Auction Acronyms - What do they really mean

Have you ever wondered what all those auction acronyms really mean? Well, I've been buying and selling online through a number of known auction and listing sites for several years. I only recently found this humorous listing of "auction acronyms." Please note that this list has descriptions that are "tongue-in-cheek" i.e., not necessarily the true descriptions!

It was actually quite timely as, being a seasoned buyer, I got "stung" by a seller who claimed an item was "NWOT" ... which in the real world means "new without tags." She also claimed the item was perfect for a "valentine's day gift" and that it had "no marks, tears, or wear" whatsoever. Stay tuned to read another blog post when I tell you more about this item.

OK, now for the auction acronyms ... I'm not sure who to give credit to for being the original source of this list. If I find out who put this together, I'll list the source. Or, if you know who we can thank, please let me know.

AS IS = Broken, I do not give refunds and I am quick to leave negatives.
ADORABLE = Ugly.
ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES = A profit center and has nothing to do with actual cost to ship. You should have asked for amount before bidding. See S&H.
ALL SALES FINAL = A damaged fake item.
AUTHENTIC = This is a real replica. 500% real!
BEAUTIFUL = Ugly in a scary way.
BIN = Buy It Now... payment by worthless check received 6 weeks after the auction ends.
BNIB = Brand New In Box... only used once.
BONUS = Something extra...a real bad feeling you get when you see what you bought.
BRAND NEW = A new counterfeit copy.
BRILLIANT SHINE = What I just gave it with my buffer (to make it near mint).
BUA = Butt-Ugly Auction.
BUTT-UGLY = Suddenly a hot marketing term. People SEARCH for items using this term or BUA.
CHANEL = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
CHEAP! = In more ways other than price.
CIVIL WAR = Made in India last week. (India is having a civil war...right?).
CLEAN PER RULES = I wore these panties on a 10 mile bike ride.
COA = Certificate of Authenticity... yep it authentic, I signed the item and typed the certificate myself.
COACH HANDBAG = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.COLLECTIBLE = I have WAY too many of these.
COLORFUL = Unknown stains.
COMBINED SHIPPING = If you are the high bidder on more than one of my auctions I will total up all the shipping charges for you. A discount on S&H is implied but NOT offered.
CONTEMPORARY = Got it at a 99 cents store. Email me if you want more than one.
CUSTOM = So ugly there's only one in the world.
CUTE = Crap.D&G = Fake Dolce & Gabbana handbag, I never said if it was real or not.
DESIGNER = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
DESIGNER INSPIRED = Fake Designer Item.
DIRTY = Dirt hiding a crack.
DISPLAYS WELL = 3 sides are damaged.
DIY = Do It Yourself.... or Delivered Item Yesterday.
DON'T MISS THIS ONE! = I'm really tired of listing this, somebody buy it!
DOONEY & BOURKE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
DUTCH AUCTION = $10,000 hammers for beating dead horses.
BONUS = Something extra... a real bad feeling you get when you see what you bought.
ELEGANT = Old and worthless.
EUC = Excellent Used Condition, but smells of smoke, covered with dog hair and not stained too bad.
FACTORY ORIGINAL = It originally came from a factory.
FABULOUS = Absolutely stinks of smoke.
FANTASTIC = Unbelievably ugly.
FAUX = Exquisite fake.
FENDI = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.FINE = Paint covers flaws, parts taped in place.
FLAWLESS = Less flaws.
FREE SHIPPING = Once you pay for this information or item, I will never send it.
FROM A NON SMOKING HOME = Covered with cat hair.
GBP = Great Big Pennies... English money.
GENTLY USED = It's on its last legs.
GENUINE = It is 100% real imitation, not a fake one.
GOOD CONDITION = The dents hide the scratches.
GORGEOUS = Really ugly.
GREAT CONDITION = The scratches hid the dents.
GREAT CONDITION FOR SOMETHING THIS OLD = (see PRIMITIVE).
GUCCI = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.HANDBAG = FAKE.
HCTS = Here Comes The Stork... baby items with stork stains.
HTF = Hard to Find ... Will be lost in mail after you pay for it.
VHTF = Very Hard to Find. It will never be sent after you pay for it.
HOT = 1. Stolen... maybe I'll send it to you, maybe I won't.
HOT = 2. From a smoker's home complete with cigarette burns.
I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS... = No one bought this when I said what it REALLY was.
IS AS = Item IS AS Pictured and is sold AS IS. Not responsible for compatibility issues or support of this item. All Sales Are Final. NO REFUNDS!
JUICY COUTURE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
L@@K = This item has no good qualities that would otherwise make you want to check it out.
KATE SPADE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
LE = Limited Edition... This is my last one, so it must be limited.
LIKE NEW = 1. It's got a couple of pretty deep scratches but I've still got the box.
LIKE NEW = 2. I would "LIKE" to think it is "NEW"... but I know it's not.
LIKE NEW = 3. Used and has a few stains.
LOVELY = Tacky, like a Day Glow black velvet painting of Elvis playing poker with dogs.
LV = Louis Vuitton, also see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
LV = FAKE.LOUIS VUITTON = 1. Counterfeit Louis Vuitton.
LOUIS VUITTON = 2. Real or fake, you will never receive this item after paying by money order.
LOUIE VITOON = Counterfeit Louis Vuitton and I am quick to leave negatives.
MIB = 1. Mint In Box, but just a little broken.
MIB = 2. Mashed In Box.
MINT = 1. A green color, but it also might be mold.
MINT = 2. Meticulously cleaned.
99% MINT = Meticulously cleaned and almost not broken too much.
NEAR MINT = 1. Cleaned even harder and it broke and is a part is now missing.
NEAR MINT = 2. A smell from being stored next to candy canes.
MINTY = Cleaned with tooth paste.
MODERN = From the late 1980's to mid 90's.
MONT BLANC = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.MUST HAVE! = Must have it out of my house.
MUST C = Lord knows the description won't pull you in without this added.
NEAT = Could use a good cleaning.
NEVER USED CONDITION = Not new.
NEW-NEVER WORN = I got it at a second-hand store, but "I" never wore it.
NEW = 1. Used only a few times.
NEW = 2. I just got it, so it is "new" to me.
NEW = 3. It is not too old to be called old.
NIB = 1. New In Box. Used and not the original box.
NIB = 2. Now It’s Broken.
NIB = 3. Nothing In Box.
NICE = I'm keeping the good one, and getting rid of this piece of junk.
SUPER NICE = I should be whipped for putting this junk up for bids.
NO MOLD OR MILDEW = Not sure what the stains and smell are from.
NO REFUNDS = You are lucky if I send you anything. I will neg you if you complain.
NOS = Nasty Old Stuff.
NOT FAKE = 200% Not real...
FAKE.NOT SURE IF IT WORKS = I know for a fact that IT does NOT work. See "AS IS".
NPB = No Paying Bast**d! I edited this--no profanity in my blog!
NR = 1. No Reserve. I used a large starting bid and ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES.
NR = 2. Needs Restoration.
NR = 3. No Returns. This is junk and I don't want it back.
NR = 4. Not Recommended.
NR = 5. Not Running.
NR = 6. Not Reliable.
NR = 7. Not Real (fake).
NRFB = 1. No Reciprocal FeedBack.
NRFB = 2. No Refunds For Bidders.
NRFB = 3. Newly ReFurBished.
NRFB = 4. Never Removed From Box. Except for when the kids and the dog were playing with it.
NWOT = New with out tags. Not really NEW but I will have a NEW ID by the time you get this.
NWT = 1. Not with tags. Why are tags even important?
NWT = 2. I put the new tags on it myself!
NWT = 3. Nobody Wants This - festering_negs.
OLD = Useless.
VERY OLD = Very useless.
OOAK = ONE OF A KIND 1. I have no idea what this is.
OOAK = ONE OF A KIND 2. Was part of a set but I sold the other one.
OP = 1. Over priced.
OP = 2. Opened Package.
OOP = Out of print, I couldn't find it in the bookstore at the mall.
ORIGINAL CONDITION = Not falling apart too much.
ORIGINAL COPY = It has never been officially released. This is copy of the original I made.
PATINA = Rust or mint like mold.
WONDERFUL PATINA = Deep rust with pits.
PERFECT = I have no idea what this is supposed to look like.
PINK PANTS = With skid marks - No refunds!
PRADA = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.RISQUE = Hardcore porn.
PRETTY = Extra butt-ugly.PRE OWNED = Broken.PRIMITIVE = Unrecognizable.
PRISTINE = I WILL KEEP YOUR PAYMENT & ITEM AND NEG YOU!
RALPH LAUREN = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.RARE = Not able to be found at Wal-Mart or Sears.
VERY RARE = Still available in mail order catalogues.
RECIPROCAL FEEDBACK = You leave feedback first. If you bug me for feedback, I will neg you! RECONDITIONED = Defective and returned to the factory. I bought it real cheap and am now selling it "AS IS".REMOVED FROM A WORKING ENVIRONMENT = It stopped working.
RETIRED = Old and broken.RETRO = I was born in 1990, and my older sister had one of these.
ROLEX = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.ROLX = A GENUINE FAKE ROLEX.S&H = Someone must pay for my time, fees, gas, internet and Starbucks coffee.
SCARCE = Only found for auction right now. Email me if you want more than one.
SIB = Soiled In Box.
SNAD = Significantly Not As Described.
SPECTACULAR = I really need to unload this obvious piece of crap.
STARTS AT 1 CENT!! = S&H is $42. No combined shipping, insurance is extra and I am very quick to neg.
STUNNING = Ouch! You will feel like you were hit by a stun gun when you get this.
SHABBY CHIC = 1. I found this in the trash... oh yeah, I threw it away once.
SHABBY CHIC = 2. pre-Salvation Army in a post-Martha Stewart world.
SHELF PIECE = This is damaged beyond repair.
STRESS/AGE CRACK = Accidentally knocked it off the table and stepped on it while I was taking photos.
TIFFANY = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
TIFANY = Counterfeit, see TIFFANY.
UNBELIEVABLE = In the bad sense.
UNIQUE = Put together from parts last night.
UNUSED = I did not use it. It was broken before I got it.
USED = Broken, but most of the parts are there.
UNUSED BOOK = Read once and highlighted all the boring parts with a black marker.
USED BOOK = Used as a door stop at the cabin for years.
UNUSUAL = Well, I've never seen one before.
VERSACE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
VINTAGE = 1. I was born in 1990, and it looks so totally way old to me.
VINTAGE = 2. It has wine colored stains.
VINTAGE = 3. The year it was made. IE: Vintage 2005 = Made in 2005
VUITTON = Counterfeit Louis Vuitton.
WONDERFUL = You'll WONDER where the rest of it is.
WOW = I'm desperate.
WOW!!!!!! = I'm really desperate.100 to 500%
AUTHENTIC = 100 to 500% Fake.

P.S. Got to laugh about the definitions for original and authentic! Ouch.

Online Fraud - Exercise caution with online auction sites

If you've read my other postings, you'll note that I was a victim of credit card fraud which is believed to have come from an online transaction. I didn't take a back seat, but was extremely active in working with the proper authorities to apprehend some of the alleged "crook(s)."

Undoubtedly, you've either gotten or have definitely heard of the plethora of spoof/phish emails which have been blasting people's inboxes claiming to be from PayPal or eBay or your financial institution. I get those almost daily!

Here are some helpful links to additional information regarding spoofing, identity theft, and what to do to if you have been a victim, courtesy of eBay and PayPal.

• Information from eBay about websites impersonating them.
• eBay's Account Theft Overview.
• eBay's Identity Theft.
• PayPal Protect yourself from fraudulent emails.

Now, on to that other auction site, Bidz.com. On June 2, 2005, I received a e-newsletter from BizRate claiming, "Amazing Deals on Jewelry - $25 Off Your First Purchase." They were promoting Bidz as the auction site with the $1.00 auction. It was on that date, June 2nd, that I signed up for their Certified Merchant Program and shared my credit card information. The very next day, June 3rd, is when I got my first unauthorized, fraudulent charge to my credit card.

I have emailed Bidz customer service and BizRate to advise them of the fraudulent activity on my credit card that coincided with my registration on Bidz. However, neither Bidz nor BizRate has responded to my emails or acknowledge the receipt of same. I've done searches on Rip-Off Report and found several complaints against Bidz which date back 5 years. Unfortunately, I didn't check out the Rip-Off Report before I decided to share my personal information with Bidz.

Because of my personal experience, it is my opinion that I cannot recommend Bidz as an auction site that you would care to buy from OR sell on.

P.S. By the way, speaking of Rip-Off Report! Many years ago, on eBay, I dealt with an online seller who was living in Texas. He had listings for brand new electronics. I purchased a digital camera from him through eBay. When it arrived, it was not brand new, but remanufactured. I then started the process of trying to contact him through every means possible. For two weeks he ignored my contacts. Then, when I heard from him through a Paypal dispute, he said I had waited past the return period to contact him. Next thing you know, through the eBay dispute process, he pretends that he is his mother and replies that the guy has died! Oh my. Not the end of the story -- we found he had moved to the Northeast and was once again selling medical devices. To cap it all off? The dude later files a bogus complaint against me on Rip-Off Report. He made the whole thing up. If buying medical products and devices online, please do a background check on the company!!!

Be sure to take some time and check out my true story, To Catch a Thief : Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft.

Online Auction Trends - eBay

With eBay Nation now boasting more than 125 million citizens and doing tens of billions of dollars in gross merchandise sales, an entire eco-system has sprung up to facilitate sellers and bidders.

Remember drop-off shops like DropShopStore and AuctionDrop where consumers and businesses can drop off items they want to auction? The stores handle all listing, shipping and payment settlements with buyers, then forward a check to the seller for the final selling price minus commissions and listing fees. There are now more than 20 companies in this space, but the opportunities still seem borderless.

In the US, check out players like NuMarkets, PostNet, QuikDrop, and ExpressDrop.

Read rest of article here or go to http://www.springwise.com and sign up straight from the home page.