Online
Auctions
Online auctions are one of the hottest new
shopping experiences around. You can buy and sell
almost anything online. I equate this to going to
the world's largest flea market. At this market
you will wander the virtual booths. You will find
junk, kind of junkie stuff, collector's items, and
maybe some hard-to-beat deals. However, prepare
yourself! Understand the potential hazards
inherent in online auction participation. Make
sure you have a clear understanding of the value
of the items you bid on, payment options, policies
and procedures for the auction that you are
participating in. Many of the sites will set up a
personal page for you to track the status of your
bids. Remember the rules of the auction site. Be
advised that many state laws require you to follow
through on your bid. Happy Hunting and Bidding!
Judy's tips:
 Refer
to the FTC: Let the FTC help you understand the
potential hazards of online auctions. Visit their
site and read their consumer alert: "Online
Auctions: Going, Going, Gone". http://www.ftc.gov
Pay
by credit card: Should you encounter a problem
during your transaction, call the credit card
company immediately. They may be able to offer you
some assistance.
Check
the shipping costs: You sure do not need to buy a
$10 item that will cost $20 to ship.
Know
the seller: If you are unable to feel comfortable
with the seller's identity, do not buy.
Establish
the warranty and service policy pertaining to your
purchase: This also means that you should know in
advance the procedure for correcting a problem.
Keep
a paper trail: Retain copies of the item listing
any correspondence entered into. This will support
any future claims that may need to be filed.
Too
good to be true? Maybe it is not true, do not bid
if you feel that there are risks involved.
Does
the site have proxy bidding?: Some sites will
automate the bidding process by letting you
establish a maximum, then the proxy service,
alerts you (email) when you have been out bid and
with the intent that you will up the bid. They all
operate in a slightly different fashion and bear
many cutesy names such as Bid-Buddy, Bic-Click or
BidButler.
Know
if and what the return policy of the auction site
consists of: Some sites offer insurance. Should
you encounter a problem: contact the site. A
complaint dealing with fraud and bad transactions
can also be registered with the FTC at
202.382.4357 or their web site.
Use an escrow agent when large purchases are
involved.
 Amazon.com
As of this printing, the site offers $250.00
insurance against fraud. Check to make sure it is
still an offer. You will find collectibles,
flea-market type items, etc. at this site.
http://www.amazon.com
Auction
Watchers
You will find that this site specializes
in computer equipment. Auction Watchers searches
many online auctions to locate the best deals for
you.
http://www.auctionwatchers.com
Bidnow.com
This is a person-to-person auctioning site.
You can send a list of what you wish to sell or
buy from a list of categories and subcategories.
http://www.bidnow.com
Christie’s
The place for art lovers.
http://www.christies.com
Dash.com
The auction site that pays you to shop. When you
reach have reached a certain amount ($20 at this
writing) Dash.com will send you a check. The site
directs you to participating merchants and alerts
you to extra dis-counts.
http://www.dash.com
eBay
This is an award wining site. eBay provides free
insurance to make you more secure and comfortable
with the auction trading.
http://www.ebay.com
Egghead
Auctions
You will find PC hardware and software at this
auction site.
http://www.egghead.com
First
Auction
Have you ever visited the Home Shopping Network
and enjoyed it? Well, First Auction will also rank
high with you. You will find an array of
furniture, clothing, jewelry, food, etc.
Mercata
Although not a auction, this site joins thousands
of shoppers who are using the group buying power
of the internet to get volume discounts.
http://www.mercata.com
Onsale
The site for computer and office equipment.
http://www.onsale.com
Pro
Music Exchange
Musical instruments are a speciality at this site.
http://promusicexchange.com
Priceline.com
At Priceline.com, you decide the price
you wish to pay for something, post a bid. You
will then see if anyone will accept the bid. The
site offers travel resources such as airline
tickets, hotel rooms. There are home mortgages,
automobiles and ever so much more to buy.
http://www.priceline.com
Sporting
Auction
If you are looking for sporting goods and
equipment visit this site.
http://www.sportingauction.com
uBid
Wide range of computer products.
http://www.ubid.com
WebAuction.com
This site is for users to go to, not post
items for sale.
http://www.webauction.com
Yahoo!
Auctions
You will find toys, collectibles, flea-market type
items at this site.
http://auctions.yahoo.com
Quick Reference
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