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eBay Live Auctions..
A Live Auction is where you can bid in real time. Unlike regular eBay auctions, a Live Auction takes place within a "timed" window.
The Window..
Here's where the confusion comes in during a Live Auction Event. You find an item on eBay in which you wish to bid upon however, the end time states 12 hours to closing. This is not factual information, as the end time of item is not defined to the exact minute and second the item ends, as the auction is LIVE.
In order to truly know when the item will end (approximately) you must review the stated start time of the Live Auction and the date. If the start time was at 11:00 A.M. (today). The auction would begin at 2:00 P.M. on the East Coast (as the stated start time is always based upon West Coast Time).
In this case, if it's 11:01 A.M. (West Coast Time) the auction has already commenced and the item you're interested in bidding upon is in the queue and can appear at any time during the auction. This is why many bidders will leave absentee bids.
Live Auction Listing on eBay..
When you come across Live Auction items on eBay (and the date and time stated is on the same day) then you will want to Register to Bid and once approved, open the Live Auction Applet. You must have JAVA installed and enabled on your computer to attend a Live Auction Event.
Before Registering to Bid please review the Auction House Bidder Agreement.
Some Live Auction Sellers will select a short "window" in which to conduct a Live Auction Event. Some sellers will select a four hour window, as to push their listings into the forefront of all applicable eBay categories. Other sellers will select a twelve hour window however, because a twelve hour window was selected, the item (which you may have beed interested in bidding upon) may have already appeared during the Live Auction as the end time is NOT correct. In any event, once the window closes, the auction is at an end.
Know Your Seller..
Before you place a bid for any item, do the following:
- Check the seller feedback however, to quickly KNOW who you're doing business with click on the the tab entitled "Left for Others" under the sellers Feedback, as you'll know how you may be treated (by the seller) if you encounter a problem. Scan to the negatives left by the Seller for others and review the negative feedback to see if it's FACTUAL or RETALITORY in nature.
- If the seller offers any type of Laminated Card (with a stated value) check on the company to see who the issuer of the card actually is. If it's the seller and/or they own or, are associated with the Card Issuer, they have a DIRECT connection with the MSRP and/or information stated on the card.
- Look at the pictures of the items being sold and see if the items appear to Bluff Gemstones or Industrial Grade Diamonds. In many cases, the stone will appear to be altered through PhotoShop and lines on the edges of the pictures will appear drawn. The colors may appear vibrant and just too good to be true - for the price!
Look for the Following in the Bidder Agreement..
Be careful when attending an eBay Live Auction, as some sellers may impose strict guidelines, which can cost you money without you even being aware of such fees until after the sale closes.
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge a Buyer's Premium which can NEVER be refunded?
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge a Re-Stocking fee of any kind?
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge shipping based upon value as opposed to the actual shipping charges imposed by the carrier?
- Does the Live Auction Seller offer a 100% Guarantee (of any kind) but, retains the Buyer's Premium and adds a Re-Stocking fee if the item is returned?
Following these easy steps will ensure an enjoyable bidding experience on eBay Live Auctions.
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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