Buying online through auction sites can allow you to find some terrific buys if you know which sites to search and how to search. It is not all about the site though, you also have to be knowledgeable about how an auction works. The key to being a successful auction buyer is in both knowledge and your organization. Here are a few basic tips that will help you to be successful at buying auction style.
Get Organized
Have a place to record what auctions you are bidding on. The best place to do this is right on your computer. Create a folder in “My Documents” or on “My Desk” and label it Auctions. Then when you are bidding on an auction or have done a “Buy Now” or Fixed price auction save the basic information like which site the auction is on, what the auction # is, who the buyer is, when the auction closes. You can add more information if you wish, but the basic auction information should be listed. Check this folder everyday so that you are aware of what needs to be done that day with each auction. If you can copy the exact auction url into the document then you can go directly to the auction to check the status of the auction, or to up your bid.
Email
You will be corresponding with buyers about your auction buys so be sure to create a separate folder in your email account for your auctions. When you receive email concerning any of your auctions that you are watching or bidding on, move these emails to your Auction folder. A good rule of thumb is to check your email for auction related email at a minimum of twice a day.
Auction Searching
One way to locate auctions that contain the item you are searching for is to use a search engine like Google. Putting in the name of the item should yield any auctions where sellers have listed the item that matches your keywords you placed in the search box. To find your item, be sure to use the name of the product, size, color etc.
Which Auctions To Bid On
When you have located an auction that has the item up for bid that you are interested in, always, check the feedback for the seller to be sure there are no negative transactions. A seller that has negative feedback concerning how he/she ships, if shipping is on time, if items are damaged, shipping wrong items can give you an indication of how the seller will treat your transaction. Stay away from sellers who have negative feedback, it simply is not worth the risk.
Look for guarantees that the seller will make every effort to satisfy the customer.
Always look for shipping costs
Read the auction carefully including the description, the shipping information, the payment information, the return policy. Do not bid until you have read the entire auction listing.
Ask Questions BEFORE Bidding
If the seller has not given enough information about the item’s condition, or does not list shipping or return information, always email the seller and ask about these things before placing your bid.
Auction Site Information
When you find a site that has items you are interested in, make sure that the site is a reputable site. Read any buyer information the site has posted. Be sure that you are aware of any fees you may have to pay when using the site. Visit any forums the site has to see if those listing on the forum are happy with the way the site is working. Check to be sure that transactions on the site are secure. Look for any contact information or help links in case you have any issues with auctions they have listed on their site.
Once the auction closes
Be sure to pay promptly using a payment method the seller has specified. Do not leave feedback until you have received the item, and inspected it. Compare the item to the auction description. If you notice any discrepancies in the condition of the item, you will want to send the seller an email to let them know and find out what the seller will do to correct the situation. Once you are satisfied with the item you have received, it is important to leave feedback if the auction site has a way to do this.
Auction Sites
These are some of the auction sites that I am aware of and a little information about the kinds of items you will find on them
Ebay http://www.ebay.com – this is perhaps the most well-known auction site.
You will find everything from mom and pop sellers to corporations selling their goods on Ebay. There are many styles of auctions from the normal auction style, to buy now, and fixed price auctions. Ebay also has Ebay stores where sellers have online stores for you to shop in.
Ebay Catagories range from antiques, collectibles, baby items, cars and boats, clothing, computers, craft items, coins, home and garden, real estate, movies, music, sports. Pretty much anything you are looking for, can be located on Ebay. You will find auctions for used items as well as new items.
Ebay is easy to use, has live help should you need any help with navigating the site or help with bidding on an auction. There are also forums where you can find advice on buying, and you can even list what items you are looking for in “Want It Now”, if you can not find any auctions currently listed.
UBID http://www.ubid.com – The marketplace you can trust, is there slogan. They have their categories right at the top of the page. Items range from cell phones, electronics, computers, to music, movies, books, jewelry and accessories. Ubid has a help page set up by topic where you are sure to find the kind of help you are looking for.
BIDZ.com http://www.bidz.com – This is a jewelry auction site with live customer service chat for your questions.
Yahoo Auctions http://www.auctions.yahoo.com – Has auctions for antiques and art, automobiles, books, clothing, coins, collectibles, cameras, home and garden, jewelry, sports, movies, toys, games and pretty much anything you are looking for. There is a help page if you follow the help link at the top of the home page with topics and a “Top Questions” column.
Some other auction sites include MSN, Amazon, Overstock and Blujay
Auctions can be a great way to save money and still get quality items. You just need to be organized, and have the ability to read about the site and the seller. Be careful to read the entire auction listing and ask questions before bidding. Read feedback of the seller before you bid to check for negative feedback. After you receive your item, please leave feedback for the seller. Your feedback will not only tell the seller how they did with your transaction but will let others know what your opinion of the seller is for when they are looking to bid from the same seller.
Reference:
- Book: The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling at Auction by C. Hugh Hildesley
