Our advice

For buyers

• Always check the seller's history thoroughly.
• Check the site community message board regularly for advice and warnings.
• Check the advice for safe trading on the auction website.
• Use address-verified traders. And get an address from the trader before you pay them money – it might make them easier to trace if you need to contact them later.
• Check the item's retail price. Not all auction prices are a bargain! Don't get swept up in the thrill of the chase and bid more than the goods are worth.
• Ask questions and make sure you know what you're buying. For example, it's not unusual to sell digital cameras and their memory card separately. Do the goods come with memory, battery, leads, charger, bag etc? 
• When you buy from a professional trader, ask questions about guarantees. Who is the guarantee with – the seller or a local agent? If the seller refers you to a local agent, check with them before you bid – it might just take a phone call or e-mail.
• If you're buying a vehicle, check it has a WOF less than one month old (provided the buyer agrees, sellers have the option of selling without a WOF or with a WOF older than one month); arrange for a thorough mechanical inspection of any vehicle; and check the Personal Property Securities Register to find out if money is owed on the vehicle.
• For high-value items, consider using an escrow service.
• Print and keep a copy of the original auction posting and any communication with the seller. You'll need it to check the item you receive matches the item pictured or described, and if you need after-sales service.
• Never send cash or telegraphic transfers. Use internet banking, cheque or money order so the transaction can be tracked.
• Consider insuring expensive items against loss or damage in transit.
• Pay by credit card if you can. You can reverse the transaction if the goods don't turn up – this is called a Chargeback.
• Don't deposit money in overseas bank accounts.

For sellers

• Check the site's fees and factor them into your calculations.
• Set realistic starting / reserve prices.
• Describe the item accurately, and attach a photo if possible.
• Make sure your terms of sale are clear, and give an indication as to shipping costs.
• If not using an escrow service, don't send the goods until you have been paid (and if paid by cheque, until the cheque has cleared).
• Send the goods promptly, and in accordance with your agreement with the buyer. We recommend using a post or courier service that allows you to track where your parcel is and whether it has been received. If the parcel never arrives you'll have to refund the buyer their money.