Respond quickly to any questions bidders may raise during the auction. Contact the high bidder as soon as possible after the auction closes to confirm details of the sale. Ship the merchandise as soon as you receive payment. Your Legal Obligations Federal laws prohibit deceptive or misleading acts in commerce, including Internet auctions. You are required to advertise your product or service and the terms of the sale honestly and accurately.
Some sellers improperly create a fake identity and bid on their own auctions to drive up the offers.
Likewise, some sellers place glowing testimonials about themselves in the comment section of Internet auction sites. These practices are not only unethical, they're also fraudulent. Sellers are prohibited from offering illegal goods through Internet auctions. While many auction sites monitor their sites and attempt to delete illegal items, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that a sale is legal rests with the seller and buyer. Some auction sites post a list of prohibited items as a guide.