Many sellers require payment with a check, certified check or money order, and it is important to recognize that these payment methods don t offer the same protections as credit cards. Some online sellers put items up for auction, take the highest bidder s money and never deliver the merchandise. Consumers who paid by check or money order have little recourse when it comes to getting their money back. Know how it works. Read the rules for that particular site.
Some sites offer tutorials that potential buyers can go through to learn the process.
Find out what protection the auction site offers to buyers. Some provide free insurance or guarantees for items that do not get properly delivered, that are not authentic, etc. Check out other mechanisms of the auction site, such as feedback systems and other customer services. Identify the seller. Find out with whom you are dealing.