Are you just getting starting with your cleaning business? If so, you are probably looking for good equipment at an affordable price. One place you can begin looking is Ebay. But where do you start and how do you know if you are buying a "good" piece of equipment?

There are two ways you can begin searching for equipment on Ebay. First, you can go to the Equipment for Sale page at TheJanitorialStore.com, where you'll see a list of categories of cleaning equipment. We've actually done the work for you - just choose the category you're interested in, for example, ProTeam Back Pack Vacuums, and you'll see an up-to-date listing of all ProTeam vacuums listed on Ebay right now. If there's one you're interested in, just c.l.i.c.k on the item and you'll be taken to that listing.

The second way you can search for equipment on Ebay is to go directly to their website (Ebay.com), where you will see a search box. Here you can type in what you are looking for - burnisher, carpet cleaning equipment, vacuum cleaner, etc . Once you find the piece of equipment you are looking for, carefully read the product description and what, if any return policy the seller has. It's also very important to check out the seller's feedback. Is the seller reputable? Do they ship things timely? Does the seller promptly answer e-mails if the buyer has a question?

How do you put in a bid? Click on the "place bid" button. If you have an ebay account you simply sign in and place your bid. If you do not have an e-bay account, it will walk you through the steps to create an account. Most larger items for sale on e-bay will have a minimum bid starting price, so don't expect to get a carpet cleaning machine for $1.00! Consider not only the price of the item you are buying, but what is it going to cost to ship it? Remember, the cost of shipping is added on to the final price you pay for the equipment and is NOT included in your bid.

Besides just "bidding", some items will give you the option of "Make an Offer" or "Buy it Now". If you really want the piece of equipment you can forget about just putting in a bid and give the seller an offer or accept their "Buy it Now" price. This avoids the auction process and you don't have to worry about someone else putting in a higher bid and w.i.n.n.i.n.g the item.

Before buying a piece of equipment on Ebay consider your maintenance needs. Do you have a local janitorial distributor or supply store where you can buy parts or that can help you to maintain and repair the equipment? If you are planning on maintaining the equipment yourself, do you know how? Do you have somewhere to buy replacement parts? Does the equipment come with a manual or is there a manual available (look on the manufacturer's website)?

If you're looking for cleaning equipment - give Ebay a try! You might be able to find just what you need at a fraction of the price. Just be sure to follow the above tips to make sure you're getting a fair deal.

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.