Fishing Auctions
Going, going, goof?

WWW, USA: "Bidders Beware" might be the theme for some online auctions. We've all seen the "99 cent" starting bid banner ads, but is that your total cost? In most cases, it isn't.

I've even seen penny starting bids! You need to look carefully at the shipping and handling costs as well. 99 cents isn't that bad for red and white bobbers until you add the $2.95 and up shipping and handling costs. I could retire if I could get that kind of a price for bobbers. Yet, some of these merchants are doing just that. Merchants, in most cases, can set any price they want for shipping. Be sure to check it out BEFORE bidding. Remember, just as in real world auctions, your bid can be legally binding. There is no saying "oops" online.

However, if you go about it the right way, there are plenty of bargains to be had in online auctions. Keeping in mind the shipping and handling and adding it to your bid mentally, you can then go about finding some fantastic deals.

I was able to find a certain fishing celebrity-endorsed fishing tool online. I found it in an auction that was about to end. The current bid needed to win was $1.00 (s&h was $1.95). This retailed on this celebrity's television show for $14.95 plus s&h. I went ahead and submitted my bid for $1.00 and WON...total cost: $2.95. That's just one example of the bargains you can find.

Just be careful and have fun with them. The majority of auctions are an excellent source of boats and fishing tackle and such as long as you are a savvy bidder.   Jim