But can you get it wholesale? A survey of Internet auction sites finds that some aren't such a deal

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, July, 1998 by Ed Henry

A common practice is to accept the bid, take the payment and never deliver the merchandise. Grant's favorite case of cyber bait-and-switch is "a woman who thought she bought a collapsible aluminum wheelchair and received a folding aluminum chair on casters that was the equivalent of a lawn chair." Auctions are also susceptible to ringers--sellers who bid up their own merchandise from other Internet accounts they control. Your best protection is to know what an item is worth to you and not to bid more than that.

Whenever possible, pay by credit card. If you don't get the merchandise, you can challenge the charge. Or consider an escrow service provided by some auctions (such a www.iescrow.com and www.trade-direct. com) for a nominal fee. When your bid prevails, immediately telephone the seller; if you're dissatisfied later, you'll know how to reach this person. And review any repeat sellers' "feedback rating" from previous buyers. Ratings are available on Auction Universe, eBay and Haggle, among other places.