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During the Auction: Buying for the Holidays

by Dennis Prince

When the holiday shopping season arrives, many shoppers resign themselves to yet another excursion into the topsy-turvy world of crowded parking lots, long lines at the registers, and the oft-bemoaned, "What do you mean you're out of stock?" If you fear you're lining up for the annual shoppers' nightmare, cheer up--online auctions are a fertile shopping ground where you can find terrific items, including many that have disappeared from storekeepers' shelves, not to mention many more that simply can't be found in the usual retail venues.

Whether it's a hard-to-find item or a vintage have-to-have-it treasure, online auctions can be the perfect destination for fulfilling the holiday wishes of those on your shopping list. And, if you take heed of these special holiday buying tips, you'll be sure to ring in tidings of great joy this holiday season--auction style.

Oh Inquire, All Ye Faithful
Just as you poke, jiggle, and shake potential gifts you find at brick-and-mortar stores, you'll need to be as diligent--in fact, even more so--when you shop at online auctions. Just because you can't get physical with that would-be gift doesn't mean you can't virtually turn it over in your hands before you bid. By carefully inspecting images, comparing them to the description provided, then contrasting those to other similar items up for bid, you'll learn just about all you need to know to feel comfortable in placing a bid.

And don't be shy about inquiring of the merchant who's offering the merchandise. Review feedback, initiate prebidding communication, and learn more about their sales methods and policies. Typically, most sellers will be working extra hard during the holiday season, but it's important to detect early on if a seller appears disorganized or disinterested in providing you the top-notch service you require and deserve. If there's any doubt in your mind, you might be better off bidding on another seller's item. Who needs the hassle, right?

Mind the Online Advent
Face it: The Big Day is a key milestone you simply cannot negotiate. Therefore, start your online searches and bidding as early as possible to ensure that any item you might win will have plenty of time to arrive before Christmas does. Use AW's Stores Search to round up and hone in on the items you're seeking, then further focus on the closing dates of the auctions that seem most promising. If you can wrap up your bidding within the first week or two of December, you'll likely stand the best opportunity to ensure that special something is waiting for that special someone with plenty of time to spare.

This year, the USPS recommends that all packages intended for Christmas gift giving should be posted by December 14, allowing optimum opportunity to arrive in time. Though you can still successfully receive items sent after this date, it's still a good target for which to aim to help keep you ahead of the game.

Bid Within Your Budget
Remember that bidding at online auctions can be as compelling as it is competitive. Before you know it, you can find yourself in the middle of a full-blown bid battle that you have to win. Careful: This is where many bidders overshoot their spending limits and find the drive to win has run roughshod over their available holiday funds. To avoid getting caught up in the bidding fever, carefully research auction prices before you bid (searching closed items as well as current auctions) to determine whether an item even adheres to your budget.

If so, employ bidding strategies (maximum proxies, last-minute bids) to help you bring home the item without breaking the bank. If an auction exceeds your target price, let it go and look for the next similar item. And, if it's a rarer sort of item, honestly assess whether it's within your financial reach for gift giving this year.

If not, how 'bout some fuzzy slippers instead?

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