"Help me find it!"
If you’re looking for an unusual item
or vintage treasure, first check eBay or Amazon.
(Read our auction tips below before you bid!)
You probably know eBay is the world’s largest online auction site. Chances are that if your item still exists, you will find it either today or in the future by keeping an eye on eBay auctions.
Before you search eBay, you might want to register with the payment processor, PayPal. A vast number of eBay auctions accept PayPal, and once you’ve completed PayPal’s verification processes, you'll be ready to bid. Click PayPal to sign up.
(Not just books!)
Amazon.com is also a great place to check. Many people think of this giant as primarily a bookseller, but Amazon carries much more. In fact, Amazon has an amazing associate program whereby if Amazon.com does not sell a product directly, an army of affiliated sellers may offer what you are looking for.
Amazon also provides the opportunity for their customers to evaluate and rate products. You may find helpful independent reviews of the items you seek.
Tips for Buying on Auction Sites
» Know The Value of Your Item
You should know the approximate value of the item you are seeking. Nowadays a few minutes spent searching through Google may give you a ballpark idea of the value of your item.
If your item is very rare or obscure, you should be able to utilize the search engines to find an appropriate expert to help you determine what price you should expect to pay.
» Evaluate the Seller
A good auction site should have an established feedback system to evaluate sellers. Get to know that system for your chosen auction site and really dig into the information provided for a prospective seller.
Individuals can receive feedback as a seller or a purchaser. Be sure the person has a good track record as a seller.
» Maintain Good Communication
Ask the seller any questions about an item before you bid. If you do place a bid or win an auction, do your part to ensure good communication with the seller throughout the entire transaction.
If a seller is slow at answering your questions or does not provide adequate answers before you bid, you must decide if it is worth the risk in dealing with this seller. When in doubt, don’t bid.
» Understand Terms of the Sale
Understand the condition of your item. If it is not stated clearly in the auction description whether or not the item is new, used, refurbished, etc., you have a right to ask.
Also pay close attention to the shipping or delivery terms. You will want to know where your item is physically located before it is shipped to you.
Be sure to read and agree to all conditions of the sale before you bid.
» Investigate Warranties Provided by the Site
Some sites may offer anti-fraud protection or other guarantees if your purchase experience is not as expected. Become aware of these terms and conditions before you buy.
» Use Escrow for Expensive Purchases
If you are contemplating purchasing an expensive item, consider an escrow service. An escrow service may hold your payment until you have received and examined the item, and then upon approval it will release your payment to the seller.
There are other arrangements that can be made between the buyer and the seller, but an escrow is designed to protect both parties.
The most important thing in choosing an escrow service is to deal only with established escrow services endorsed by your auction site.
Always go to the escrow site by typing the web address directly into your browser’s bar; do not follow an email link provided to you by a seller with whom you are not familiar.
» Leave Feedback
As a courtesy to a good seller, always take a moment to leave positive feedback. By doing so you are rewarding ethical business practices, and your goodwill assists others in finding a seller they can trust.
If you have maintained good communication throughout your transaction, you will probably never have to leave negative feedback. But when you have exhausted all avenues to resolve issues reasonably, the seller should expect your negative review. This is actually positive for the auction site, as it sets high standards for seller behavior.
» Have Fun!
Your treasures are out there, and once you have gotten your feet wet with auctions, you just may be hooked. Just use common sense and you will enjoy the hunt as well as the capture.
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