If this is your first time out, being aware of the environment and the people you'll be dealing with is important for your first transaction to be a success. For every honest person, there's someone out to scam you. Be prepared and knowledgable in purchasing items online and know the risks and your rights that will protect you and your money. 

• Always ask questions of the seller before bidding via e-mail. Ask for precise measurements and especially for exact sizes with clothing items. Usually if they don't answer your e-mails, it is wise that you do not do business with them. 
• Check the seller's feedback before you bid. Make sure they don't have an excessive amount of negative comments on their record. If they do have a negative mark or two and you really want the item, e-mail the seller and ask for an explanation of what lead up to the negative feedback.
• Always read the description twice before hitting that "submit bid" button. Read it slowly and carefully. If measurements are included, get out a tape measure or ruler to see how big the item will be. If it's for clothes or shoes, compare that measurement to your body. Also, make sure to read the seller's policy on payment and shipping. Find out if they take money orders or personal checks or credit cards. Make sure they only charge you for the actual shipping cost ($3.20 is the cost of USPS Priority Mail, and seems to be the default shipping method).
• Remember, if you are the high bidder, you are legally required to purchase the item (unless you did not meet the seller's reserve price). So only bid on things you really want to buy, and follow through with your bid.
• E-mail the seller as soon as possible after the auction ends. Be polite and detailed. Ask how much shipping will be, tell them if you want insurance or express shipping, and ask for the address for where to send payment.
• E-mail the seller when you put the payment in the mail. This covers your butt and helps the seller know you're serious.
• Put your payment in the mail no more than three days after the end of the auction. Ideally, get that payment in the mail the day after the auction ends or as soon as you receive the seller's snailmail address (which ever comes first). Don't wait or put it off.
• If you know you have poor mail service (mail doesn't get picked up in a timely manner or you've had delivery problems), go to the post office and mail payment by certified mail. It costs less than $3, and will ensure that your payment is received. This can save you a lot of hassels.
• Email the seller when you receive the item. A simple thank you makes the transaction all that much sweeter. Also, if you have problems with the item (damaged in the mail, not as described, etc.), tell the seller directly and immediately. Give them a chance to fix what's wrong before you resort to negative feedback.
• Leave feedback. Short and sweet is all that's necessary.
• There are two strategies of bidding, depending on how aggressive you want to be. The first is to set your true maximum bid right when you've decided you want something. The other is to hold off on the bidding until the last minute and decide then if you can still get it for a reasonable price.

Once you come across a Dutch auction, make sure your read Ebay's information on it because it is different. I'd say that Dutch auctions account for less than 5 percent of all auctions. 
• All auction sites have rules on how to cancel bids and the strict rules against doing so. Make sure to read the rules on bidding before you bid.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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