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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.
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If the product's description or picture
isn't detailed enough for you, contact the merchant to get more information
before you bid. You don't want to take a chance to waste your hard earned
money.
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Know the highest price you will bid for the
product and stick with it. Don't get caught up in a bidding war; you may end
up paying more than the product is worth. Don't forget to add in the
shipping price with your bid.
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Visit a few online auctions before bidding
because some merchants auction the same product in many auctions. You
usually can purchase the product for a lower price in a unpopular auction
because there are less bidders.
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Know the time the auction begins and ends. You
also want to know how long it will take to ship. If you need the product by
a certain date, you'll want to estimate the time it will take to receive it.
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Know the payment options the merchant accepts
before you bid on their product. If they only accept checks or money orders,
it may take even longer to get the product because the payment has to clear.
If they accept credit cards make sure they have a secure server.
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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.
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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.
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It's important to place a bid early in the
auction to show other bidders you are interested in the product. If someone
does out bid you, don't be afraid to out bid them. Remember not to go over
your maximum bid price.
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Another reason to know when the auction ends;
you can place a last minute bid. The other bidders may not be keeping track
of when the auction ends or may not have the time to bid again.
