Don't get ripped off when trying to beef up your comic collection.

Find out where to shop for the vintage and modern comic books you need to round out your collection. Plus, learn a few tricks that'll ensure you won't get ripped off on tonight's episode of "The Screen Savers."

Most comic collectors go to eBay to find vintage comic books. But eBay still comes in second when it comes to very high-end (expensive) and rare comic books.

You can usually find rare and expensive comic books at reputable auction houses such as the following.


Or you can locate them at the following websites.


For modern comic books, visit these sites.


Five hints for safely buying comic books online
  1. Get your money's worth
    Just as you would have a house, diamond, car, or anything else you spend your hard-earned money on appraised, you should also have comic books checked by industry experts. Make sure the comic book you want to buy is free of restoration (repair), complete, and in the grade specified by the seller. CGC (Comics Guaranty, LLC), a third-party grading company, certifies comic books and encapsulates them in tamper-evident holders.

  2. Find trustworthy sellers
    Never bid on an eBay auction without checking a seller's feedback rating. Make sure the seller doesn't have much negative feedback and that the auction is not private or the seller's feedback kept private. Even though it may not always be the case, these are all signs of scam auctions.

  3. Get feedback from other collectors
    Go to comic book chat boards such as the Collector's Society Message Boards, and meet other collectors to hear about their Web experiences. They may have insight into the best and worst online sellers.

  4. Know how much to pay
    Check prices before bidding on or buying a comic. Though many consider "The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide," published by Gemstone, the one true guide, you can get a good idea about pricing at ComicsPriceGuide.com, Nostomania, and GP Analysis.

  5. Cool your auction fever
    Keep a cool head and don't get auction fever. In other words, don't keep outbidding other bidders if the price goes over what you intended to pay. If you do, you'll usually pay more than the comic book's fair market value.


Steve Borock is vice president and primary grader at CGC.

"The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide"