Lots of people browse the internet, find a apparently problem less car and bid on it in online auto auctions even it has just a few minutes left, never giving the bid a second thought and never considering the fact that they do have to buy it after all. Online car auctions are like any other auctions, and when you place a bid in them you are indeed legally bonded to go ahead with the purchase. When you join an auction site, you will click and AGREE button below the legal agreement that you are required to accept before joining it. This agreement that is too often regarded as another quick mouse click is in fact a legal contract that specified all laws you might be violating in case you don’t go ahead with the purchase. So maybe, once in a while , it would be a good idea to actually read what we agree to do before clicking NEXT.
The main focus points in online car auctions are:
- The fact that you buy what you see in pictures, without really seeing the car for real. Of course, it’s not just the pictures, you also get a description, an address or phone number or a name. For cars that are listed from your surrounding area, the digital problem disappears because you can go see them for real. But when we are talking about cars that are in a totally different country or state, things get complicated. And the sad things is that the far away cars are usually the ones that sell for less. The problem can be attenuated by calling the owner and discussing over phone all details related to the car and its problems.
- People placing bids without paying attention are also a problem. Don’t try to lie now, everyone has done it and so did you. You think that someone else will overbid you, or that you won’t really have to buy it after all. That is a misconception, because every bid can be the winning one, and bidding equals buying in online car auctions.
- Cars that lack information and/or owner phone number. All these areas are potential risks and should be regardless like that regardless of selling price. The good news is that you can track the car with the help of specialized services that will tell you everything there is to know, for a fee.
- Fake bids that are automated and only intend to raise prices. It’s true, you are not mad, there is someone out there that bids exactly when you are prepared to give up, making you increase the bid a little more. Don’t place additional bids if you feel something is wrong, because some unfair buyers use friends accounts to place additional bids, when they don’t like the price they are offered.
- Shipping of the car. It’s quite a problem if you are American and want to buy a car from Japan in car auction, because the distance is enormous and shipping can get very costy.
July 26, 2009