by Bill Meyer
8.16.99

	Sections
	•	Rules of the Game
	•	Auction Etiquette
	•	Auction Formats
	•	Buyers: The Search Is On
	•	Sellers: Reeling 'Em In
	•	Auction Lingo

Doing anything for the first time can be a bit intimidating, even if it is in the name of fun. Take, for example, your first bike ride: Wheeling that shiny, now priceless, American Flyer off the driveway and out to the curb sure was satisfying. However, that first push down the block with no clue as to how to hit the brakes was a different story.

Using one of the major online auction sites, such as eBay or Amazon.com Auctions, for the first time can be just as overwhelming, especially for folks who are new to the Internet. Rules and regulations, bidding and selling procedures, auction etiquette, confusing auction formats, and insider lingo--it's enough to make you want to go back to bed.

But not to worry. You don't have to jump in without a net. We've put together a comprehensive beginner's guide to online auctions. This guide walks you through the entire process for both buying and selling. For starters, we'll introduce you to the general rules and principles that govern most online auctions. Before going for your first score, you'll know the basic rules, some buyer and seller etiquette, and the real no-nos.

We'll also discuss how to browse and find what you are looking for quickly, how to spot good deals and avoid the bad ones, and how to execute your first sale. Learn how to write informative auction descriptions, how to attract buyers, and more. Finally, we'll introduce you to the major auction formats and user lingo that might initially bog you down while reading auction descriptions and interacting with other users.

Just click below or on one of the topics above to get started. Bon voyage...

Next Page | What about the rules?

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Rules of the Game

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Auction Etiquette

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Auction Formats

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Buyers

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Sellers

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Auction Lingo

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