25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development. 
(4.33 out of 5)What Not To Buy At Online Auctions
August 31st, 2006 by markdownmomIn a recent television interview a renowned internet expert suggested items that one should either not buy or be wary of buying at online auctions. Markdown Mom expands upon these suggestions that not only reflect good common sense, but are indicative of her personal experience:
- Apparel. The problem with buying resale clothing is that you do not have the ability to determine the condition and the fit (especially important if you are unfamiliar with the designer/manufacturer). Wedding dresses pose an additional problem: receiving the merchandise in a timely manner. MDM suggests that furs can be added to this category where condition is paramount.
- Jewelry. Diamonds or any precious jewelry, or collectible fashion jewelry should be viewed with caution. Cut, condition, can only be ascertained with a jewelers loop. Recently, famous name jewelers such as Tiffany have had items fraudulently offered for sale at online auctions that are knock-offs repackaged and sold as original designer pieces.
- Houses. Often, the largest investment in an individual’s lifetime, MDM recommends that any purchase of this magnitude should be investigated in-person or by a trusted, or licensed on-site representative.
- Automobiles. This seems a no brainer because you can’t test drive the vehicle over the internet. However, MDM suggests that the internet can put you in touch with local dealers and can inform you about local auctions which you can attend and inspect the vehicle.
As with any purchase, there are guidelines that you should follow:
- Know who you are dealing with and the reputation by viewing the feedback of other customers.
- Know the Return Policy.
- Be aware of state law time requirements to void a sale.
- Never pay with cash. Know the policy of your credit card on cancelling or voiding a sale.
- Do not bid more than you are willing to lose should the deal go sour.
- Always proceed keeping in mind the following adages: ‘If the deal is too good to be true…’, caveat emptor-let the buyer beware, and nothing takes the place of knowledge gained from old-fashioned research and experience.
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August 31st, 2006 at 10:35 pm
miss markdownmom, with ebay motors you can find local deals for automobiles. that way, you can test drive your car. maybe you should say, only use motors if you can connect locally. wouldn’t that make buying online a no brainer? just my 2cents. seth.
Seth, I agree with your comment and did say in the article that the internet was a source to find local deals. However, I must point out that I did not refer to Ebay in the article or in reference to automobiles. If you check further, believe it or not, there are some online auctions that have cars up for bids with the only qualifiers are (1) local pick-up–which would be after having won the bid and have enter into a quasi-contractual agreement, and (2) that their mechanic has checked it over. Well, you and I both will agree that there are mechanics and there are mechanics, and unless you personally know the mechanic or service personnel this auction is using you can’t go by that. Further, I am personally acquainted with an organization that has an auction online and even their selling and auctioning of vehicles locally are questionable. In cases like the one I just mentioned without mentioning the auction site, I felt that caution was warranted. I appreciate your 2¢ and your taking the time to comment. Hope this means you will come back again. Thank you, Markdown Mom.