Familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of the auction site before you participate. Even before reading the legal fine print, Lukens recommended verifying the site's validity. Check the company's reputation through such organizations as the Better Business Bureau Online or the National Association of Attorneys General. Confirm the company's physical location. After confirming that the site is legitimate, potential buyers still must protect themselves at the online auction.
Many auction sites offer feedback where buyers and sellers rate each other after transactions.
Lukens recommended always checking a sellers' feedback before bidding on an item. Be cautious if there is negative, or very little, feedback. Before bidding, Lukens suggested contacting the seller by e-mail or telephone to confirm specifics such as how shipping will be paid, whether a credit card can be used, available warranties and a return policy if the item is defective. Keep printed copies of everything. Print the web pages that indicate the seller's name and contact information.