German WW2 Militaria Collecting Tips
Determine Militaria Authenticity & Condition
Avid collectors find it imperative to obtain authentic pieces of military memorabilia in the best condition possible. Make sure to read the descriptions in item listings carefully and get as much detail as possible. Also, evaluate the photos in listings, making sure you can clearly see the item from multiple angles so that you can examine an item for potential wear and tear yourself. If you have any questions, contact the seller before you buy.
Certain services also specialize in authenticating pieces of militaria and evaluating their condition for a nominal fee. You can find a list of well-known third-party authentication services on eBay's Opinions, Authentication, and Grading page.
Note: The opinions expressed by these evaluators are theirs alone. eBay does not examine items listed on its site and does not have the expertise to evaluate items. eBay cannot guarantee the findings of these evaluators—authentication and grading are difficult, often subjective matters where the experts themselves occasionally disagree.
Each of the companies listed on the Opinions, Authentication, and Grading page that provides authentication and/or grading services is an independent company, and eBay is not responsible in any way for any action, inaction, opinion, or service in connection with these companies. You should review the credentials of each company and use your own judgment before using a company's services.
Buy Militaria Memorabilia With Confidence
Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.
Know your purchase
Carefully read the details in item listings.
* Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.
* If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.
* Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.
* Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.
Know your seller
Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.
* What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?
* What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
* Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?
Buyer protection
In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.
* Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.
* eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.