Imagine stumbling on a bargain at 3 am, or finding a hard to find collectors item while in your pajamas. Or finding that spare part for your car - dirt cheap. Or like many, finding that unique gift for a loved one.

That's what's happening daily because of online auctions. I call it the high-tech garage sell. But only more exciting, convenient and rewarding. You can do it in your pajamas, you can do it at 2 am, you can do it on holidays - anytime.

Here's Auction tips that will save you money, time and frustration: Courtesty New York Attorney Generals Office.

1. Always make sure that a Web site is secure before providing any financial information, such as credit card or a bank account number. Secured Web sites use encryption to scramble your information as it goes over the Internet.

How do you identify a secured Web site?

Look for Web site addresses preceded by "https".

Look for a yellow or golden closed lock or an unbroken key at the bottom of your browser window.

2. If you are still uncomfortable with providing your billing information through the Internet, ask the company about alternate methods of ordering, such as the telephone or mailing address.

3. Whenever possible, consider paying by credit card, which offers additional protection in case of a dispute.

4. If paying by credit card is not an option, request that the goods be sent C.O.D. and make payment by check or money order, which is easier to trace than cash.

5. Consider checking with the local BBB for a reliability report. Information in the report includes the length of time the company has been in business, the company's complaint history and whether the business participates in BBB programs, such as dispute mediation.

• Some online auction houses only act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers during the bidding process and do not get involved in arranging for shipment and payment. Be sure to ask about such arrangements in advance.

• Online auction houses often will not resolve disputes. Consider using an escrow service, which can minimize your risk. Especially on big ticket items.

• Keep copies of advertisements, descriptions, or auction site printouts for any product you purchase.

•  Keep copies of any correspondence you have with a buyer or seller (including e-mail).

• Do some homework. Check out the seller before you purchase a product:

• If the seller is a business, check with the Better Business Bureau nearest the seller for any complaints.

• If the product is being offered by an individual, obtain and verify real world information (such as name, address and telephone number) with the seller's local telephone company.

• Establish verbal contact with a seller prior to agreeing to purchase.

• Check the "feedback" areas of online auction sites; often they're a good source for learning about other buyers' past experiences with a seller.

When it comes to online auctions know one comes close in size, reputation and money savings than eBay. So I'll focus the rest of this chapter on this one website. It's the one I use because of ease of use, largest selection and solid reputation.

 If you're just starting to get familiar with online auctions this is the best way to start. Then if you choose, you can explore other online sites, if you desire to.

The first thing you should know about eBay is it's one of the safest online auction environments on the Internet.

The key is to follow the rules they have in place. Avoid any temptation to bypass the rules in the name of saving more money.

The second thing you should know is knowledge is power. Ebay has the largest online auction learning libraries in the world.

Learn the basics of online auction safety before you make your first bid and you will avoid a lot of new bidder mistakes.

This brings us to the first place you should go after registering with eBay, the

Ebay Learning Center. The

Ebay Learning Center is the section that will show you everything you need to know to start - the right way. Take a few hours and read this section, watch the videos and listen to the audios.

Take the time to read and listen to the knowledge in The

Ebay Learning Center. You'll know more about buying and selling on "http://www.ebay.com" than most people who've been shopping there months or even years.

Because most people never bother to read this section. Can you see how far ahead you'll be than most people if you follow this one tip alone?

After you learn the simple basics you'll see how easy it is to buy and save tons of money from online auctions.

After you've read and studied The Ebay Learning Center section you'll be ready to find some real bargains.

Warning, after you learn the basics and find out how easy it is, you'll why millions love Ebay, including me. You may even like to try your hand at selling something and making a few extra dollars.