| ody"> | | | | number for the seller so that you can follow-up by |
| Before you buy a treasure online, there are a few | | | | phone or mail if email isn't working as a |
| basics that you need to know. From eBay to to | | | | communication vehicle. You can also use the |
| Yahoo! Auctions, their numbers are growing, and are | | | | old-fashioned phone call to help you. Give the seller a |
| becoming a more common venue for buyers of | | | | call if you have a more complex question; it may also |
| everything from vinyl collectibles to dining rooms. The | | | | help with your comfort level in completing a |
| good news is that prices on online auctions can often | | | | transaction once you and the seller have spoken. |
| be quite reasonable. But, there are a few things you'll | | | | Additional Charges |
| want to consider before buying. | | | | There are no actual fees charged to buyers at online |
| Accuracy | | | | auctions. All fees associated with an online auction are |
| Keep in mind that many online auctions simply post | | | | the responsibility of the seller. However, you will incur |
| merchandise as described by the seller. They do not | | | | additional charges: shipping, handling, insurance, |
| verify the accuracy of the item, that the | | | | customs (if the seller is in another country), and |
| merchandise actually exists or even guarantee that | | | | sometimes PST and GST from Canadian sellers. |
| the seller will follow through with the sale. | | | | Know the Return Policy |
| Good Buys Online | | | | Before you complete a transaction, read and |
| Online auctions are a gold mine for collectible buyers. | | | | understand the return policy. If you don't like the |
| You can search for the manufacturer, colour and/or | | | | return policy, don't bid on it. |
| style number. Before online auctions, antique hunters | | | | Payment methods |
| would have to scour high and low for their favourite | | | | Avoid cash payments because if there is a dispute, |
| item and often end up paying a high price because | | | | there is no paper trail to document how much you |
| the item was rare. Now with online auctions, the | | | | paid. Credit card payments through PayPal, a secure |
| scarcity of collectibles is reduced when you can | | | | third party company, are a very common payment |
| search, for example, a Royal Doulton, Sara figurine | | | | method. Credit card payments protect both the |
| and see that there are currently 23 available for | | | | buyer and seller if there is a dispute. |
| auction. It brings the price down of these items - | | | | Insurance & Escrow |
| great news for buyers. | | | | Don't skimp on buying insurance. It protects you up |
| Check Seller Feedback | | | | to a preset amount but there are limitations with any |
| Feedback sections are common feature on online | | | | insurance. Escrow services are widespread and a |
| auction. This is the place on the auction website | | | | good idea for higher ticket purchases. |
| where buyers can check the reputation of the seller. | | | | Unhappy with your Purchase |
| Moreover, previous buyers can post their comments | | | | There are a few avenues of recourse if you are |
| on their experience with a seller. It's a good indicator | | | | unhappy. First, contact the seller immediately by email |
| as to whether the seller is an individual you would | | | | and/or phone to clarify the problem. If this doesn't |
| feel comfortable doing business with but, even a | | | | happen or is unsuccessful, you can leave negative |
| spotless record for a seller doesn't mean that your | | | | feedback, contact the online auction house as they |
| experience will go as smoothly. | | | | will likely have a dispute resolution process or contact |
| Get Contact Info | | | | the police if you feel fraud is involved. |
| Make sure you have the name, address and phone | | | | |