We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
EasyTechJunkie
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Software

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Bidding Sites?

By Summer Banks
Updated: May 16, 2024

Bidding sites are used to sell products on the Internet. Bidding sites are also called online auction sites and Internet auction sites. When choosing the best bidding sites it is important to research online security, payment options, and any fees associated with the Internet auction site. The terms and conditions for each online auction website may list all important information, in regards to buying and selling on it.

Online security is important for the online seller and the buyer. Security features offered by such a website ensure the safety of personal, and business, financial information. Secure pages of an online auction website may list a URL starting with https. The s is only included when the page is secure. Online security is also important when personal contact information is shared.

The payment options for the buyer and seller on bidding sites can include Paypal®, credit cards, and other online payment services. Payment processors, used for listing fees and payments for items purchased, should be trusted. Aside from Paypal®, other trusted payment processors may include Moneybookers and Google™ checkout. Some payment processors are available worldwide, while others may be limited to certain countries. The more countries allowed by bidding sites, the more traffic and sales these Internet auctions may receive.

Fees are often assessed for listing products and services on online bidding websites. These may increase if the items are featured, or if a photo is included with the listing. Such costs may be paid at the time of listing, or on a monthly basis, depending on the terms and conditions of the bidding site. The buyer may also have to pay fees associated with the purchase of the listing.

Before choosing the best bidding websites, it is important to read the terms and conditions associated with each listing. These will often include the amount of any listing fees, buying fees, and sales fees the website may assess. Some online auction websites will allow the seller to re-list an item that did not sell, with no additional fees to improve the chances of selling the item.

Online bidding websites usually provide a connection between a seller and a buyer. The best online auction websites are those with high traffic numbers, secure payment processing, and clear fee schedules for buying and selling. Depending on the country where the buyer is located, there may be local bidding sites that serve the country or region. Major online auction websites, like eBay®, have different listings depending on the location of the buyer.

EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By Bid Funshop — On Jan 14, 2011

Great article. This is a response to comment #1: The idea of a larger auction site somehow offering more security and protection is pure fallacy and it's just untrue. The smaller auction sites that accept credit cards, have to go through rigorous security checks to ensure their customer's security. The security check list is overseen by the merchant account provider so if you do not comply in any way, you will not be able to accept credit cards. These security check lists are needed because they protect the consumer.

An overlooked security risk that people need to be aware of is the practice of storing credit card information. I believe that some of the smaller auction sites that do not store credit card information have the security advantage. Any time a company stores your credit card info, you run a risk so please be aware of this.

As far as people backing out on their bids, you will no doubt have this (buyer's remorse) but I'm sure the auction site will be willing to re-list your item for free because its just good business to do so.

I would rather deal with a mom and pop type store because a lot of them are willing to go out of their way for the customer.

A site's pricing page is very important; it should be easily understood and clearly outlined as should the terms and conditions. I agree with the other comments as far as doing your research on these sites, you have to because you can never be too careful.

With any ad site, it's "buyer beware," so you have to be careful and use common sense, no matter how good a deal you got. If you find something but have reservations, get a phone number and call the seller. If they are not willing to give out that information or at least talk to you, then something may not be right and it's not worth your time.

By hyrax53 — On Jan 08, 2011

I have recently become somewhat skeptical of online bidding sites, not only in terms of auctions but also for things like travel or hotels. Many of these sites do have hidden fees that require very careful reading to catch, and if something goes wrong along the way later, they won't be able or at least willing to help you.

By Catapult — On Jan 07, 2011

I would suggest doing a fair amount of research into any bidding site before considering bidding on items. In addition to reading the site's terms and conditions, try to find people's testimonies. Some places, like eBay, offer these on their own websites, but others do not. However, there might be forums on consumer rating sites, as well as personal bloggers sharing their stories, or even Twitter streams of that particular website showing the general feelings of users. While some of these might be bots by the company, a hundred bad reviews and twenty good ones will give you a clear idea.

By stolaf23 — On Jan 06, 2011

One difference between different auction bidding sites is that the larger ones, like Ebay, offer a fair amount of protection, security, and the possibility to back out if you realize you need to for any reason, or at least to talk to the seller and ask. Many of the smaller copycat sites, however, offer less security and might not have a way out of the trade if you realize you need one.

Share
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.