subject: Tips For Buyers In Online Auctions [print this page] Online auctions can be one an alternative place to get good deals and bargains on items that, normally, an ordinary individual would have to shell out a lot of cash for just to get it at the mall. These include branded items such as bags, wallets, technology and the like. In online auctions, people can also get hard-to-find memorabilia, such as games, comics, old coins, stamps and antiques at very attractive prices. This eliminates the need to go out antiquing and haggle with a shop owner about how much something is worth.
But despite all the possible deals that a member of the auction website can grab at these merchant websites, there are still precautions that need to be taken into consideration by every participant of the auction event, whether he or she is a newbie or not. Here are tips and reminders for potential buyers and participants at online auctions to prevent problems while making an online purchase, thus making the auction experience an exciting and positive experience for everyone involved, even if they don't win.
-Study and read through the item descriptions first before buying an item. This is very important and will require research to be done before making that online purchase. Check to see if the item descriptions match with the descriptions provided by the manufacturer or company that produces the item and see if the seller is honest with his or her listings.
-Read the terms, rules and policies of the seller and see if they contradict anything regarding what you are looking for in a seller. If the seller provides very clear instructions on how to establish a transaction with him in his page, most likely his policies on returns and shipping are found in there as well. Take the time to read and ask questions so that the transaction will be as smooth as possible. If you are not prepared for the type of shipping or terms and conditions offered, do not participate in the auction. Some sellers only use certain shipping companies that deliver to home or business addresses. Post office boxes may not be allowed, and if the buyer does not have a viable address, the item cannot be shipped to the buyer.
-Check if the payment options allowed by the seller are safe, secure and accessible. Usually, sellers offer bank deposits, PayPal and other possible options as their modes of payment for the winners of the auctions. Be wary of making credit card payments and wire transfers as the first two choices, because these have been known to be used by scammers posing as sellers in online auction sites.
-If the auction site has a feedback score where buyers can post their comments and feedback regarding the transaction and the seller, it is best to take a look at these first before buying from a particular seller. This system has been implemented in many auction sites to give first-time buyers a chance to see how trustworthy and credible the sellers really are.
