| Online auctions can be both fun and profitable. But, | | | | provided for your own protection. |
| they can also be scams. A word to the wise would be | | | | - If you were purchasing an item at a garage sale or a |
| to research and check the online sites out just as you | | | | consignment shop locally, you would already have |
| would a physical business with whom you deal locally. | | | | some idea what the item retail price would be. Online |
| Generally, sites that have high traffic volumes and | | | | auctions should be viewed through the same glasses. |
| identifiable localities are good places to start. | | | | Knowing the retail price of an item will help you in two |
| After you have done your homework and you have | | | | ways: First, you will know if you're getting a deal or not |
| chosen the site with which you wish to transact your | | | | and, second, you'll know if you see a deal that seem |
| business, the next step is usually the registration | | | | "too good to be true" and you will be able to consider |
| process. At this point, they will generally need your | | | | if it is legitimate. This is especially important if you are |
| credit card information. It is interesting to note here that | | | | considering the purchase of an expensive piece of |
| there are some sites advertise that they are open to | | | | computer software. For example, if you found Adobe |
| international business but they only accept US credit | | | | Photo Shop CS4 Extended software for £14.95 |
| cards. | | | | (something that normally retails for over £1,000.00), |
| The bidding process | | | | you would know instantly that it is likely a pirated item. |
| Some sites require that you purchase your bid credits | | | | - Carefully read the description of the item you want |
| and they will offer them to you in package deals, | | | | to purchase. Not everything that is posted for sale on |
| offering some savings over the per bid credit price. | | | | these sites is in new condition. |
| The bid credits increments differ from site to site so | | | | - Check out the shipping situation especially if you are |
| you will want to make sure you are purchasing enough | | | | buying internationally. That kind of sale will most likely |
| credits to allow sufficient bidding latitude. Other sites | | | | be a non-returnable one due to the cost of shipping |
| allow you to bid in real money terms. | | | | back and forth. |
| Here are some interesting facts I found in my research | | | | - It will be in your best interest to deal with sellers who |
| of online auction bidding: | | | | will accept escrow services. This is for your protection |
| - It is never a bad idea to exercise the same care | | | | as well as theirs. |
| when choosing an online seller that you would if you | | | | Well, are you ready to try your hand at online |
| were purchasing locally. Avail yourself of the | | | | auctions? Try it...you might like it! |
| opportunity to check any rating systems that are | | | | |