Online Auctions Tips for Sellers"new and experinced sellers"

Quick Tips for Sellers
* Provide an accurate description of the item you're selling, including all terms of the sale and who will pay shipping costs.
* 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.

Sellers are prohibited from placing "shill" bids or false testimonials. 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.
After the auction closes, sellers are required to ship the merchandise within the time frame designated during the auction or, if no time frame is specified, within 30 days. If you can't meet the shipping commitment, you must give the buyer an opportunity to cancel the order for a full refund or agree to the new shipping date.

Advertising Your Product

Describe your item or service — and its condition — as fully and accurately as possible, including whether it's new, used or reconditioned.
Anticipate questions buyers might have and try to answer them in the description of your item or service. When possible, include a photograph of the item. The saying about a picture being worth 1,000 words rings especially true in Internet auctions.
When putting an item up for auction, set the minimum bid at the lowest fair price you're willing to accept. Specify who will pay for shipping, and add whether you'll ship internationally.
State your return policy in your auction description, and if you require the buyer to pay shipping costs or restocking fees for returns. Tell bidders where to get follow-up service. If you don't provide service for the item, say where the bidder could get it.

The Art of the Deal

If a bidder asks a question about the item you're selling or the sales terms, respond as quickly as possible.
When the auction closes, print all the information about the transaction, making a note of the buyer's identification, the description of the item and the time, date and price of the bid. Print and save a copy of every e-mail you send and receive from the auction site or successful bidder.
Contact the winning bidder as quickly as possible after the auction closes. That's the time to confirm the final cost, including shipping charges, and to tell the buyer where to send the payment.
Most sellers in person-to-person auctions require buyers to pay by check or money order because they don't have the capability to accept credit card payments. These payment methods offer fewer consumer protections than credit cards, so be aware that some buyers may not be comfortable using them. Some online auctions and third parties enable sellers to accept credit card payments. Review the terms of these offers carefully. If you accept credit card payments, bill the buyer's credit card account only when you're ready to ship the product.

Who Can Help
If you run into a problem during your transaction, try to work it out directly with the buyer or the auction web site. If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or visiting the FTC's web site at www.ftc.gov. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against an individual or company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations. You also may want to contact your state Attorney General or your local consumer protection office.