When you have found an item that you are interested in you can place a bid on the item. You place your bid from the item listing page. The bid form is located below the item information, pictures, and description. You can scroll down to get to this form, or click on the picture of the bid card located along the left side of the page.

You should check the seller's feedback rating before placing a bid to see what others have said about him. The seller's feedback rating is located directly to the right of his user name. The rating looks similar to A+(5) or C(8) or F(1) or sometimes NR. NR means that the seller does not yet have any feedback. This typically indicates that he is a new seller. The letters are an average feedback grade like the ones you used to get in school. From best to worst, they are A+, A, B, C, D, F. The number in parenthesis indicates how many users have left feedback on this seller. If you click on the feedback rating, you can see the comments that were left about the user.

You should review the terms and conditions posted in the item listing carefully. For example, if the terms state cashier's check or money order, do not assume that the seller will accept a personal check. If shipping charges have not been specified, so not assume that they will be a certain amount. If you have questions about any of the terms, please contact the seller by clicking on the 'Ask seller a question' link.

You should also review the item listing itself carefully. Most problems reported by users are caused when the buyer has failed to do his homework or has assumed the item to be something that it is not. If the item condition is not specified, do not assume it is new or in good condition. Ask the seller! If you do not know what the item is, do not bid until you find out.

Before you place a bid, it is extremely important that you make sure that you want the item. If you have any questions, you must contact the seller and ask him before placing your bid. You can contact the seller by clicking on the 'Ask seller a question' link. If you place a bid and win the item, you will be expected to complete the transaction with the seller. Although it is a harsh remedy, we terminate the accounts of buyers who fail to complete transactions.

Right after you place a bid on an item we show you the status of your bid. If you place a bid that does not meet the seller's Reserve Price, we will tell you that. If you are outbid by another bidder using AutoBid, we will tell you. If you are outbid for any reason, you are no longer obligated to buy the item. You are then free to bid again or pursue another item.