Chapter Eight
Ten Golden Rules for eBay Buyers and Sellers
Rules for Sellers
Seller: Know Your Stuff
Do some homework. Know the value of your item. At the very least, get an idea of your
item's value by searching completed auctions of similar items. Knowing your product
also means that you can accurately describe what you have and never, ever pass off a
fake as the real McCoy. Make sure that your item isn't prohibited, illegal, questionable,
or infringing. It's your responsibility!
Before posting your auction, you should take the following actions:
Establish what kinds of payment you're willing to accept.
Set your check-holding policy (usually seven to ten days).
Spell out your shipping and handling charges.
Add each of the preceding pieces of info to your item's description to avoid any
unnecessary disputes later on.
Seller: Polish and Shine
Make sure that your title is descriptive enough to catch the eye of someone browsing a
category and detailed enough for eBay's search engine to identify. Don't just write
1960s Board Game. Instead, give some details: Tiny Tim Vintage '60s Board Game
MIB. That gets 'em tiptoeing to your auction.
Also, play editor and scrutinize your text for grammar mistakes and misspellings.
Typos--in either your title or description--can cost you money. For example, a search
engine will keep skipping over your Mikky Mouce Cokie Jare. Spelling counts--and
pays. Double-check your work!
Seller: Picture-Perfect Facts
Photos can be a boon or a bust at eBay. Double-check the photo of your item before
you post it. Is the lighting okay? Does the photo paint a flattering image of the item?
Crop out unnecessary backgrounds. Would you buy this item?
Make sure that your image actually appears on your auction page (and that it's not lost
in Cyberspace) and that it doesn't take too long to download. And just because you add
an image doesn't mean that you can ignore a detailed item description.
Be factual and honest, too. At eBay, all you have is your reputation, so don't jeopardize
it by lying about your item or your terms. Tell potential buyers about any flaws. Give as
complete a description as possible with all the facts that you can include about the item.
Seller: Communication Is Key
Respond quickly and honestly to all questions sent via e-mail and use the contact to
establish a good relationship. Don't let more than 24 hours pass without sending a
response. If a bidder makes a reasonable request about payment or shipping, going
along with that request is usually worth it to make a sale. Remember: The customer is
always right! (Well, some of the time, anyway.)
Also, be upfront and fair when charging for sending merchandise to your buyer. You
don't make a fortune overcharging for shipping and handling. The buyers sees after
the item arrives what it cost to ship. Unreasonable charges inevitably lead to bad
feelings and negative feedback.
Seller: Be a Buyer's Dream
Just because you're transacting through the computer doesn't mean that you must lose
your manners. Live by the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do
unto you. Contact the buyer within three business days--within 24 hours is even better.
And keep all your correspondence polite.
Ship the goods as soon as you can (in accordance with the shipping terms you outline
in the item description, of course). An e-mail stating that the item is on its way is always
a nice touch, too. That way, buyers can eagerly anticipate the arrival of their goods.
And, when shipping your items, use good packing materials and sturdy boxes to
prevent disaster. Broken or damaged items can lead to reputation-damaging, negative
feedback. Pack as if someone's out to destroy your package (or as if you had made
this purchase). Your buyers are sure to appreciate the effort.
Seller: Listen to the Music
As I state in our golden rules for buyers, don't underestimate the power of positive
feedback. Your reputation is at stake. Always generously dole out feedback when you
complete a transaction. Your buyers will appreciate it and should, in turn, return the
favor.
What should you do if you get negative feedback? Don't freak out! Don't retaliate. Do,
however, post a response to the feedback by using the Respond to Feedback link on
your My eBay page. Those who read your feedback can often see past a single
disgruntled message.
Buyers and Sellers: Keep Current, Keep Cool
You'd be surprised at the number of users who get suspended even though they have
automatic credit card payment. Maybe they move. Or they change Internet service
providers. Regardless, if you don't update your contact and credit card information, and
eBay and other users can't contact you as a result, you can be suspended.
If you have any major moves (home address, billing address, ISP provider), let eBay
know this new contact information. As soon as you know your new credit card number,
your mailing address, e-mail address, or contact phone number, click "Services" on the
main navigation bar. Scroll down to "My eBay" and update the appropriate information.
Keep these buyer and seller Golden Rules at the heart of all your dealings at eBay.
After a while, posting auctions and bidding becomes rote. You can all too easily forget
the basics, so look at this chapter every now and again to remember that, as an eBay
member, you're part of a very special person-to-person community.
Buyer: Investigate Your Treasure Before You Buy
In the excitement of finding just what you want, you may develop a tendency to leap
before you look. Even if the item is closing soon, carefully read the item description.
Does the item have any flaws? Can you live with it? Is something missing from the
description that should be there? Did you read the terms of payment and shipping?
You can also communicate with the seller of the item you're longing for. Don't be too
shy or embarrassed. If you have any questions, send an e-mail! You're better off
covering your bases before you place a bid than facing disappointment after making a
purchase. Remember that when you click that bid or buy button, you are legally and
morally obligated to go through with the transaction if you win. Make sure that parts are
original and check for a warranty or return policy. Clarify everything up front. If the
seller doesn't answer back, consider that nonresponse an early warning that dealing
with this person may be a mistake!
Buyer: Check the Seller's Feedback
Never bid without checking the seller's feedback. You need to be able to trust the
person you're buying from. Investigate their feedback by clicking the number next to
their name. Checking some of the seller's other auctions, past and present, to get an
idea of the seller's history also can't hurt. As badly as you may want something,
sending money to someone with a high feedback rating but who recently got a bunch of
negatives could be risky business.
Buyer: Understand Post-Auction Charges and Payment Methods
Before you bid on an item, make sure that you and the seller agree on shipping and
handling, insurance, and escrow fees. Buying a $10 item and finding out that shipping
and handling are going to cost more than your winning bid is a real bummer. You can
figure out shipping costs yourself by using online rate calculators. Don't forget to ask
about any "handling charges." Many sellers don't want the added hassle of an escrow
service; make sure that they're agreeable if you want to use that option.
Also, make sure that you and the seller can agree on the form of payment before the
deal closes. Is the seller willing to accept a personal check? Are you willing to wait to
receive your purchase until a check clears? Is credit card payment available? Is the
seller using a secure method of accepting credit cards like eBay Payments or PayPal?
Buyer: Check the Item Price Tag and Bid Wisely
Before you bid, make sure that you have some knowledge of the item, even if you limit
your search to completed auctions to get an idea of how much the item went for in the
past. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it may well be.
I love eBay!--but not for every single thing that I buy. Make sure that you can't get the
item cheaper at the store or from an online seller.
Beware getting caught up in the frenzy of last-minute bidding: It's an easy thing to do.
Whether you choose proxy bidding or sniping, decide how much you're willing to pay
before bidding. If you set a limit, you aren't overcome with the urge to spend more than
an item's worth--or, worse, more than you have in your bank account.
Although eBay is lots of fun, it's also serious business. Bidding is a legal and binding
contract. Don't get a bad reputation by retracting bids or becoming a deadbeat.
Buyer: Be a Good Buyer Bee
Always leave feedback after you put the finishing touches on a transaction. Leaving
feedback, and thereby helping other members, is your responsibility.
Remember your manners, too, when sending off your payment. You like to be paid on
time, right? And, speaking practically, the sooner you send in the dough, the sooner
you get your stuff.
Buyer: Cover Your Assets
Remember--just because you're conducting transactions from the privacy of your own
home doesn't mean that you're doing everything you can to protect your privacy.
Legitimate buyers and sellers never need to know our password or Social Security
number. If anyone does ask, contact eBay's SafeHarbor, to report the person. You can
also post your concerns on one of the eBay chat boards.
To fight back against computer viruses--which can spread through e-mail attachments
and ruin your day, your auction, and maybe your computer--purchase a good antivirus
software program and update it often. McAfee VirusScan and Symantec's Norton
Antivirus are both excellent antivirus programs.
Ten Golden Rules for eBay Buyers and Sellers
Rules for Sellers
Seller: Know Your Stuff
Do some homework. Know the value of your item. At the very least, get an idea of your
item's value by searching completed auctions of similar items. Knowing your product
also means that you can accurately describe what you have and never, ever pass off a
fake as the real McCoy. Make sure that your item isn't prohibited, illegal, questionable,
or infringing. It's your responsibility!
Before posting your auction, you should take the following actions:
Establish what kinds of payment you're willing to accept.
Set your check-holding policy (usually seven to ten days).
Spell out your shipping and handling charges.
Add each of the preceding pieces of info to your item's description to avoid any
unnecessary disputes later on.
Seller: Polish and Shine
Make sure that your title is descriptive enough to catch the eye of someone browsing a
category and detailed enough for eBay's search engine to identify. Don't just write
1960s Board Game. Instead, give some details: Tiny Tim Vintage '60s Board Game
MIB. That gets 'em tiptoeing to your auction.
Also, play editor and scrutinize your text for grammar mistakes and misspellings.
Typos--in either your title or description--can cost you money. For example, a search
engine will keep skipping over your Mikky Mouce Cokie Jare. Spelling counts--and
pays. Double-check your work!
Seller: Picture-Perfect Facts
Photos can be a boon or a bust at eBay. Double-check the photo of your item before
you post it. Is the lighting okay? Does the photo paint a flattering image of the item?
Crop out unnecessary backgrounds. Would you buy this item?
Make sure that your image actually appears on your auction page (and that it's not lost
in Cyberspace) and that it doesn't take too long to download. And just because you add
an image doesn't mean that you can ignore a detailed item description.
Be factual and honest, too. At eBay, all you have is your reputation, so don't jeopardize
it by lying about your item or your terms. Tell potential buyers about any flaws. Give as
complete a description as possible with all the facts that you can include about the item.
Seller: Communication Is Key
Respond quickly and honestly to all questions sent via e-mail and use the contact to
establish a good relationship. Don't let more than 24 hours pass without sending a
response. If a bidder makes a reasonable request about payment or shipping, going
along with that request is usually worth it to make a sale. Remember: The customer is
always right! (Well, some of the time, anyway.)
Also, be upfront and fair when charging for sending merchandise to your buyer. You
don't make a fortune overcharging for shipping and handling. The buyers sees after
the item arrives what it cost to ship. Unreasonable charges inevitably lead to bad
feelings and negative feedback.
Seller: Be a Buyer's Dream
Just because you're transacting through the computer doesn't mean that you must lose
your manners. Live by the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do
unto you. Contact the buyer within three business days--within 24 hours is even better.
And keep all your correspondence polite.
Ship the goods as soon as you can (in accordance with the shipping terms you outline
in the item description, of course). An e-mail stating that the item is on its way is always
a nice touch, too. That way, buyers can eagerly anticipate the arrival of their goods.
And, when shipping your items, use good packing materials and sturdy boxes to
prevent disaster. Broken or damaged items can lead to reputation-damaging, negative
feedback. Pack as if someone's out to destroy your package (or as if you had made
this purchase). Your buyers are sure to appreciate the effort.
Seller: Listen to the Music
As I state in our golden rules for buyers, don't underestimate the power of positive
feedback. Your reputation is at stake. Always generously dole out feedback when you
complete a transaction. Your buyers will appreciate it and should, in turn, return the
favor.
What should you do if you get negative feedback? Don't freak out! Don't retaliate. Do,
however, post a response to the feedback by using the Respond to Feedback link on
your My eBay page. Those who read your feedback can often see past a single
disgruntled message.
Buyers and Sellers: Keep Current, Keep Cool
You'd be surprised at the number of users who get suspended even though they have
automatic credit card payment. Maybe they move. Or they change Internet service
providers. Regardless, if you don't update your contact and credit card information, and
eBay and other users can't contact you as a result, you can be suspended.
If you have any major moves (home address, billing address, ISP provider), let eBay
know this new contact information. As soon as you know your new credit card number,
your mailing address, e-mail address, or contact phone number, click "Services" on the
main navigation bar. Scroll down to "My eBay" and update the appropriate information.
Keep these buyer and seller Golden Rules at the heart of all your dealings at eBay.
After a while, posting auctions and bidding becomes rote. You can all too easily forget
the basics, so look at this chapter every now and again to remember that, as an eBay
member, you're part of a very special person-to-person community.
Buyer: Investigate Your Treasure Before You Buy
In the excitement of finding just what you want, you may develop a tendency to leap
before you look. Even if the item is closing soon, carefully read the item description.
Does the item have any flaws? Can you live with it? Is something missing from the
description that should be there? Did you read the terms of payment and shipping?
You can also communicate with the seller of the item you're longing for. Don't be too
shy or embarrassed. If you have any questions, send an e-mail! You're better off
covering your bases before you place a bid than facing disappointment after making a
purchase. Remember that when you click that bid or buy button, you are legally and
morally obligated to go through with the transaction if you win. Make sure that parts are
original and check for a warranty or return policy. Clarify everything up front. If the
seller doesn't answer back, consider that nonresponse an early warning that dealing
with this person may be a mistake!
Buyer: Check the Seller's Feedback
Never bid without checking the seller's feedback. You need to be able to trust the
person you're buying from. Investigate their feedback by clicking the number next to
their name. Checking some of the seller's other auctions, past and present, to get an
idea of the seller's history also can't hurt. As badly as you may want something,
sending money to someone with a high feedback rating but who recently got a bunch of
negatives could be risky business.
Buyer: Understand Post-Auction Charges and Payment Methods
Before you bid on an item, make sure that you and the seller agree on shipping and
handling, insurance, and escrow fees. Buying a $10 item and finding out that shipping
and handling are going to cost more than your winning bid is a real bummer. You can
figure out shipping costs yourself by using online rate calculators. Don't forget to ask
about any "handling charges." Many sellers don't want the added hassle of an escrow
service; make sure that they're agreeable if you want to use that option.
Also, make sure that you and the seller can agree on the form of payment before the
deal closes. Is the seller willing to accept a personal check? Are you willing to wait to
receive your purchase until a check clears? Is credit card payment available? Is the
seller using a secure method of accepting credit cards like eBay Payments or PayPal?
Buyer: Check the Item Price Tag and Bid Wisely
Before you bid, make sure that you have some knowledge of the item, even if you limit
your search to completed auctions to get an idea of how much the item went for in the
past. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it may well be.
I love eBay!--but not for every single thing that I buy. Make sure that you can't get the
item cheaper at the store or from an online seller.
Beware getting caught up in the frenzy of last-minute bidding: It's an easy thing to do.
Whether you choose proxy bidding or sniping, decide how much you're willing to pay
before bidding. If you set a limit, you aren't overcome with the urge to spend more than
an item's worth--or, worse, more than you have in your bank account.
Although eBay is lots of fun, it's also serious business. Bidding is a legal and binding
contract. Don't get a bad reputation by retracting bids or becoming a deadbeat.
Buyer: Be a Good Buyer Bee
Always leave feedback after you put the finishing touches on a transaction. Leaving
feedback, and thereby helping other members, is your responsibility.
Remember your manners, too, when sending off your payment. You like to be paid on
time, right? And, speaking practically, the sooner you send in the dough, the sooner
you get your stuff.
Buyer: Cover Your Assets
Remember--just because you're conducting transactions from the privacy of your own
home doesn't mean that you're doing everything you can to protect your privacy.
Legitimate buyers and sellers never need to know our password or Social Security
number. If anyone does ask, contact eBay's SafeHarbor, to report the person. You can
also post your concerns on one of the eBay chat boards.
To fight back against computer viruses--which can spread through e-mail attachments
and ruin your day, your auction, and maybe your computer--purchase a good antivirus
software program and update it often. McAfee VirusScan and Symantec's Norton
Antivirus are both excellent antivirus programs.
My Fashion Guru
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