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After the Auction: Playing the Waiting Game

Well, it's certainly no game, though you will need to play along. We're talking about the time you'll need to patiently endure, waiting for the arrival of your newly won auction treasures. Although nobody enjoys the wait, there are some things you can do to help get your item sooner. Here are some preemptive tactics you can use to speed the delivery of your item as well as some suggestions on what to do if it seems like your item boarded a slow boat to who knows where.

Prime the Pump
Some of the best ways to speed the arrival of your item begin with you, the buyer. Hopefully, the seller contacted you quickly via email, to congratulate you on your win and to instruct where payment should be sent. Here's where you spring into action: Send an email reply quickly to acknowledge your intention to follow through. Provide your mailing address when you reply--most sellers will begin packaging your item in anticipation of receiving your payment. Then, get that payment in the mail right away. Depending on the geographic distance, most payments can be delivered within two to three days.

If the seller is a bit slow in contacting you (more than 48 to 72 hours after the auction's end), take the initiative to make first contact. Request the final tally and the address where payment should be sent. If you need the item for a special occasion (birthday, Christmas, etc.), let the seller know so you can both work toward a speedy transaction. Most sellers will try to accommodate special situations.

Easy Payment, Quick Service
Naturally, sellers need to verify the payment they receive. If you pay via a money order or cashier's check, the seller knows it's as good as cash and will often state that such types of payment get immediate shipment service. Personal checks are fine, but expect to wait an additional week or two for that check to clear (and hopefully not bounce).

Along with your payment, be sure to identify who you are and what you've won. Many sellers complain they receive payments without any description of what item was won, or they receive an ambiguous note that reads, "Send my item." Which item? Which auction site? Who are you? It takes the seller additional time to cross-reference who you are and what you've won, and it's especially tedious for sellers who list at multiple sites. Give sellers the right information up front and you'll help them get your item out quicker.

Track It
A good seller will send email informing you when your item actually ships and which carrier will be delivering it (if you aren't given this information, ask for it). If your item is traveling via Federal Express, UPS, or USPS Express Mail, get the tracking number for the package. These carriers (and others) have Web sites where you can enter the tracking number and determine where your item is in its journey. This is a fun little diversion that helps anxious buyers pass the time while also assuring them the item is truly in transit.

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