Frequently Asked Questions about buying online
Is it safe? How can I pay? Is it fun? (be careful, it can be addictive!) and more questions...
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How to join & become a buyer and/or seller
Opening an account with an auction site is often free and easy. After completion, you'll be able to log in and start bidding on items or you can sell your own things. Be sure to fill in the right information. You need to enter a working email address that you can check immediately, because most auctions sites will send you an email with instructions to complete your registration. They also use this email address to notify you when you've won an item and to share shipping and payment information with other buyers and sellers.
Where to buy or sell
Ebay is by far one of the largest auction sites on the net. Other auction sites are Ebid, OZtion and CQout.
Using PayPal to pay for your items
PayPal is a safe, secure way to pay for your items or recieve payments from buyers. It's the preferred payment method for most buyers and sellers. PayPal lets you send payments securely online using a credit card or bank account. When you send a payment using PayPal, the recipient won't ever see your credit card or bank account information. You can become a PayPal member by clicking here.
Shipping costs
The cost of shipping to your location is usually listed in the item description. If you find that shipping costs are not shown, you'll need to contact the seller to find out the shipping costs.
Language and communication with sellers
When communicating with a seller, remember that some phrases and terms are understood differently in different languages. If you don't speak the same language as the seller or buyer, you might want to use translation software to translate key phrases. Some free translation services (like Google translator) are available on the Internet, but many aren't 100% accurate. If you use such a service, provide simple, grammatically correct phrases to maximize the chance that the translation will be understandable.
What is online auction fraud?
The most common form of online auction fraud is when a seller takes payment and then fails to deliver the promised item or the item is delivered but does not match the item description.
How to recognize auction scams
- Seller will only provide you with a mobile, pager or voice messaging system.
- Landline number is always engaged or 'please leave a message'.
- High priced auctioned item from a member with zero feedback.
- Seller offers to complete the sale before the auction has finished - contact telephone number or email in the text of the auction.
- Seller is requesting your banking details after the auction has closed and then setting up direct debits with your banking information.
You can minimize your trading risk by following these suggestions:
- Carefully review the seller's feedback (if there is any) rating and comments
- Ask for phone numbers and speak to the seller.
- Consider using escrow services for expensive items.
- Use PayPal as a payment method to minimize the risk of unauthorized use of your credit card or bank account.
- Insure your items
If in doubt, always contact the seller and ask questions about the item.
How to avoid spam
A spam email is a message that is unsolicited and sent to multiple recipients. Spam may have Commercial content but may also contain viruses or worms that may infect your computer.
- Don't open spam attachments. If you believe an email is spam and contains an attachment, do not open it. You should also set your defaults setting to not show images in your incoming emails as images may alert the sender that you have opened the email.
- Be careful with your primary email address. Your main email address should only be given to companies and people you absolutely trust. You can obtain free email addresses to use to register on websites you never intend to visit again.
- Don't choose a guessable email address. An email address like Jane.Smith@hotmail.com or hamburger.joe@hotmail.com is easily guessed by a spammer because they use simple names or commonly used words that can be found in the dictionary.
- Read privacy policies on websites. A good privacy policy commits to never selling your email address.
- Read the Help section for your email program and ISP guidelines on Spam. Your Internet Service Provider should be able to provide further information and Tools to help fight Spam.
- Don't forward marketing emails. Forwarding marketing emails will result in your contacts getting spammed.
If you still have questions about buying or selling on the internet, contact me and I'll be happy to answer them!