Online,Auctions,popular,they,a DIY Online Auctions
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As popular as they are, online auctions should be approached withcare. Many times, merchandise is offered that either may beillegal, fraudulent, or simply doesn't exist, and the vendortakes your money and runs. So what can you do to protect yourselfif you enter bidding in an online auction.You should understand how the auction works. Many online auctionssimply list items that people want to sell. They don't verify ifthe merchandise actually exists, or if it is describedaccurately.You should therefore check out the seller. If it is a company,contact the state or local consumer protection agency and BetterBusiness Bureau where you live, and also where the company islocated.Many auctions have a feedback section for comments about theseller. Be aware that a clean complaint record doesn't guarantythat someone is legitimate, and that glowing reports could be"planted" by the seller.You should know the value of the product before you bid. Ifthe product is brand new, check to see what price retailers arecharging for it. If the product is used or reconditioned, youwill want to pay way less than the retail value.Be especially careful if the seller is a private individual. Mostconsumer protection laws and government agencies that enforcethem, don't deal with private sales, so if you have a problem, itcould be impossible to resolve. Always get a physical address andother identifying information. You'll need the seller's name,street address and telephone number to check them out, or followup if there is a problem. Don't do business with sellers whowon't provide that information.You should ask about delivery, returns, warranties and service.Get a definite delivery time and insist that the shipment isinsured. Ask about the return policy. If you're buying electronicgoods or appliances, find out if there is a warranty and how toget service. Don't get caught up in a bidding war; you may end uppaying more than the product's worth.Be especially wary of claims about collectibles. Since you can'texamine the item or have it appraised until after the sale, youcan't assume that claims made about it are valid. Insist ongetting a written statement describing the item and its valuebefore you pay. Online auctions will, sometimes, allow you tocheck the merchants history with their auction. Check to see ifpeople have complained about the their products or businesspractices before you decide to bid.Pay the safest way. Requesting cash is a clear indication ofpossible0 fraud. If possible, pay by credit card because you candispute the charges if the goods are misrepresented or neverarrive. If you pay by check, make it out to the seller. Butremember that the merchandise probably won't be shipped untilyour check is deposited and cleared, so stopping payment is notan alternative.PayPal, while very convenient and used by many, it has beenreported that they may not provide the same protection as aregular credit card in the event of fraud. It is my opinion thatthey fall into the same category as paying by check.Someone who has a bank account is not normally a person who "hitsand runs". Know if the merchant offers a warranty or money backguarantee or before bidding on a product. You don't want to getstuck with a product that does not work or you're not satisfiedwith.If you do have a problem, let the auction site know. Some sitesinvestigate problems like "shills" being used to bid prices up orother abuses of the auction system. They may also want to knowabout sellers who don't deliver or misrepresent their wares. Abad record may result in a seller being barred from using thesite in the future.Above all, use common sense to guide you. Ask yourself: Is whatthe seller promises realistic? Is this the best way to buy thisitem? What is the most I am willing to bid for it? If someonedoes out bid you, don't be afraid to out bid them. Rememberhowever, not to go over your maximum bid price.If you follow these simple rules, you may find the onlineauctions to be a source of some great deals. If you don't, youmay still get that great deal, but you could also find yourselfwishing you had. Article Tags: Online Auctions
Online,Auctions,popular,they,a