I love eBay. I hate eBay. Actually, I cannot decide how I feel about the Web money-sucker. The convenience of buying power at my fingertips is priceless, yet scary.

   Sometimes I bid with reckless abandon, forgetting that, “by bidding, you are entering into a contract with the seller.” I am a victim of bidder remorse. 

   Once, I placed a bid on an unopened travel-sized tube of facial mud. I bid only 50 cents not realizing that if I won, I owed 50 cents, a $2.00 shipping fee and a 14 percent interest charge on my credit card. No, I am not a smart eBay shopper. 

   Two weeks ago, I decided I wanted a new cell phone. I dropped my RAZR, cracking the outer screen. A pink SLVR would nicely replace my scratched up, cracked up, flimsy flip phone.

   I logged into my eBay account, narrowed my eyes and prepared to attack the bargain awaiting me. Online auctions did not stand a chance against my bargain hunting prowess.  I purposefully typed “Motorola Pink SLVR” in the search field. The options appeared on the computer screen and I began sifting through the muck and mire, scrolling down the page like a pro.

   I selected the perfect deal --  a brand new, unlocked cell phone for less than $130. I called my boyfriend and bragged that I found a better bargain on my cell phone. I showed him. I skipped the cell phone service provider and saved cash!

   Fast forward one week. 

   My phone arrived via United States Postal Service. I unwrapped the packaging like a brat on Christmas morning. Packing peanuts flew around me like deformed snowflakes as I pulled the phone from the box. With my old SIM card in hand, I assembled the phone and depressed the power button. My heart froze. The screen quality looked awful. I assured myself that it was just the protective film covering the screen. I removed it -- no change. I pressed buttons, attempting to change the settings when, to my utter horror, “Choose colour” blinked on the screen.

   “Colour?” I shrieked. I peered into the box. Again, my heart sank.

   “A European phone charger? Are you kidding me?”

   Yes, I received a European phone. No, I did not keep it.

   I e-mailed the company and they agreed to take back the phone and send me a refund minus a 12 percent restocking fee.

   I discovered later, the company sells phones for such low prices because they order them from Europe. I fell for it. My failure to investigate and call the company cost me time, money and pride. 

   I didn’t divulge my stupidity for my health. I hope you can learn from my experience. When shopping on eBay, or any other online vendor, remember that research is the true weapon of choice. You will not get a good bargain if the company scams you. Make some phone calls, send e-mails, do whatever you can to ensure that you are buying a quality product.  Also, especially regarding eBay, check the feedback ratings. You can learn a lot about a seller by spending a few minutes browsing his or her feedback ratings.  Most people post negative or neutral feedback for a good reason. 

  Just as a final note, do not brag about your awesome find until you have it in your hands. This crucial reminder will help you save face in the event you did not receive what you thought you purchased.