When you buy second hand goods from a business trader on an Internet auction site, you have the same rights as if they were new. You still have the right to complain to the seller if your goods don't match the description they've given on the website. You may be entitled to compensation from the seller but it may involve going to court. You would need to consider the time, costs and even if you win the seller might not have enough money to pay you.

If there is a problem with the item you bought, you will need to consider the price you paid for the goods when deciding if you expect the trader to do anything about it. You shouldn't necessarily expect the goods to be of perfect quality, and they may not be as durable.

There are limited circumstances, when you could lose some of your normal shopping rights buying second hand goods through an auction site. If for example you are offered the chance to view and examine the goods in person before you buy. The most common example is when you buy second hand cars.

Last updated on April 4, 2008 by The E-Victims Organisation