How to Shop an Online Outlet Store Auction

Discovering an Online Outlet Store Auction should be a welcome surprise for many consumers. If the store is a Liquidation Center that means the prices are even lower than your regular outlet store prices. Get ready to start saving money!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer
• Ebay account
• PayPal account OR Visa, MasterCard, Discover card

1. 
    
   SOLD! $37.51 Tavern Set

   To shop an Online Outlet Store Auction, you first need to have an Ebay account. It's easy to set up. Go to Ebay.com and follow the simple directions to sign up for an account.

2. 
    
   SOLD! $56.00 7 In LCD TV

   Once your account on Ebay has been established, browse through the auctions currently being offered. To reach the Sears Online Outlet Store Auctions, for example, under the category Advanced Search, type in the name of the Sears Outlet Ebay store which is sears_liquidation_center and hit search.

3. 
    
   SOLD! $74.06 Canon Digital Camera

   If you find an item you're interested in bidding on, first read the description carefully. Though some items are brand new and overstocked items, be aware that many are items that have been returned by previous customers for various reasons.
   
   Most are in the original boxes and condition is noted in detail in the item's description. Before placing your bid, also make note of the shipping fees which are listed individually for each auction. You should factor in this cost before you decide on what your top bidding price will be.
   
   Terms of payment should be noted before placing a bid as well. The Sears Outlet Store on Ebay does not accept Sears cards, surprisingly.

4. When you shop an Online Outlet Store Auction, it's important to remember there are often NO RETURNS allowed, except for mis-shipments. There may be a few larger, bulky items that are marked LOCAL PICKUP ONLY, but these will be clearly marked. If you live in Texas, don't bid on an item that is local pickup in Ohio unless you're looking to make a lengthy road trip.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any auction, people can get carried away on their bidding. Set a firm bid in your mind (and on the item) and DO NOT exceed this amount. There are more items listed every day.
• The brand new couch in the lead pic was marked LOCAL PICKUP ONLY. What a bargain this $56.00 couch was for one lucky bidder. Take advantage of these local auctions if you live in the vicinity, because an auction marked LOCAL PICKUP ONLY usually has less bidders. There are bargains to be had!
• Have fun, but be responsible with your bidding.
• If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, most Online Outlet Store Auctions WILL NOT ship to these locales. They only ship to the 48 contiguous states. :( Bummers!

[MIHealthCoach]

on 3/30/2009 I didn't know that the big retailers used Ebay for liquidation, very cool. I will check it out.

[moonglow]

on 3/14/2009 Thanks for the tips! I shop online whenever possible these days! So convenient!

[klnygaard]

on 3/6/2009 great information

[Kallicat]

on 3/4/2009 I use online auctions all the time but didn't know about outlet auctions.

[bossypants]

on 3/4/2009 I didn't know about online outlet auctions. What a great way to find a bargain and have the fun of the hunt, all in one! Funny, Sears not taking Sears cards online! Thanks for the great idea for saving money when we all need it!