Online Auction Tip 1: Ensuring Legal Software

Since the introduction of online auction sites like the most-popular site (even mentioned in Pixar's Finding Nemo) eBay, a wonderful source of cheap software has arisen from the clouds of high retail prices. This brought about my personal software purchasing policy—never pay retail. With this vast resource also comes a great risk. I would say you have a 33% chance of ending up with illegal software through online auction sites. While the auction sites have policies prohibiting such practices, they really can't filter all illegitimate auctions. Thus I shall provide some tips I've found helpful in knowing that software is legitimate or illegal. 1. Ask direct questions The is perhaps the easiest way to ensure an auction is selling legitmate software. I always ask the very pointed and directed question, "Is this a full, authentic, original, legal, [brand name] CD or some sort of copy?" Be sure to save the response from the seller in case the product is not indeed as promised. Even when an auction appears fully legitimate, I still ask the above question and others to be sure before I bid. 2. Carefully read the auction description Although not always easy to spot frauds from the description, you can notice cryptic descriptions or information. If the offering price seems too good to be true, it's probably an illegal copy. Also check the pictures to see if a COA (certificate of authenticity) is included. If the description describes the software as a download from the manufacturer with a serial number, call the software maker and ask if they ever allowed this. 3. Always read the sellers feedback Although positive feedback is good, not everyone sees illegal software reselling as wrong. Carefully read when people say, "software as advertised." I always skip to just the negative feedbacks to see if there's anything mentioned about illegitimate software. 4. Check the seller's other auctions I get suspicious when one seller has dozens of the same item listed. This makes me think the seller is just copying the software for each auction. 5. Check with other buyers It is sometimes possible to send messages to other eBay members. Ask questions of other buyers from the seller in question and make sure they received legitimate software as you hope to. 6. If you don't feel right about it, don't do it I'm not saying to always let your feelings be your guide. That's how murder starts. I am, however, suggesting that you heed the cautions of your mind when purchasing. If you just have a bad feeling about an auction, pass it up. Don't worry. Chances are your desired item will reappear in just a short time. 7. Report fraudulent auctions to the auction site's authority If you discover an auction to be for illegal software copies, then report it to the website's customer service. Most auction websites have a specific place to report auction fraud or illegal sales. Use these. The auction sites depend on you to help ensure a legal selling environment. 8. Get the seller's contact information If you win the auction, get the seller's full contact information, especially his/her phone number before you send the payment. Even confirm the phone number by calling it. If something goes wrong afterwards, a phone number can be very useful. If you have additional suggestions, please leave a comment!