Understand as much as possible about how the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what the seller’s obligations are before you bid.

Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address.

Before a payment is made for any auction purchase, the seller's identity and contact details should be verified in case there is a problem with the delivery of the item.

Determine what method of payment the seller is asking and they are asking to send payment.

Ask the seller about when delivery can be expected and if there is a problem with the merchandise is it covered by a warranty or can you exchange it.

Utilize registered mail to enable tracing of parcels. This will assist in eliminating claims that the parcel was sent or it has been lost in the mail. Click on the link to Australia Post to find out more information.

Check that the auction account information matches email, bank account and location information.

Utilize the auction house feedback forum to check out the seller’s history before agreeing to pay any money. Please note however, that sellers sometimes post positive feedback on themselves or organize other people to do it on their behalf.

If in any doubt about the integrity of a person selling via an online auction, utilize an escrow agent. An escrow agent is an independent third party which holds payment in trust until the buyer receives and accepts the agreed upon item from the seller. This service incurs a fee, however it protects buyers because the third party holds the money until the goods have been received and inspected.