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What should Internet buyers know about
Online Auctions?
![]() Buying and selling at Internet auctions can be a lot of fun and financially rewarding. To get you started right, here are 8 tips on how to make online auctions work for you. ![]() 1. Read all the help information before you start. ![]() Even if you are the type of person who never reads the instructions, listen to me on this one. Online auctions are a lot more complex than they look. ![]() 2. Start small. ![]() For your first few purchases, buy something inexpensive that you understand completely, like a CD. Don't start by buying something complicated like a computer. ![]() 3. Watch out for fraud. ![]() Online auctions are the biggest single source of fraud on the Net. ![]() 4. Make a budget, and stick to it no matter what happens. Don't allow yourself to get carried away. ![]() 5. For expensive items, use an escrow service (a third-party company that acts as a middleman). ![]() Before you bid: ![]() 6. Check out the seller. ![]() 7. Make sure you are buying the right item. ![]() If you need, say, a part for a computer, make sure the item you are looking at will work with your computer. Don't depend on the seller for technical support. ![]() 8. Check availability and prices. ![]() Lots of items that are sold at auctions are also available at stores. ![]() For more help with buying on the Net, as well as a large variety of other interesting topics, see my book Harley Hahn's Internet Insecurity. ![]() [ Jump to the Harley Hahn Quick Index ![]() [ Home ] [ FAQ ] [ Send a Message to Harley ] [ Books ] [ Usenet ] [ Internet Exploration Station ] ![]() © All contents Copyright 2023, Harley Hahn Full trademark and copyright information |