should not however, prevent you from purchasing Game Boy Advance games. You must however be careful as to what you are buying. It is a general rule to avoid Game Boy Advance games that are being sold from China, Singapore, and Malaysia etc. These items are almost always pirated (counterfeit) and they should be avoided at all costs.
Below we have listed some common problems with counterfeit games:
· Their internal battery has a tendency to die within a month, meaning you will have a useless cartridge.
· Their manuals and boxes are cheaply printed and are abbreviated.
· They are illegal to own and sell.
· If purchased, they will encourage the sellers to continue with their illegal business.
While it may seem like a daunting task to differentiate between counterfeit and genuine games, it can be done quite easily through following some simple precautions listed below:
Fake /\ - The box image displays the rating symbol as "RP" - in other words "rating pending" meaning that the pokemon box has been cheaply printed from images probably found on the games
Orignal From: Want To Avoid Fake Gameboy Advance Games? Here's How!
Counterfeit games are an all too common sight on eBay. This should not however, prevent you from purchasing Game Boy Advance games. You must however be careful as to what you are buying. It is a general rule to avoid Game Boy Advance games that are being sold from China, Singapore, and Malaysia etc. These items are almost always pirated (counterfeit) and they should be avoided at all costs.
Below we have listed some common problems with counterfeit games:
· Their internal battery has a tendency to die within a month, meaning you will have a useless cartridge.
· Their manuals and boxes are cheaply printed and are abbreviated.
· They are illegal to own and sell.
· If purchased, they will encourage the sellers to continue with their illegal business.
While it may seem like a daunting task to differentiate between counterfeit and genuine games, it can be done quite easily through following some simple precautions listed below:
Fake /\ - The box image displays the rating symbol as "RP" - in other words "rating pending" meaning that the pokemon box has been cheaply printed from images probably found on the games
Orignal From: Want To Avoid Fake Gameboy Advance Games? Here's How!
Ideas on Jewellery Size
A few notes and ideas on size selection of rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces
RINGS...
Buying rings and jewellery on the internet can be a bit of a hassle when you are not sure of your size.
Use the following as a guide to help work out your size. Remember that all human beings are different
and what is average for most may not be right for you.
The best way to go if you buy rings regularly is to buy a ring gauge or sizer.
There are some very cheap ring gauges on eBay. Search for "multisizer ring gauge" or just "ring gauge" and you might be lucky
and get one for around $3-$5. No always available. Simple and effective,
worth every penny. There are more sophisticated ones around for more. Up to you.
You could of course, go to a jeweller and ask. They all have ring gauges that will tell you quite accurately
what ring size you are. Measure all your fingers you intend to wear rings on and make a note. Failing that,
if you have a reasonable ruler (preferably callipers) you can measure the diameter of your existing ring then
convert using one of the many "ring size" conversion charts available on the net. You do have to be very
accurate as the slightest mistake will make a big difference in your result. Not really recommended.
I have found that you can use a bit if string or wire to get the circumference of your finger.
If you can get a length of solder (use in electronics soldering), it works even better because it's soft,
yet keeps it's shape. The length will be a measure of the internal diameter of the ring. Make sure you take
into account your knuckle when you do this AND the fact that your finger is not round. Again, not really
recommended.
There are MANY printable ring sizers available on the net. If you Google 'printable ring sizer' you will
find many. The Ebay guide on ring sizes also has one. These aren't too bad.
A FEW POINTS OF INTEREST...
Just because you might be a small person, it does NOT mean you have small fingers or
vice versa.
The most common size for a woman is M to Q (6 to 8). For a man it is R to V (9 to11)
Your ring size is NOT constant. Time of day or year, health, eating, hydration, temperature
and many other factors can affect your fingers.
If you are buying a wide band as opposed to a thin one, experience says you should add about a 1/4 to 1/2 size.
If you are right handed then the corresponding finger on your left hand is about a 1/2 size smaller
and vice versa.
RESIZING RINGS...
To make some rings larger by a small amount is relatively easy for a jeweller.
The band at the back can be hammered or stretched a little to increase the size. BUT be aware some rings
cannot be enlarged this way or in any way. If you have inlaid stones, enamel or the shape is awkward,
you risk damage. Resizing is best done on plain rings or bands.
The other way a jeweller changes the size of the ring is to cut the band and either remove or add a piece.
To do this he has to heat the ring which can cause all sorts of hassles. Some stones have to be removed and
put back. Some are almost impossible to remove and many stones cannot handle heat. If you have a pattern or
stones all around the ring, you will lose some detail and symmetry.
Your best rule of thumb is to buy a ring that fits, or be prepared to wear the ring on a different finger.
Most people have 8 different sizes on their hands.
An alternative, if a ring is a few sizes large, is to
buy a gold 'size reducer', available at most jewellers. It clips inside the band and makes it smaller.
Not an ideal solution but useful. Personally, unless you have a lot of band to work with a simple setting, I'd leave resizing alone.
CHAINS AND NECKLACES...
Fortunately chains and necklace are a lot easier than rings. All it takes is a tape
measure for you to get an idea of the length you require. Just bear in mind that if you are buying larger
beads etc, you will have to add at least an inch or 25mm to its length to compensate for the larger diameter
of the necklace. It is normal to measure from the hollow at the base of the neck. If your neck is 15 inches
or 37.5cm then an 18 inch or 45cm chain will hand 1 1/2 inches or 3.75cm below the base of the throat.
Some of the common lengths are listed below...
Collar length: Around 13 inches or 32.5cm. Too tight for most people.
Choker length: around: Around 14 to 16 inches or 35cm to 40cm. as the name implies, very high on the neck.
Princess length: Around 17 to 19 inches or 42.5cm to 47.5cm. A common size for the base of the neck.
Great for pendants etc or open neck clothing.
Matinee length: Around 20 to 24 inches or 50cm to 60cm. This falls below the throat.
Good for high neckline clothing when dressing to impress.
Opera length: Around 26 to 34 inches or 65cm to 85cm. Long enough to go straight over you head.
A clasp is still a good idea in case you want to double it around you neck. Very versatile.
Rope length: Generally greater than 40 inches or 1 meter. Not common but very versatile when
wrapped around a few times.
BRACELETS...
Bracelets are a little bit more difficult than necklaces or chains.
You can use a tape or a ribbon to measure your wrist size, but you don't want it tight,
so you'll have to add a little to be comfortable. If you have large beads or links you have to add even
more to the length to compensate. OF COURSE the best way is to measure is to use an existing bracelet you
are comfortable with.
As an average use the following...
SMALL is about 14cm or 5 3/4 inches when you measure your wrist. You need a bracelet about 17cm or
6 3/4 inches. That's adding 2.5cm or an inch for looseness.
AVERAGE is about 15cm to 17cm or 6 to 6 3/4 inches when you measure your wrist.
You need a bracelet about 17.5cm to 19.5cm or 7 to 7 3/4 inches. Again adding about 2.5cm or an inch.
LARGE is about 17.5cm or 7 inches or more when you measure your wrist.
You will need a bracelet 20 cm or 8 inches or more when you add 2.5cm or an inch.
You can see that 25mm or 1 inch is usually added to the wrist size for a comfortable fit.
If you add....
7mm to 12mm or 1/4 to 1/2 inch you should have a tight-ish bracelet that won't move very much.
18mm to 25mm or 3/4 to 1 inch you should have a dangly type. A comfortable normal size.
31mm or 1 1/4 inches you will have a loose bracelet or for one with large beads.
LASTLY, I point out that I am not a jeweller and that the above guide is just that, a guide. I am a pawnbroker with 25 years experience. If you want professional advice go to a jeweller.
SEE MY OTHER GUIDES FOR OTHER INFORMATION ON JEWELLERY. Vote as appropriate.
© 2008 Edward Vabolis
Orignal From: Ideas on Jewellery Size
How to avoid fake Jewellery that is Not as Described
How to avoid Jewellery "Not as Described" or fakes.
This is about unscrupulous sellers on eBay promising fabulous gold and precious gem jewellery and delivering junk. They buy
cheap, barely gold plated jewellery set with fake gemstones, and then eBay them as the real thing. They turn off eBayers
from buying jewellery from honest sellers, distort the price of genuine jewellery and make many eBayer's experience a bad one.
Unfortunately there will always be someone looking for an easy dollar so here are a few ways in which I protect myself from buying an item
'not as described' when purchasing gold jewellery. This guide can be just as easily be applied to a lot of other categories and is written from an
Australian perspective.
LISTINGS...
A seller that consistently lists many expensive items in a short space of time and sets no or very low start prices needs a second look.
With anything, you get what you pay for. I repeat, you get what you pay for. Have a look at a sellers listing,
view "sellers other items", then, on the side search bar, go to "completed listing" for that seller and have a look at what, how many and for how much
they are selling and have recently sold. If they are selling expensive gold jewellery for unbelievably low prices in large quantities, beware.
They must be either be selling at a huge loss or selling things not as described. There is rarely such a thing as "selling gold" below
"world gold price", especially from a professional seller. And what about those so-called fabulous gems in the piece.
That's like selling $50 notes for $20. There are plenty of bargains on eBay but no genuine seller can consistently sell at a loss.
I know we all dream of "something for nothing" but in this case it's "nothing for something".
DESCRIPTION AND PICTURES...
Generally these sellers have been at it for a while and know the eBay system very well. They are constantly changing ID's when things get too hot.
So if you see a VERY professional listing from a seller with low feedback numbers, have another look. Examine the photos closely. Nearly all
gold jewellery is hallmarked, so look for it. I and most sellers try to show the hallmark in the pictures. Sometimes
that is not possible so ask the seller if it is hallmarked BUT remember that hallmarks can be forged. If you have doubts
about your purchase, the easiest and cheapest way to check its authenticity is to take it to a Pawnbroker. They will test it
and make you an offer. You don't have to accept any offer but you will get an indication from him, a professional, as to
what you have, at NO cost. I am a pawnbroker. I should know.
FEEDBACK...
I am surprised at how few people actually go to my feedback page and have a look as I have access to those statistics.
Just because a seller has excellent feedback doesn't mean he's OK. Go to the feedback page and study it. Always look at when a person joined.
That, in relation to how many items they have been selling can be an indication. I am not happy with anyone that has a lot of feedbacks in a VERY short time
as they have been listing a huge amount of items. Also, with the star system you can look at the 'item as described' area and get an idea of their
description accuracy.
Some of these sellers accumulate reasonable feedback very quickly so a high feedback number does not necessarily mean that the seller is genuine.
Make sure you read a few comments and not just the Negatives and Neutrals. This is a must. Things like...'OK...Item received..Nice...Thanks...All good...etc' are not strong comments.
I prefer sellers that get...'Fantastic...Would buy again...Lovely...Delighted...'. To me that inspires a bit more confidence.
Make sure you leave appropriate feedback for others. As a buyer DO NOT BE AFRAID to leave negative feedback if, at the
conclusion of a transaction, it was not satisfactory. It always surprises me when a buyer says 'not gold or diamonds'
or some such for a problem seller and leaves a positive.
Don't leave feedback straight away.....As in life, not everything runs smooth,
so if you have an issue, contact the seller and try to sort it. If they do the right thing, leave the appropriate feedback.
Once you have left feedback, it cannot be changed so always try to confirm what you have received first.
Feedback is for everyone's protection so help all eBayers by leaving what is appropriate.
PAYMENT METHODS...
Generally, but NOT always, a less than reliable seller will try NOT to use either Paypal or Credit Cards, preferring
Direct Deposit or Money Order, etc. The reason being that PayPal and your credit card provider (a little know fact) can do a
charge-back and refund your money if the item doesn't arrive or is grossly misdescribed. Even though new sellers are required to have Paypal,
I've seen these sellers say things like..."We are having trouble setting up our Paypal account at the moment, so please use another form of payment"
or some other lame excuse. Direct deposit, money order, wire transfer and other forms of paying do not offer you a way of getting your money back.
I was cynical of Paypal at the start but, as a buyer, you cannot get away from the fact that it does offer you substantial protection.
Credit cards are almost as good, because to accept them you have to be a merchant, well known to your bank and the buyer
has recourse to a charge-back if things go wrong.
QUESTIONS
Orignal From: How to avoid fake Jewellery that is Not as Described
SHURE SM58 - Are you shure?
Recently I had won a bid from a "NEW" Shure SM58. I was chuffed to win it at such a low price. When it arrived packaged
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Treadmill Buyers Guide
The Difference Between Home Treadmills vs. Health Club TreadmillsA
treadmill for commercial use must stand constant daily usage. Generally they are
built like a tank. A treadmill for home
use is a whole different story. Rather than running for 10 hours a day, it may
only get used several hours a week. These are just a few guidelines that are
important when purchasing a home
treadmill. Buying the right treadmill now will prevent you from have to buy
again in the near future.
How Much to Spend for a Home Treadmill?A good treadmill is not cheap.
Most people do not know what a home
treadmill cost. They may have seen the cheap treadmills online or in stores for
several hundreds dollars and have the conception that is what is a starting
price. Wrong!
Treadmills are machines that if used regularly, take an excessive
beating.
Orignal From: Treadmill Buyers Guide
treadmill for commercial use must stand constant daily usage. Generally they are
built like a tank. A treadmill for home
use is a whole different story. Rather than running for 10 hours a day, it may
only get used several hours a week. These are just a few guidelines that are
important when purchasing a home
treadmill. Buying the right treadmill now will prevent you from have to buy
again in the near future.
How Much to Spend for a Home Treadmill?A good treadmill is not cheap.
Most people do not know what a home
treadmill cost. They may have seen the cheap treadmills online or in stores for
several hundreds dollars and have the conception that is what is a starting
price. Wrong!
Treadmills are machines that if used regularly, take an excessive
beating.
Orignal From: Treadmill Buyers Guide
Digital Cameras Explained - A Concise Buyer's Guide
There are many choices available when choosing a digital camera. Therefore, choosing one can sometimes feel overwhelming to one who does not fully understand the terms used to describe the camera's features.
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Orignal From: Digital Cameras Explained - A Concise Buyer's Guide
How To Spot Shill Bidding On Ebay
How To Spot Shill Bidding On Ebay
Please vote yes for this guide so
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Fake Designer Jewellery- What to Look Out For!
There is a huge amount of fake designer jewellery out there. Most of it is made in china and some is so close to the original items that only highly qualified jewellery experts can tell the genuine article.
Designers such as Tiffany
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Designers such as Tiffany
Orignal From: Fake Designer Jewellery- What to Look Out For!
tyres and wheels made easy
well tyres are made easy,,,,is a guide helping you understand the basic when it comes to tyres,,
please note when it comes to AUSTRALIAN regulation, only the load rating and the diameter of the wheels are important.
so lets start.. tyre size 235/45VR17 97V
1. THE 235 is the width of the tyre....
2. the 45 is the profile of the tyre...or in simple english it is the side wall of the tyre. that what they call high performance tyres, when the side wall becomes lower and you get
Orignal From: tyres and wheels made easy
please note when it comes to AUSTRALIAN regulation, only the load rating and the diameter of the wheels are important.
so lets start.. tyre size 235/45VR17 97V
1. THE 235 is the width of the tyre....
2. the 45 is the profile of the tyre...or in simple english it is the side wall of the tyre. that what they call high performance tyres, when the side wall becomes lower and you get
Orignal From: tyres and wheels made easy
Dating Royal Doulton Bunnykins Tableware
I collect royal doulton bunnykins tableware, and initially when I began collecting, I had trouble trying to determine when a piece dated from and telling whether it was an early, or a later piece.
That is why I thought this guide may be helpful to others in dating bunnykins tableware.
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That is why I thought this guide may be helpful to others in dating bunnykins tableware.
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Buying Tupperware Online - Often More Expensive.
It never ceases to amaze me how much Tupperware is bought and sold online.
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Australian Barsony Lamps and Figurines
BARSONY
Highly collectible Barsony black lady lamps come in many different forms and were once a part of the modern retro household, before losing favour and being relegated to the garage
Orignal From: Australian Barsony Lamps and Figurines
Highly collectible Barsony black lady lamps come in many different forms and were once a part of the modern retro household, before losing favour and being relegated to the garage
Orignal From: Australian Barsony Lamps and Figurines
Buying a welding machine on eBay
What is welding?Welding is the process of melting two metals together, at or above the melting temperature of the metals, so that they are metallurgically bonded.How is it done?There are many different types of welding, but the most common and relevant to Home and Lifestyle are Manual Metal Arc Welding (referred to hereon in as MMAW), Metal Inert Gas welding (referred to hereon in as MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas welding (referred to hereon in as TIG) and Oxygen Fuel welding.MMAWMMAW is also know as "stick welding" and
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Orignal From: Buying a welding machine on eBay
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