Hello, my name is Ken and let me tell you a little bit about us. Bruce is my dad and he finds stuff to sell, inspects condition and functionality, and does any necessary cleaning or repair work. He is a Certified machinist, Certified tool and die maker, Certified welder, Certified automotive machinist, and Certified gunsmith and gun maker of 50+ years. Adding to this is many years of small engine repair, so he knows a lot about pre-computer engines and machines, and vintage tools. I do all the eBay related computer work; research, pictures, and putting up the items for sale. I have no formal training but am quite versed in electronics, computers, and technobabble. What we don't know, I can do the research (praise Google) and find out.
STORE POLICIES
We have been selling on eBay since September 2005 and over that time have developed these policies. Partly due to a combination of our ignorance, mistakes, and lack of communication we have decided to publicize how we operate. This declaration has evolved and will continue to evolve. Please don't hesitate to ask a question if you are confused by something here.
COMMUNICATION: Our email is usually checked several times a day, every day of the week between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (US Eastern Time). For picture requests, invoice requests, questions, and Best Offers; we will get back to you as soon as possible.
COMBINED SHIPPING: This is almost always possible, please wait for an invoice when buying more than one item. The shipping calculator is not as smart as you might think and multiple items purchased will likely cost less to ship than calculated (unless a Flat Rate package is specified). Sometimes I put a shipping quote in the description if I have sold that type of item before and know what it takes to ship one or more. Invoices are typically sent out the morning after an auction ends. With Buy It Now items, your purchase will be packaged and an invoice sent ASAP after I check my email and find that an item has been sold and no immediate payment was made.
HANDLING FEES: The shipping cost includes a handling fee of $1.25 for every package shipped regardless of the number of items or shipping method. $0.19 of this pays for USPS Delivery Confirmation (Domestic tracking). The rest goes towards shipping supplies for extra careful packaging (please look at our feedback for packing satisfaction).
PACKING: We don't try to pack anything until the item is sold because the following variables have an effect on total shipping weight: item size-shape-ruggedness, single item or combined shipping, travel distance, and available box size. The container type intended for an item is mentioned in its description. The shipping cost (effected by total weight) for most items are ESTIMATES added to its actual weight, these are the guidelines we use. Small items have 2 to 4 ounces added and First Class Mail is only available as a service for shipping weights of less than 13 oz domestically and 4 pounds internationally. Other items will get 2 pounds added unless specified otherwise in the item's description. We try to use Flat Rate whenever possible. You can pay immediately or wait for an invoice with an exact shipping cost that is usually lower. Refunds will not be given for overpayment of postage.
PAYMENT: PayPal is the standard. NO PERSONAL CHECKS but I may accept another form of payment. For local pickup items, cash is preferred over PayPal. Payment is expected within 14 days of winning item, unless we make specific arrangements (cash on pickup, etc.). Non-payment after 14 days will result in an Unpaid Item Dispute claim being filed.
SHIPPING: We live out in the country and cannot ship on Saturdays and holidays. We try to pack items very safely, and are not liable for an item once it has been shipped. Transit time and damage due to mishandling of a properly packaged shipment is the responsibility of the shipping carrier. I know that eBay policies state that the seller is “...responsible for their items until they arrive safely in their customers' hands.” I would like to know how I am accountable if my package has been run through by the fork of a forklift by the shipping carrier? Yes this actually happened once. So, now the availability of shipping insurance coverage is mentioned in the item's description. International buyers who pay for First Class Mail risk no insurance coverage and long delivery waits (occasionally 2 or 3 months).
TRACKING: I will no longer send emails to notify you of your item's shipment, so please don't ask. This is because eBay has added a new feature where I can add a tracking number directly into your sales record. You can view this information by going to the web page of your item and clicking on "View Order Details." It will appear as a link directly below the shipping description (First Class, Priority, etc.). Clicking on this link will cause another window to pop up, showing the tracking number with the dates and times of package progress.
RETURNS: Positive feedback will be given only after you have left the same for me. Please note, I only give feedback once or twice a month because it is more efficient. If you have any problems with our transaction, please contact us so we can try to work it out. Returns are only accepted in extreme cases, buyer MUST email within 14 days of delivery date.