Once you have decided to enter the fast-paced and exciting world of online auctions, what should you expect from auction services? How does it all work, exactly?

All auction sites online will need to register with a user name and

password, first of all. If you plan to sell a lot (rather than buy), you should choose

name that reflects what type of merchandise you deal. Or, if you have a wide

a variety of things to sell, choose something that inspires confidence. Avoid cutesy

names or names that suggest animation, pop stars or other objects not usually

associated with professionals.

Auction services usually require credit card information, too, to confirm your

identity. Where bidders and sellers are unable to meet face to face, the Internet auction

site has to do what it can to ensure that everyone is up-and-up.

Once you have registered, you can buy and sell according to the rules of the auction area.

job site is to provide a place for bidders and sellers to meet, sort of

of online open market . As long as you follow the general rules, the

auction site itself remains out of the transaction.

Most sellers prefer payment by Paypal, an online money-transfer system. That is

less risky than a personal check, and is instantaneous, unlike waiting for money

series. If you plan to do a lot of transacting through online auctions, you should set

a Paypal account first.

As a buyer, you should expect vendors to ship merchandise immediately and

suitable packaging (padded, if necessary). You should also expect

merchandise to be in the condition it was promised you. If something is bad, you

should not hesitate to contact the seller. With so many sites and so many

people selling products, a buyer has the right to expect quality .