Learn how to safely buy goods on the Net, Friday 3/22 at 5 p.m. Eastern on "Call for Help."
Also airs 3/25 at 3 a.m. and 2.p.m. Eastern.

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Regular store

The most prevalent type of virtual store mimics its off-line counterpart. The seller offers products at a price; the buyer wanders through, finds what she wants, and buys it.

These stores can range from huge department-style emporiums that carry products from all kinds of manufacturers to one-person shops that sell their own in-house merchandise. These stores also cluster in online malls.

You can often find bargains online as vendors compete for your business.

Here's an overview of how to shop these stores.

Auctions

Online auctions have become so popular, some established regular stores have added auction sections. The most famous auction-only site is eBay, which sports a new users section (see the links next to "New to eBay?") that explains how to buy and sell on the site.

Something in between

Priceline and its ilk turn the commerce model upside down. They offer products from regular vendors, just like regular stores, but invite the customer to set the price, more akin to an auction.

In other words, you tell the seller what you're willing to pay, and if the seller agrees, blam! You've made the transaction. Unfortunately, at that point there's no going back, so be careful where you click unless you're serious about the purchase.

Here's some advice on using Priceline.

Many car-buying sites also fall somewhere in between. We have advice on buying cars online, too.

Shopbots

A shopbot scours the Web looking for the items you want at the price you designate while you do other things. When it finds what you're looking for, the program alerts you and gives you the chance to buy.

Sound intriguing? Read these tips on how to put shopbots to work for you.

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