| Many sellers are unaware that an online auction is the | | | | for shipping and if you ship internationally. |
| same as a normal bushiness. Just like a normal | | | | Answer all questions about your items as quickly as |
| business, there are laws that must be followed. That | | | | possible. Make sure that at the end of every auction |
| means that if you don't keep the laws, you could be | | | | you print out the information about the buyer, item, |
| liable for fines and other legal actions. The federal law | | | | time, date, price and file it. Keep extra records out |
| says that you must only advertise your services and | | | | side of your computer and on paper. Save all the |
| items honestly and accurately. You are not allowed | | | | copies of the emails that you receive from your |
| to make bids on your own items to drive the price | | | | buyers and auction site. They could be a big help in |
| up. You are not allowed to make or give false | | | | the future. |
| testimonies about yourself at the auction website to | | | | Make sure that you contact each buyer as soon as |
| make yourself look better. These are just a few of | | | | the auction is over. Confirm everything again such as |
| the federal laws, but you should get the idea. An | | | | the total cost, shipping address, and where they |
| online auction is a business and not a game. If you | | | | need to make their payment. Don't forget to thank |
| treat your online auctions like a business, they will | | | | them for their purchase and remember that this is |
| treat you well too. The laws are there to protect | | | | also a good time to invite them to visit your website |
| you and me, and they are meant to be taken | | | | if you have one! It's much easier to sell something to |
| seriously. If you aren't ready to do that, then you'd | | | | an existing customer than to find a new one. Treat |
| be better off making money some other way. | | | | them well and they will come back again with open |
| Here are some tips to that can help you avoid legal | | | | wallets! |
| problems. Let your customers know if you offer | | | | Run your online auction like a business and watch it |
| service after they buy. Explain your return policy and | | | | grow. The web is full of people who make big time |
| make it clear who pays for shipping if an item must | | | | money with online auctions. You can be one of them, |
| be returned. Always include one or more photos. List | | | | but lay a good foundation, be honest and latter you'll |
| some FAQ's-- it will help sales and save extra emails | | | | be glad you did. You are where you are today |
| being sent to you. Always make clear if the item is | | | | because of all the decisions you made in the past. |
| new, used, refurbished, or "as is". - Offer a | | | | Make good decisions today and you'll have a better |
| guarantee-- it helps build trust in you and people buy | | | | business tomorrow. Make sense? |
| from people they trust. Settle the issue of who pays | | | | |