If you're dealing with someone for the first time, don't be afraid to ask
for and check references. But remember, references are easy to fake. Be wary
if all references come from the same service provider (this is especially
true of AOL) or from free mail services (such as hotmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.)
Always ask for a phone number and if you're uneasy about a transaction,
give them a call. It's a lot easier to scam someone through e-mail than over
the phone.
Always send packages insured. It protects both the buyer, seller, or trader.
Communication, COMMUNUCATION, COMMUNICATION!!! This is the number
one thing to keep in mind when buying, selling or trading online.
Save all e-mail messages. If a future problem arises, these e-mail messages
may prove invaluable in proving the conditions of the transaction.
It's not a good idea to post personal information, such as your address
or phone number, or the other party's personal information, on the Internet.
Although there are a lot of great people online, there are also people who
would use the information maliciously.
Buying:
Once you have confirmed with the seller that you're interested in the item
and the "money is on the way", don't back out of the deal. It's
okay to inquire about an item and then change your mind, but make sure to
let the seller know you're no longer interested.
Make sure you know the condition of the item, including the box, tag, etc.
I also like knowing how the seller is going to send the item - UPS, Priority
mail, First Class mail, amount of insurance, etc. If you're not sure, then
ask
Let the seller know when you've sent payment. Request that they let you
know when your payment arrives and item is shipped.
Don't be surprised if the seller holds a personal check 7-10 days, especially
if you're a first time customer or it's a large purchase.
If you send a money order (especially a large one), send it certified mail.
There's less chance of it being lost in the mail.
When you send money orders or certified mail, save your receipts! If something
does go wrong, it may be the only way to prove there was a transaction to
begin with.
Once the package has arrived, inform the seller that everything arrived
in good condition (assuming it did). If there is a problem or damage, inform
the seller immediately and save the box and all packing materials. This will
help in filing a claim.
Selling:
Be upfront about the condition of the item and the box, tag, etc. Failing
to do so can lead to problems later and a bad reputation.
Once you commit to selling an item at a price, don't back out of the deal,
even if you have higher offers. The exception to this guideline is when a
buyer fails to confirm the purchase or send payment for an item. If you will
only hold an item for a certain number of days, make sure this is clear to
the buyer.
Clearly state the amount charged for shipping and handling and how you plan
to ship the item, including the amount of insurance. Also remember that insuring
a package protects you and the buyer.
Make sure you give the buyer your correct address. Typos can cause unnecessary
delays and problems. I know this sounds silly, but it's easy to do - trust
me!
Make sure there is adequate packaging. If the item is fragile, have AT LEAST
two inches of packing material on each side. Remember, insurance doesn't matter
if the item wasn't packaged properly.
Always include the shipping address inside of the box (works great as a
receipt as well). That way, if the package is badly damaged, label is ripped
off, etc., the package will still find its way to its destination.
Let the buyer know when their payment arrives and item is shipped.
Don't be afraid to hold checks 7-10 days for them to clear the bank. Just
make sure to inform the buyer of your intentions, when the check arrives,
and when the item is shipped.
Save all of your shipping receipts. If there is damage to the package in
transit, the receipt may be required to file a claim (assuming you insured
the package).
Trading:
The same precautions apply to trading as buying. Don't be afraid to check
for references or get a phone number and call the other party.
Both parties should agree upfront on the exact condition of the item and
its box, tag, etc., the shipping method, and the shipping date.
Once both parties are in agreement, ship the item on the agreed upon date.
Send an e-mail letting the other party know that the item has been shipped.
DO NOT practice what is sometimes referred to as "wimp trading".
In other words, don't agree to send the items on the same day, and then wait
until the other item arrives before sending yours. This is a great way to
get you put on a bad trader's list.
Make sure there is adequate packaging. If the item is fragile, have AT LEAST
two inches of packing material on each side. Remember, insurance doesn't matter
if the item wasn't packaged properly.
Always include the shipping address inside of the box (works great as a
receipt as well). That way, if the package is badly damaged, label is ripped
off, etc., the package will still find its way to its destination.
Again, save your shipping receipts in case a damage claim needs to be filed.
Once the item arrives, e-mail the other party letting them know everything
arrived safely (assuming it did). If there is a problem or damage, inform
the other party immediately and save the box and all packing materials. This
will help in filing a claim.
Shipping Info:
UPS - UPS is my preferred means of shipping
for large items, both in terms of size/weight and price. Insurance is cheaper
than the post office (the first $100 is automatically included). They give
you a tracking number, which makes it easy to track the package from their
web site. Filing claims with UPS is also easier, as long as you save your
packing materials and receipt. The disadvantage with UPS - they tend to be
a little slower (especially across country) and more expensive for packaging
under four pounds or $200 dollars in value.
United States Postal Service - The Post
Office is the shipper of choice for most people when mailing small packages.
Their Priority Mail service costs $3 for up to two pounds and will get anywhere
in the US within 2-3 days (usually, but it's NOT guaranteed). Insurance
is $.75 up to $50 and $1.60 up to $100. If the package is fairly light, sending
First Class mail will save an extra $.50 - $1.00. First Class mail is usually
about one day behind Priority mail, and sometime not even that. Insurance
prices are the same.
International Shipping - It's possible to send packages overseas (including
Canada) via both UPS and the USPS. I prefer the Post Office because you have
to fill out fewer forms and not all UPS locations ship international packages.
It's highly recommended that you said via Air Mail, since the package may
take weeks (or even months) otherwise. Shipping times will also vary for international
packages, but are rarely anything less than a week (unless you pay big bucks).
Rates will vary among location and shipping method.
Other - I realize that there are other forms of shipping, such as Express
and FedEx. I only gave my opinions about the USPS and UPS because the vast
majority of packages are sent using these two services.
