How to Buy a Treadmill From an Auction

Buying a treadmill from an auction--online or in person--can save money compared to buying from a store. If you go to a regular auction, be sure to bring transportation capable of transporting the treadmill if you win. To avoid regrets down the road, do your homework, because returns are rarely possible.

Instructions

Online Auction

1. Before you thin about bidding, research treadmills to determine what will best suit your needs. Research brands, belt size, display features, and horsepower. Decide how much you are willing to spend and whether or not you're willing to buy a used treadmill.

2. Register or sign into the auction site. Registration is generally free and quick. The benefit to buying from a single auction site is that you can build up a reputation or feedback for making good on payments and sales.

3. Search for treadmills. You can narrow the search by category such as sporting goods or exercise and fitness or brands. Advanced searches let you narrow even more by price, brands, and more.

4. Read the details of the auction carefully. The seller should let you know if an item is new or used, what condition it is in and any other important information you need to know.

5. Verify the shipping and handling cost. An auction price may appear cheap, but the shipping charge can bring the total to more than you are willing to spend, especially on a large item like a treadmill. If the shipping price is not listed, contact the seller to find out before bidding.

6. Check the seller's feedback and comments to make sure they have a good selling history. Be wary of a seller with negative feedback for not shipping, not responding to return requests or not making good on the sale.

7. Ask any other questions. Make sure you contact the seller in time to receive a response before the end of the auction. Once you bid on the item you are required to pay for it if you win, so make sure you have no lingering questions or doubts.

8. Make a bid, if it is a regular auction, or agree to buy if it's a buy-it-now auction or a virtual store, which is just like buying online from a regular shop.

9. Contact the seller to arrange payment and shipping. PayPal is a accepted by most sellers, and can be tied to a credit card or your bank account. The auction details will list which forms of payment the seller will accept.

Regular Auction

1. Arrive at the auction site early to allow adequate time to look over the treadmill and ask questions. Check for functionality and for any damage. Ask the seller to verify that the treadmill works.

2. Decide the maximum amount you're willing to bid so you don't make impulsive decisions during the bidding. Bring only as much as you're willing to spend if you lack self-discipline with this kind of spending and do not want to risk going over your limit.

3. You should receive a paddle with a number that has been assigned to you when you register for the auction. Once bidding starts, raise your paddle to bid on the treadmill.

4. If you win, pay the cashier your bid amount and load up your new exercise machine. Congratulations!

Tips & Warnings

• Auctions--especially in-person ones--can become frenzied, and careful bidding takes determination and practice. Consider going to one or two auctions just to watch before you attend one as a bidder.

• Get your doctor's OK before starting an exercise program.

References

• Buying Basics; Ebay

Resources

• eBay
• PayPal