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Protection Tips for Buyers

Prior to placing bids
Keep in mind that if your bid wins an auction listing you are automatically entering into a legally binding contract to purchase the item from the seller. If a seller does not receive payment for an item, they have the option to report it as an Unpaid Item and CPAPAuction may impose a strike on the account of the buyer who did not adhere to their legal responsibility to pay for the item.

CPAPAuction buyers may find these tips helpful in achieving a positive trading experience.

• Read the entire item listing thoroughly and be certain that you comprehend and accept all of the seller's terms and conditions.

• Be certain that you are qualified to bid on the item by reading all of the seller's terms and conditions. If you do not meet the seller's requirements then you should contact them for authorization prior to placing a bid.

• Be certain that the seller will accept the payment method you would like to use.

• Ask the seller questions prior to bidding, if necessary, using the 'Ask member name a Question' link on the actual item listing page.

• After winning an item, if you cannot communicate with the seller via email, you may request their contact information which will provide further details such as the seller's phone number.

• Make sure all of your contact information is up to date, including your email address.

• Be certain to remove or turn off any 'spam' filters or blockers that may obstruct or impede the CPAPAuction seller from contacting you.

• Check the history of the seller via their feedback.

• Be certain that the payment method you are using offers some type of protection.

• Use sound judgment and common sense. If a listing seems too good to be true, it very well may be. Be certain that you are relatively comfortable with the transaction before placing a bid.

• Understand CPAPAuction's Rules For Listings.

• Keep a copy of all communications concerning the transaction.

Prior to sending payment

• Contact the seller to arrange payment and verify their contact information.

• Exercise caution pertaining to international transactions and expensive items.

• For expensive items, you might want to consider using a CPAPAuction approved escrow service such as www.escrow.com.

• Insure your item.

• Always keep a record of your transactions.

Things to avoid

• Making payment with any instant money transfer service such as Western Union or MoneyGram. These services send cash directly and instantaneously from physical brick and mortar locations, as well as by telephone and Internet.

• Listings that have 'cash' as the only payment option.

• Unsolicited offers. If anyone, including the seller, offers you an item without bidding, that is a violation of CPAPAuction policy. Please contact us and report the violation immediately.

• Fake escrow services. Be cautious when thinking about using an escrow service to pay for your purchase. For more, see our section on Escrow Payments.