Have you gotten the eBay itch but just can’t reach it?

Hesitation and fear of joining eBay can be solved by eBay’s user-friendly formats. The online Learning Center will walk new buyers and sellers through step-by-step tutorials on becoming a safe and protected member.

Creating a user name requires your name, address, phone number and birth date. Once registered, members can access their “My eBay,” a log of their account activity. Here members can look at their eBay history, monitor items and access their PayPal account.

PayPal is an online register that controls the monetary transaction of items. Members are encouraged to register with PayPal by providing a checking account, credit card number or opting for a PayPal balance.

PayPal is fully secure, offering 100 percent protection against unauthorized transactions. This claim is supported by PayPal e-mail confirmations and 24/7 customer support. When searching, look for items covered by PayPal – the “PP” symbol insures free protection of up to $1,000; or consider adding a money-back guarantee at the time of purchase.

Other security concerns are addressed in eBay’s Learning Center on how to protect yourself when using the site. When creating an account, choose a user name and password that are specific and hard to decode. Avoid fake e-mails. Valid e-mails from eBay, a potential buyer or a seller will be found in the “My Messages” portion of your “My eBay” account, never sent to your personal or work e-mail.

When buying, both eBay and PayPal suggest you research the seller’s reputation by reviewing the feedback forum listing comments from other buyers who have worked with that seller. It is smart to use caution and contact the seller when interested in a high-priced item.

When selling, protect yourself and potential buyers by offering a return policy and making detailed descriptions. Consider adding buyer requirements; this feature can block buyers based on their registration country or eBay history. You also can opt to make a transaction PayPal-only.