How to Bid at Online Auctions

Online auctions can be a great way to get deals on many types of goods, from computers and electronics to antiques and collectibles. You might also find those missing game pieces or even the cousin to your old teddy bear your mom tossed out years ago.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Computers

1. Register as a bidder by entering your credit card number and an e-mail address for communication purposes. Registered bidders will be asked to submit a username and password.

2. Search categories to find things you want to bid on.

3. Select an item; enter your username, your password and the bid amount.

4. Enter a bid that is within your budget but higher than the current high bid. High bids are displayed along with the description of the item.

5. Click the Submit Bid button to go to the Web site's confirmation page. The site will advise you immediately on the status of your bid (whether you've been outbid or currently have the highest bid).

6. Look for a Current Winner message on the page showing that your bid is currently the highest. If no one outbids you before the auction period ends, you 'win' the auction.

7. Check your e-mail regularly during the auction. You will receive an e-mail message if you are outbid during the auction. Place another bid if you wish to bid higher.

8. Work out payment and shipping details directly with the seller when you win an auction. (The seller will most likely contact you via e-mail.) On some auction sites, you can submit payment through the site or a trusted third party. Payment is usually accomplished with a money order or personal check. Some sellers also accept credit cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Before bidding, ask the seller questions about how the item was stored or cared for and whether it has a certificate of authenticity.

• Check out size and weight specifications to ensure that you know what you're purchasing.

• If you have problems with a seller, complain to the site. Sites usually post negative feedback about a seller, and you can warn others who might have similar problems. Be a good buyer as well, as you may be rated by the seller.

• Comparison shop before you bid. Just because something's up for auction doesn't mean it's a good deal. Shop carefully'you could end up paying more money than you would in a traditional store.