Auction sales are helpful for all kinds of items, but there is a requirement for caution, because you will not have sight of the item itself. This does not have to become a problem if you are purchasing something like bedding or dog’s food, but it can be vital if you are purchasing collectibles where condition is of prime importance.
For instance, 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 merely 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 piece we will look at the most serious 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 example, many items do not have a reserve price, so if the item is not in demand among many people, you may 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 very good opportunity of getting your money back either from the dealer, the auction site or your credit card firm – three layers of protection.
However, there are disadvantages as well. These are the ones that most people think are the most serious:
You are purchasing sight-unseen, so there is a greater risk of fraud, but as we said above, the auction site and your credit card firm do have a level 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 rip-off is selling copies. You might think that you are bidding for genuine Gucci sunglasses, but for sure the chances are that they will be cheap Chinese copies worth a tenth of what you paid. Would you really know the difference? Honestly?
You can find a bargain on an auction web site, but bear 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 liars and thieves.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece 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.