On-Line Auctions - Everything Old is New Again!


  • Review the sellers Feedback Profile! This will give you some idea of the character of the seller as perceived by other buyers.
  • Review the payment terms! Some sellers will only take a money order. I try to avoid these sellers as it means I have to spend extra money to purchase the money order on top of the purchase price and the shipping costs. Some sellers will take a personal check. That is more convenient for you but it also means you will have to wait until the check clears your bank before the item is shipped. Some sellers will waive the waiting period after you have so many positive feedback comments in your Feedback Profile. Some sellers will accept payment through Billpoint or Paypal, on-line payment centers, or by credit card.
  • Review the shipping charges and make sure the seller will ship to your country! Some sellers will only ship in the United States. Sellers will either charge you a flat fee for shipping or will let you know the shipping charge to your address after your bid has won the item.
  • Know what the item will cost to buy brand new or at your local antique store. It is very easy to get caught up in the competitiveness of the auction atmosphere and end up spending more on an item than it is really worth.

    Once you have won the bid on an item:

    1. Contact the seller ASAP. Include the item # and description, your name, and address.
    2. Send your payment ASAP. Ask the seller to e-mail you when payment is received and again when the item is shipped. Follow up with the seller if you have not heard anything after a week following payment. Checks *do* get lost in the mail.
    3. Keep copies of all e-mail from the seller until you have received and inspected the item and are satisfied.
    4. Ask for positive feedback once the transaction is complete. A good Feedback Profile may help you immensely in future transactions, whether you are buying or selling.
    5. If you are not satisfied with an item, refer to the Help section on Ebay for guidance. Do not leave negative feedback until you have contacted the seller and given them a chance to remedy the problem.
      The copyright of the article On-Line Auctions - Everything Old is New Again! in Square Dancing is owned by . Permission to republish On-Line Auctions - Everything Old is New Again! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

      Go To Page: 1 2

      Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic