|
Consumer |
|
Government |
|
Consumer Issues |
Resources
and Information |
Consumer Info |
Consumer Guide
Index
Auctions
Adoption
Auto
Biology
Business
Business
Transportation
Directory
Presidential
Address:
Women's Small Business
Owners
Cell Phones
Computer
Culture
Digital Photography
Disabilities
National
Disability Employment
Awareness Month
Disaster Help
Guide
to help
Rebuild Your Home
DVD's
Earthquakes
Electronics
Employment
Administrative Service Managers
Engineering,
Science, Computer
Systems Managers
Education
Energy
Presidential Energy Address
April 2005
Spectrally
Selective
Low-E Glass
Fashion
Financial
Currency:
Buying, Selling
Redeeming
E-Commerce
Associations
Directory
Fair and
Accurate Credit
Transaction Act of 2003
Fishing
Government Grants
Homeland Security
Health
FDA
News Digest
Dec. 03
Contaminated food warnings;
New Drug Treatments ... more
Health
Insurance
HIPPA
Government Health Guides
Vioxx
Identity Theft
Consumer
Confidential:
The Privacy Story
New
Law Signed
By President Bush
Information
Insurance
Jets: Private
Jewelry
Legal Guides
Machinery
Farm,
Food Processing
Packaging
Medicare
The Medicare Prescription
Drug Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003
Patents & Trademarks
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights
Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Real Estate
American
Dream
Downpayment Act
Financing Energy
Efficient Homes
Sustainable Design:
Energy Efficient Homes
Soccer
Soccer.com
Free
Soccer Posters
Shopping
Specialty Directories
Taxes
Technology
Time
Toxicology
Asbestos Issues
Legislative
Analysis
-
Asbestos Information Act of 1988
H.R. 5442
Travel
Tips
For Women
Traveling Alone
Travel
Tips For
Those Entering
U.S.A.
Other Online Guides
Internet Auctions
Know
the Product
 |
When considering whether to place a bid, know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the item or service, and if a photograph is posted, take time to look at it closely. |
|
Try to determine the relative value of an item before you bid. There's no guarantee that something is a good deal just because it's on the Internet auction block. "Brick-and-mortar" stores and online price-trading sites may be good reality checks on price. If you find a bargain at an auction site, remember the adage about deals that seem too good to be true. They usually are. |
|
Read the fine print. Look for words like "refurbished," "close-out," "discontinued" or "off- brand," especially when shopping for computer gear or electronic equipment. |
|
Consider whether the item comes with a warranty, and where you'll get follow-up service if you need it. Many sellers don't have the expertise or facilities to provide services for the goods they sell. If that's the case with your seller, be sure you're willing to forfeit that protection before placing a bid. |
|
Table of Contents If you're a buyer... If you're a seller...
Source: Federal Trade Commission
|