Is there a way to “check out” a person before purchasing items advertised on the Internet?
There are many different ways to check out sellers online before committing your well earned dollars to a purchase that may never arrive. If you are purchasing through eBay, it is important to note where the buyer is from, as this may affect delivery times, as well as the all-important feedback rating. When checking out feedback, do more than just look at the number. Open the file and see what people had to say about them. How many negatives are there, if any? If the auction is run by a retailer, they often include a link to their web site. Check out their site or e-mail them to find out how much they regularly charge for the item. You can find out right away what a reasonable bid limit should be. Quite often they set the reserve or starting bid at the “retail” price, so you might just be better off ordering direct (and avoiding the auction hassle). If you’re not dealing through eBay, then things could get a bit more tricky. Ask for references, and be sure to check with them. Be wary o
