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What are some tips for Internet auction buyers?In: Online Shopping |
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Answer
Here are tips cribbed from the Federal Consumer Information Center:
Find out who you're dealing with. Verify the seller's identity before you place your bid, and be wary of sellers who you can't identify. Some sellers may use a forged e-mail header, which makes follow-up contact close to impossible.
Get a telephone number for the seller and use it to confirm that you have some way other than e-mail to contact the seller.
Check to see how the seller has treated other buyers. Some auction sites post feedback ratings of sellers based on comments by other buyers. This may give you some idea of how you'll be treated, but beware of "shill" testimonials.
Before you bid, find out what form of payment the seller will accept. If the seller accepts only cashier's checks or money orders, decide whether you are willing to take the risk of sending your payment before you receive the product.
Find out who pays for shipping and delivery. Generally, sellers specify the cost of shipping the item and give buyers the option of express delivery for an additional fee. If you're uncertain about shipping costs, check with the seller before you bid.
Check on the seller's return policy. Can you return the item for a full refund if you're not satisfied with it? If you return it, are you required to pay shipping costs or a restocking fee?
If you have any questions about the item, e-mail or phone the seller. Don't place your bid until your questions have been answered.
When considering whether to place a bid, know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the item or service, and if a photograph is posted, take time to look at it closely.
Try to determine the relative value of an item before you bid. There's no guarantee that something is a good deal just because it's on the Internet auction block. "Brick-and-mortar" stores and online price-trading sites may be good reality checks on price. If you find a bargain at an auction site, remember the adage about deals that seem too good to be true. They usually are.
Read the fine print. Look for words like "refurbished," "close-out," "discontinued" or "off-brand," especially when shopping for computer gear or electronic equipment.
Consider whether the item comes with a warranty, and where you'll get follow-up service if you need it. Many sellers don't have the expertise or facilities to provide services for the goods they sell. If that's the case with your seller, be sure you're willing to forfeit that protection before placing a bid.
Check how the auction works. Don't assume that the rules used by one Internet auction site apply to another. Some sites offer step-by-step tutorials that take potential buyers through the bidding process. Taking a few minutes to go through the tutorial might save you frustration or disappointment later.
Find out what protections the auction site offers buyers. Some sites provide free insurance or guarantees for items that are undelivered, inauthentic or just not what the seller claimed.
If you decide to enter the bidding, proceed with caution. Establish your top price and stick to it.
Don't bid on an item you don't intend to buy. Remember that if you're the highest bidder, you are obligated to follow through with the transaction. Auction companies often bar "non-paying bidders" -- those who back out of a deal -- from future bidding.
When bidding, take steps to protect your privacy. Don't give out personal identifying information like your Social Security number, driver's license number or bank account number. No seller should need it.
Save all your transaction information. Print or make note of the seller's identification, the item description and the time, date and price you bid on the item. Print and save a copy of every e-mail you send or receive from the auction company or the seller.
After you receive an e-mail with news that you've "won" an auction, arrange to pay for your purchase. Pay with a credit card, if possible, but it's likely that the seller will require payment by certified check or money order.
If you're not comfortable sending a certified check or money order to the seller, consider using an escrow service or paying for your item cash on delivery.
First answer by anonymous. Last edit by anonymous. Question popularity: 158 [recommend question]
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