Before You Bid Checklist

Before you place your bid, be sure to read all the details of the item you’re interested in. In particular, look at the following:

• Is the item you’re bidding on new or used? If it’s new, what kind of warranty does it come with? If it’s used, what’s your recourse if you’re dissatisfied with the item?
• What condition is the item in? Is it an original, or a reproduction? Is there any way to verify that conditionthrough photos of the item, perhaps?
• Check out the seller’s feedback rating is it positive? (Never deal with a user with a negative total feedback number.) You might even want to click the Read Feedback Comments link in the Seller Information section to view his or her feedback profile; this is where you can read the individual comments about this person left by other users.
• What methods of payment will the seller accept? Are you comfortable using one of these payment options?
• How much shipping and handling is the seller charging? Are these fees in line with what you think actual shipping will cost? If you or the seller lives outside the U.S., will the seller ship internationally?

In other words, take your time and become knowledgeable about and comfortable with both the item and the seller before you place your bid. If you find anything at all that makes you uncomfortable, don’t bid.