Not all on-line shopping is done in virtual stores. Internet auctions function in much the same way as regular auctions, though with a longer time limit. Information about items for sale is posted on an auction site and anyone can make a bid within the stipulated time. The successful bidder is informed by e-mail. Then, payment and delivery, which are carried out by prearranged methods, follow.

并非所有的网上交易都是通过虚拟商店来完成的。网络上的拍卖运作方式大体与一般的拍卖无异，但有更长的拍卖期限。交易物品的信息会登在举办拍卖的网站，每个人都可以在规定期限内竞标。中标者会以电子邮件得到通知，再依事先约定的方式付款、取货。

(短文节选,本篇始于：网上购物 )