| Are these businesses scams? | | | | sellers who have not lived up to their end of the |
| While there is always the potential for an online form | | | | agreement. |
| of commerce to be a scam, the dangers that are | | | | - Look for clearly outlined fees and commissions. Most |
| inherent in these auction transactions are ever present. | | | | sites don't charge the bidders to participate outside of |
| Issues like privacy, security and a lack of direct contact | | | | their bid amounts; however, for sellers there is |
| with the seller / buyer are ever present and, when the | | | | frequently a minimal fee for listing items. There could |
| transaction becomes an international one, the dangers | | | | even be commissions to pay when an item sells. |
| increase significantly. The best way to find a reputable, | | | | Collect this information from different sites and |
| credible and viable auction platform is to evaluate each | | | | compare them to get a picture of the fees and rates |
| of the below listed areas carefully. The less than | | | | involved. |
| reliable platforms will be weeded out fairly easily if you | | | | - The site should have some support services for |
| will just do your homework | | | | escrow monies and services; PayPal for example. |
| How do you test their credibility? | | | | These are important services that protect both the |
| Here are some things you might like to look for when | | | | bidder and the seller. They act as an intermediary, |
| evaluating some of the online auction sites on the | | | | providing a more secure method for the buyer to pay |
| internet: | | | | for the product. The buyer pays the escrow service, a |
| - Traffic volume and locality | | | | small service fee is deducted, it is held in escrow and |
| - The prominent posting of their privacy policy that | | | | then it is sent along to the seller to complete the |
| guarantees that the site will not sell any of your details, | | | | transaction after the buyer has received the goods in |
| will not spam you, and will provide a secure link | | | | acceptable condition. |
| whenever you must enter credit card details. | | | | - There needs to be an international payment and |
| - The site should have clearly defined policies and | | | | shipping option as well. Online auction marketplaces are |
| procedures in case disputes occur. | | | | world-wide platforms. This can become a concern for |
| - The site should provide some sort of rating system | | | | both buyer and seller if one or the other prefers not to |
| for both buyers and sellers so that one can identify | | | | participate in international sales. |