Tips for Buying, Selling, and Trading On-line

When dealing with someone you just met through cyberspace, you need to take precautions to protect yourself and the investment you've made in your collectibles. Communication is the key to a successful transaction. Stay in contact with the person until the transaction is complete and answer e-mail promptly.

Tips For Buyers

• Know the item you are buying. If you're not sure what it is worth, do a little research before you decide what you're willing to pay.
• Ask for a phone number if you feel uneasy about the transaction. Talking one-to-one can make you feel more comfortable about the seller and a quick call is a great way to resolve misunderstandings.
• Save all e-mail messages associated with the transaction. If a problem arises, these messages may prove invaluable in proving the conditions of the transaction.
• When paying for an item send a personal check, money order, or bank draft. Never send cash.
• Be prompt with the payment.
• Let the seller know when you've sent the payment. Request that he or she let you know when your payment arrives and the item is shipped.
• Once the item has arrived, let the seller know that it arrived in good condition. If there is a problem, inform the seller immediately. Save the box and all packing materials. This will help in filing a claim.

Tips For Sellers

• Clearly state the following:
  1. The item's name.
  2. A description of its condition and that of any packaging, tags, and included documents. Be honest about the condition of the item, box, tag, etc. Failing to do so can lead to problems later and a bad reputation. If possible, provide a picture.
  3. Your asking price for the piece.
  4. Shipping and insurance costs, if not included in the price. iShip, Inc (at iShip.com) is a handy resource for getting an idea of what it costs to send packages around the United States.
  5. The method of payment that you will accept. For example, personal check, money order, or bank draft.
  6. How interested buyers can contact you.
• Always wait until you receive the payment before you ship the item. This is the way businesses operate and you should to. Never let someone convince you to ship the item the same day he or she sends the payment.
• Always wait for personal checks to clear the bank before you ship the item (usually 7-10 days).
• Never allow anyone to talk you into shipping an item so he or she can examine it before paying.
• Save all e-mail messages associated with the transaction. If a problem arises, these messages may prove invaluable in proving the conditions of the transaction.
• Let the buyer know when their payment arrives and item is shipped. Ship the item promptly after payment is received.
• Always send packages insured. It protects both you and the buyer.
• Make sure there is adequate packaging. In order to minimize damage:
  1. Provide at least 2" clearance between the object and the carton walls.
  2. Provide cushioning material to protect from shock.
  3. Restrain the object so that it can't impact the carton walls or other merchandise.
• Include a note with the item containing the following information:
  1. What item is enclosed.
  2. A note of thanks for purchasing the item.
  3. How the buyer can reach you if there are any problems.
• Save all of your shipping receipts. If there is damage to the package in transit, the receipt may be required to file a claim.
• Keep a photograph or detailed description of the item you sent the buyer.

Tips For Traders

• Ship the items on an agreed upon date. Never ask the person to send his or her item first, nor agree to send yours first.
• Save all e-mail messages associated with the transaction. If a problem arises, these messages may prove invaluable in proving the conditions of the transaction.
• Make sure there is adequate packaging. In order to minimize damage:
  1. Provide at least 2" clearance between the object and the carton walls.
  2. Provide cushioning material to protect from shock.
  3. Restrain the object so that it can't impact the carton walls or other merchandise.
• Include a note with the item containing the following information:
  1. What item is enclosed.
  2. What it's in exchange for.
  3. A note of thanks for making the trade.
  4. How the trader can reach you if there are any problems.
• Save all of your shipping receipts. If there is damage to the package in transit, the receipt may be required to file a claim.
• Once the item has arrived, let the person know that it arrived in good condition. If there is a problem, inform the seller immediately. Save the box and all packing materials. This will help in filing a claim.
• Keep a photograph or detailed description of the item you sent the person.