Auction sales are useful for all types of goods, but there is a need for caution, because you will not have sight of the item itself. This need not become a difficulty if you are purchasing something like bedding or dog's food, but it can be vital if you are buying collectibles where condition is of prime importance.
For example, the condition of stamps and coins governs the object's value within the constraints of the year's or issue's minimum and maximum catalogue values. However, you just see a picture and it could be of another coin or stamp - what you get in the post may be a different kettle of fish.
In this article we will look at the most important pros and cons of auction sales. First, the advantages:
Auction sales can be traced from the opening auction bid to the end and you can choose how much you are prepared to pay over a fairly long period of time - days or weeks rather than minutes at an off line auction. You still have information at hand like minimum sale cost. This gives you plenty of time to weigh up alternative sales options.
There is a chance that you can buy items at well under market value. For instance, many objects do not have a reserve price, so if the device is not popular among loads of people, you might buy it really cheaply. Also, if the minimum price is not met, it is worth getting in touch with the vendor and offering a little more for a private sale.
If you go through a trustworthy on line auction site, you will be covered against fraud. If the item you receive is below par for the description of it on the website, you have a excellent opportunity of receiving your money back either from the vendor, the auction site or your credit card firm - three layers of protection.
However, there are disadvantages too. These are the ones that most bidders think are the most serious:
You are purchasing sight-unseen, so there is a greater chance of fraud, but as we said above, the auction site and your credit card company do have a degree of liability, so please check what that is before you go bidding (or even shopping) on line.
Check the postage and packing fees. This is a favourite way of bumping up the minimum charge for something. For instance, a set of batteries may not have a reserve and you may be glad to buy them for a dollar, but if the postage is ten dollars, you have been had.
Another favourite scam is selling copies. You might think that you are bidding for genuine Gucci sunglasses, but really the chances are that they will be cheap Chinese fakes worth a tenth of what you paid. Would you honestly know the difference? Honestly?
You can find a bargain on an auction website, but keep in mind that there are a great deal of hungry individuals out there who are prepared to lie to earn a few dollars and that does not even include the professional cheats and thieves.
For example, the condition of stamps and coins governs the object's value within the constraints of the year's or issue's minimum and maximum catalogue values. However, you just see a picture and it could be of another coin or stamp - what you get in the post may be a different kettle of fish.
In this article we will look at the most important pros and cons of auction sales. First, the advantages:
Auction sales can be traced from the opening auction bid to the end and you can choose how much you are prepared to pay over a fairly long period of time - days or weeks rather than minutes at an off line auction. You still have information at hand like minimum sale cost. This gives you plenty of time to weigh up alternative sales options.
There is a chance that you can buy items at well under market value. For instance, many objects do not have a reserve price, so if the device is not popular among loads of people, you might buy it really cheaply. Also, if the minimum price is not met, it is worth getting in touch with the vendor and offering a little more for a private sale.
If you go through a trustworthy on line auction site, you will be covered against fraud. If the item you receive is below par for the description of it on the website, you have a excellent opportunity of receiving your money back either from the vendor, the auction site or your credit card firm - three layers of protection.
However, there are disadvantages too. These are the ones that most bidders think are the most serious:
You are purchasing sight-unseen, so there is a greater chance of fraud, but as we said above, the auction site and your credit card company do have a degree of liability, so please check what that is before you go bidding (or even shopping) on line.
Check the postage and packing fees. This is a favourite way of bumping up the minimum charge for something. For instance, a set of batteries may not have a reserve and you may be glad to buy them for a dollar, but if the postage is ten dollars, you have been had.
Another favourite scam is selling copies. You might think that you are bidding for genuine Gucci sunglasses, but really the chances are that they will be cheap Chinese fakes worth a tenth of what you paid. Would you honestly know the difference? Honestly?
You can find a bargain on an auction website, but keep in mind that there are a great deal of hungry individuals out there who are prepared to lie to earn a few dollars and that does not even include the professional cheats and thieves.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on quite a few subjects, but is at present concerned with website marketing plans. If you would like to know more or check out some great deals, please go to our website at The Best Sales And Marketing Strategy.
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