Be a good buyer:

1. Expect to be only able to pay in the manner described within the auction terms.  Asking to send a check to someone who doesn't accept them will not be welcomed.

2. Get in touch with your seller within 3 days of closing. Let them know when you are sending  your payment and how you'll be paying.

3. Follow through and send or make your payment within 10 days.

4. Let your seller know when you receive your item.  

5. If  you feel your item is not as the seller described, contact them first!  Leaving negative feedback will end any possibility of getting satisfaction from the seller (such as a refund or return).

6. If you are happy with your item leave feedback.  Many sellers won't leave you feedback until they get some from you.

Be a smart buyer:

1. Never bid on an auction that doesn't state what the shipping costs will be.  You need to know this BEFORE you bid or you could be subject to exorbitant shipping fees.

2. Do your homework. Be sure you understand what you’re bidding on, its relative value and all terms and conditions of the sale. 

3. Beware of sellers who have little or no feedback.

4. Avoid sellers with long, threatening terms of sale (TOS). 

5. Ask questions before you bid if you have any doubts about the item.  Afterwards, it'll be too late.

Communication is what it's all about!

What you should expect from your seller:

1. Sellers are expected to contact you first after a sale is completed.

2. They should send you some kind of invoice or letter to confirm the terms of the sale.

3. They should let you know when they receive your payment.

4. They should let you know when your item is on the way to you.

5. And I don't think it's unreasonable to expect friendly, helpful service.  Do you?

How to decide if someone is a good seller:

1. Check their feedback.  A high number isn't enough.  How much negative feedback do they have?  How recent is it?  Read their responses.  Did they act professionally?

2. Ask them a question before the sale.  Did they get back to you quickly?  Did they answer your question?  Were they friendly or did you get the impression you were bothering them?

3. Read the auction carefully.  Make sure that they described the item in detail.  Are flaws mentioned?  Shipping costs?  Rules about how they expect payment?  Vague terms can lead to problems down the road.

Recommended sellers: 

1. cherryblossomdiva- Fragrances, shampoos, etc.

2. hortonsbks- Expert book dealer.

3. My Mercado Mexican Imports- Straight from over the border!

4. novica.com- World art.

5. Once Upon a Bid- Little bit of everything!

6. parrothead88- Shipping supplies.

7. Store of Hawaii- Hawaiian shirts.

These are all folks I've bought from more than once.

Most Importantly:

• eBay should be FUN!

• You should be excited about your purchase!

Otherwise, why are you here?