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21 Reasons Why Internet Auctions Are The EASIEST and
Calling internet auctions an “Entrepreneur's Dream” isn't poetic license or part of the get-rich-quick rhetoric. Net auctions are the simplest, easiest way on this planet for the little guy to make money.
1. Consider the normal progression of a...
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An auction is basically a public sale wherein any object is sold to the highest bidder. It can be defined as a process of purchasing and selling things by offering them up for bid, taking bids and selling the things out to the highest bidder. This...
Auction Seller Guide To Success
================================================= Auction Seller Guide To Success -by Leroy Chan (c) Leroy Chan - All Rights reserved http://www.AuctionSellerGuide.com ================================================= When its time to...
How Do Online Auctions Actually Work?
In the past few years, online auctions have really become a
popular way for people around the world to buy and sell goods.
Now I am not just talking about coins, figurines, or other
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Using Images in EBay Auction Listings
Think back to all the online purchases you’ve ever made. How many items have you bought purely off a text-only description? Chances are, not many. As the EBay website puts it: “Take Photos The saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'...
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Online Auctions
As popular as they are, online auctions should be approached with care. Many times, merchandise is offered that either may be illegal, fraudulent, or simply doesn't exist, and the vendor takes your money and runs. So what can you do to protect yourself if you enter bidding in an online auction.
You should understand how the auction works. Many online auctions simply list items that people want to sell. They don't verify if the merchandise actually exists, or if it is described accurately.
You should therefore check out the seller. If it is a company, contact the state or local consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau where you live, and also where the company is located.
Many auctions have a feedback section for comments about the seller. Be aware that a clean complaint record doesn't guaranty that someone is legitimate, and that glowing reports could be "planted" by the seller.
You should know the value of the product before you bid. If the product is brand new, check to see what price retailers are charging for it. If the product is used or reconditioned, you will want to pay way less than the retail value.
Be especially careful if the seller is a private individual. Most consumer protection laws and government agencies that enforce them, don't deal with private sales, so if you have a problem, it could be impossible to resolve. Always get a physical address and other identifying information. You'll need the seller's name, street address and telephone number to check them out, or follow up if there is a problem. Don't do business with sellers who won't provide that information.
You should ask about delivery, returns, warranties and service. Get a definite delivery time and insist that the shipment is insured. Ask about the return policy. If you're buying electronic goods or appliances, find out if there is a warranty and how to get service. Don't get caught up in a bidding war; you may end up paying more than the product's worth.
Be especially wary of claims about collectibles. Since you can't examine the item or have it appraised until after the sale, you can't assume that claims made about it are valid. Insist on getting a written statement describing the item and its value before you pay.
Online auctions will, sometimes, allow you to check the merchants history with their auction. Check to see if people have complained about the their products or business practices before you decide to bid.
Pay the safest way. Requesting cash is a clear indication of possible0 fraud. If possible, pay by credit card because you can dispute the charges if the goods are misrepresented or never arrive. If you pay by check, make it out to the seller. But remember that the merchandise probably won't be shipped until your check is deposited and cleared, so stopping payment is not an alternative.
PayPal, while very convenient and used by many, it has been reported that they may not provide the same protection as a regular credit card in the event of fraud. It is my opinion that they fall into the same category as paying by check.
Someone who has a bank account is not normally a person who "hits and runs". Know if the merchant offers a warranty or money back guarantee or before bidding on a product. You don't want to get stuck with a product that does not work or you're not satisfied with.
If you do have a problem, let the auction site know. Some sites investigate problems like "shills" being used to bid prices up or other abuses of the auction system. They may also want to know about sellers who don't deliver or misrepresent their wares. A bad record may result in a seller being barred from using the site in the future.
Above all, use common sense to guide you. Ask yourself: Is what the seller promises realistic? Is this the best way to buy this item? What is the most I am willing to bid for it? If someone does out bid you, don't be afraid to out bid them. Remember however, not to go over your maximum bid price.
If you follow these simple rules, you may find the online auctions to be a source of some great deals. If you don't, you may still get that great deal, but you could also find yourself wishing you had.
About the Author
Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: mailto:tipofday-subscribe@topica.com
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Yahoo! Auctions - Buy and Sell Sports Cards, Coins, Collectibles ... |
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auctions.yahoo.com |
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eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles ... |
... and everything else on eBay, the world's online marketplace. Sign up and begin to buy and sell - auction or buy it now - almost anything on eBay.com. |
www.ebay.com |
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Auction Fire - Free Auctions - Online Auction Site - Internet Auctions |
Auction Fire is a free online auction site. An ebay alternative offering free auctions. Internet Auctions Website. Buy or sell in thousands of internet ... |
auctionfire.com |
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U.S. Treasury - Seized Property Auctions |
Auctions - real estate, cars, trucks, vans, homes, boats, aircraft, motorcycles, jewelry, electronics, antiques, luxury items, furnishings, household goods, ... |
www.treas.gov |
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Government Sales and Auctions: FirstGov.gov |
Official site for information on all sales and auctions of government surplus property and assets. |
www.firstgov.gov |
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eBay Australia - Buy or sell practically anything on eBay, the ... |
eBay Australia offers online shopping and online auctions in Australia at eBay.com.au. *Conditions apply. The Buyer Protection Program is subject to the ... |
www.ebay.com.au |
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Clearance Center - Overstock Electronics, Discount Computers ... |
Provides auctions for computer systems, hardware, and software. |
clearance.cnet.com |
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Indiatimes Auction : Digital Entertainment & Lifestyle Shoppe |
Indiatimes > Shopping > Auctions. Choose Categories ... Big Brand Auctions. 1.5 T window AC with LCD remote ... Limited Quantity Auctions ... |
auctions.indiatimes.com |
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MSN Shopping |
Shopping tools including product guides, gift finder and gift certificates and links to online shopping sites with special offers. |
shopping.msn.com |
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Auction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Dutch auction: In the traditional Dutch auction the auctioneer begins with a ... ("Dutch auction" is also sometimes used to describe online auctions where ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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QXL Ricardo plc. the online auction house | Investor Relations |
Online auction with offers for European consumers, including arts, collectibles, cars, computing, consumer electronics and entertainment. |
www.qxl.co.uk |
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Disturbing Auctions |
This site is dedicated to the research and study of the most bizarre items found for sale on internet auction sites. Not the obviously fake auctions, ... |
www.disturbingauctions.com |
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Internet Auction List - Largest Auction Directory |
Find all kinds of auctions divided by types of items. |
www.internetauctionlist.com |
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Overstock Auctions - Online Auctions at Overstock.com - An auction ... |
Overstock.com Auctions your home for Online Auctions. Find great deals on thousands of live auctions. An alternative to eBay, this auctions site is the ... |
auctions.overstock.com |
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Airline Tickets, Cheap Hotels, Vacation Packages & Travel Deals |
The internet leader in Travel Auctions & Buy it Now deals to see the world. Our Lowest Price Guarantee on airline tickets, hotels, cruises, ... |
www.skyauction.com |
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onSale.com Low Prices - Computers, Consumer electronics, Digital ... |
onSale – Don’t just buy it. Get it onSale! onSale has the best selection of computer systems, peripherals, software, iPods, iPod accessories, ... |
www.onsale.com |
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A Survey of Auctions |
Defines in lay-terms the various types of auctions, including English Auctions, Dutch Auctions, and Double Auctions. A brief history of auctions and ... |
www.agorics.com |
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DoveBid - Industrial Auctioneers, Machinery Auctions, Capital ... |
Buy & Sell surplus, used business, industrial machinery, laboratory, R&D equipment at DoveBid, the leading global provider of capital asset management and ... |
www.dovebid.com |
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Neopets - New Neopian Auctions |
Neopets - New Neopian Auctions. Oops! You cannot view this page because you are not logged in, or perhaps you have not created an account yet! ... |
www.neopets.com |
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Car Auctions, Auto Auctions, Online Car Auctions, Salvage Auctions ... |
Car Auctions, Auto Auctions, Online Car Auctions. Pickles Auctions is an Australian owned Auction company, specialising in auto vehicle, truck and car ... |
www.pickles.com.au |
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