Is Online Auction Sites the Best Place to Buy Websites?

Depending on the kind of website you are looking for, or hope to achieve from buying one, online auction sites could be a great venue for getting a great bargain. There are a few, oft-mentioned online auction sites, and will be mentioned as we go along.

Here are some tips on navigating your way to a successful purchase

a) Feedback -  for Ebay, the feedback  must be at least 10; more would be better, and in terms of percentage should be at worst, a 99%. For other sites, like Sitepoint, check for at least a verified phone number, which should give the seller a 60% trusted level.  The other 40% is achieved after a positive feedback is given by a buyer.  100% trust level coupled with a few successful listing is desirable.  Do read the a few comments left for the buyer so that you get a base picture of the kind of seller you are dealing with.

b) When looking at the description, check whether the auction is for a template of the website, or include a domain name. For a domain name would easily cost $10 a year and becomes an added expense should we purchase a template.

c) Ask the seller if there would be any other costs involved in transfering the domain name and/or installing the website to your own hosting. Transfering the domain name should be free.  However, some sellers need you to strictly host with them. In general as the buyer, you need to understand that a website requires hosting, by paying on your own, finding a free hosting on the net, or paying and hosting it with the seller.  Various sellers set different offers on hosting. Some offers are reasonable to downright free, while other sellers up the rates until they are totally unreasonable and hold you on to a year’s fee. You want to be sure that you know the pros and cons of each decisions, while at the same time get your website up on the server  in a timely manner.

d) Research Prices – Before you make a purchase in an online auction site, DO take the time to do your homework. Be sure that you get a feel of the value of the websites that you are going to buy. Sometimes you may find that the seller is setting the price for far more than it is worth, and that you could get it cheaper from someone else. Cross check with other places like digitalpoint forum or sitepoint to get a better idea on the prices.

Keep these tips in mind as you navigate through the long list of website listings.