Buying from auction sites

Buying from auction sites? it sounds a good idea, quite often it is, but do be aware of the following/

Make sure it is not cheaper elsewhere, (set your self a bid limit, do not exceed it) 

Also make sure what it is you are bidding on is still being made. (Particularly if its to do with ponds) I have often seen on auction sites items that are sold as "new" but the truth is they are several years old, (sometimes it says "brought last year never used", that may be true, but it was old stock that was brought, since one brand in particular has not been made in that style for 3 years) no longer made (no spares?) but to be fair they are unused

Another point of note, Postage. Some people blatantly make money on postage, others will send it via royal mail (which is not cheap, but is easier than the hassle of setting up an account with a courier, so no problem there) but make sure that the price you pay + postage is less than you can buy it for elsewhere.)

Also check the picture. I have recently seen a picture of a different brand of pump than the one advertised. its easy to find what it should look like, google for it.

Also be aware of the listing name, I have seen an Oase pump but when you look at said item its Oasis, which is nothing to do with Oase

Make sure its not cheaper else where

Note the the starting bid is £20.00

A quick search shows you can buy a new one cheaper

Recently I saw a "job lot" of pond equipment on sale the starting bid was several thousand pounds, yes it was all brand new still boxed, but it was from outside the UK (it is UK voltage) it never had any bids (no surprise there) It has now been split and is being sold as individual items. Yes most appear to be good value for money, but the one thing they don't mention is that as you will be importing it, you will probably have to pay VAT and import duty. The choice is yours

If you have a comment then contact me.