AW Daily - Tips & Tactics - During the Auction: Verifying Items

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As a buyer, perhaps nothing is more important than verifying the legitimacy of an item you're interested in purchasing. Confirming the identity and evaluating the condition of merchandise is crucial. However, the online auction venue presents the buyer with the challenge of conducting a transaction without ever actually seeing, touching, or inspecting the item in person. Concerned? Of course you are. The selling of fraudulent or misleading goods is a major issue in the world of online auctions. But with just a few tips on how to verify auction items, you'll be able to bid with more confidence and reduce your chances of getting burned.

The Big Picture
Before you begin the process of verifying the item itself, size up the seller's entire inventory. Check the seller's other auctions. Do they look legit? Does it seem like the seller is familiar with the items he or she is selling? Is there anything that warrants suspicion? In your quest to find out the veracity of an item, confirming whether or not the seller qualifies as legitimate is a good first step. Having reservations about a seller means that you should refrain from making a bid.

Picture Perfect
Photographs are perhaps the best way to verify an item during an auction. If you have any qualms about a particular auction and no photos are available, then it's simple: don't make a bid. Of course, some items don't necessarily need a photo for authentication, such as software, music, or books. However, more often than not, you'll want a photo to help determine if you should place a bid, particularly in the case of electronics and high-end collectibles and antiques whose value and worth are affected by their physical condition.

Be a whole-hearted skeptic when looking at photos. Avoid auctions that have small, blurry images (the seller is likely trying to hide a defect). A seasoned seller will often provide multiple shots, showing any distinctive features or minor flaws that will assist bidders in authenticating the item. Smaller items should have close-ups as well. If, for example, you're interested in a coin, make sure you're able to visually inspect the date and details. Lastly, you'll want to stay clear of auctions that use marketing photographs rather than images of the actual item. It's usually pretty obvious if you're looking at a slick PR photo.

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