Internet Auction
by Jan Sopshier

Looking for a collectible or wanting to sell that treasure in your attic, an online auction may be what you're looking for. With the holiday shopping season upon us, many shoppers will take advantage of the internet to avoid crowds, long lines, and shop from the comfort of their homes. Although online shopping may be convenient, be aware that it is necessary to know what you're doing when making purchases through an online auction.

Six months ago I discovered eBay. Even though I've heard of eBay for years, I never surfed the site to see what all the hullabaloo was about. In my youngest daughters own words, "Mom, the house is starting to become cluttered, when are you going to quit buying all that stuff from eBay?" Thus, I now consider myself a full-fledged ebayer addict.........clutter or no clutter.

If you're a bit nervous about buying online through eBay, here are a few useful tips:

• Check the "feedback" area of eBay, often they're a good source for learning about other buyers' past experiences with a seller.

• Read the description, fine print, and any terms/conditions of the sale.

• Check shipping and handling fees.

• Make sure to evaluate the seller's payment options and be prompt with the payment.

• Keep copies of any correspondence you have with a seller (including e-mail).

• Don't be a sniper. Sniping is a person who jumps in with a bid during the last few seconds of an auction. Don't take me wrong about sniping.......I'm okay with it as long as the person has placed a previous bid.

• You may want to research the item you wish to bid on. I've jumped in on several auctions with a reasonable bid (or so I thought) only to learn I could have bought it cheaper elsewhere.

• Never start an auction with a high bid. That's the way I started in the beginning because I hoped to win the auction. I learned an expensive lesson that this is not the most frugal way to go.

• Always leave feedback for the seller.

Make your online auction shopping experience a positive one by following the above tips. By knowing what you're doing, eBay shopping is a safe, secure, and fun way to buy those holiday presents.