The Last in the series- Buying through Internet Auctions

I'm beginning to get a reputation. I have had a number of people call me this week with questions about Internet auctions. Every question they asked, I replied with the same answer, "Educate yourself." Is $75 a good price for a Green Hornet Lunchbox? "Educate yourself." How does this guy have such a great price on Office97? "Educate yourself." Can I trust a computer that sells for $200? "Educate yourself." How do I know that Elvis bra was really worn by him? "Educate yourself." Most of these guys thought I was giving a copout answer. But really that is the best advice I can give. "Educate yourself." There is no way that I could give you enough information in this article to answer all your questions about buying on the Internet. But I will tell you where and how to get that information. All you have to do is follow these simple steps towards making purchases through using the Internet Auctions.

Know your product. Just as a salesman can't sell an item unless he knows his product you should not make a purchase unless you know exactly what you are getting or looking for. How do you know it is what it claims to be? Join a newsgroup that specializes in that item. Find other people who deal in that item. Talk to others before you make your purchase. You may even have to know a little history. Would you buy a coin dated 43BC? If so, I have a piece of ocean view property in Orlando for sale- real cheap!

Know yourself. Why are you buying this product? Can you afford it? What is the value of this product to you? (I have a Disney bus lunchbox that I wouldn't take anything for but if I came across a rare Superman box for $50, I probably wouldn't buy it. OK, I would. But then I would turn around and sell it.) Does the quality, product, value, and worth match your own personal guidelines?

Know the seller. Why are they selling the product? Are they reliable? How do you know? Does the Auction have a way of monitoring them? (Check their name on other auction sites. I almost bought something from a person at one auction site and found out that he had a bad reputation at another site.)Ask them lots of questions. Are they willing to use a escrow service?

And lastly, make sure you know the auction house and your obligations. Take PLENTY of time to read the FAQ's and everything you can about the site before you place a bid. Do they remove people who are unreliable sellers?

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic