I read posts from people periodically who appear to take issue with those who use their on-line eBay selling to make a living.  Some seem to hold a view of eBay as a huge garage sale or craft show.  To me, these are just a couple of the things that eBay is.  I am happy to see other sellers making their living on eBay and don’t mind if they become millionaires in the process.

What I do not like are scammers, buyers and sellers alike. 

What are scammers?

Scammer - promises something - does not deliver (seller)

               - wants to get something for nothing (buyer)

Successful eBay Sellers

Successful sellers offer products that

• others want to buy,
• at a fair price,
• with reasonable shipping and handling rates and
• fabulous customer service.
   

Successful eBay Buyers

Successful buyers are

• selective in their purchases,
• take time to research the product, seller and price of the item.

So, what do buyers want?

Most buyers want:

• 99 cent items, worth $$$$
• USPS Media Mail shipping rates for Next Day Delivery service,
• carefully packaged, with freebies included, and
• positive feedback left as soon as they press the PAY button.
   

Can I make Millions catering to these customers?

If I gear my selling to accommodate this type of buyer, I am certain I will

• keep myself excessively busy listing, printing, wrapping and shipping,
• be losing money..

How can I be both a great eBay buyer and a great ebay seller?

Seller’s Pledge: I will

• offer items at a reasonable price,
• charge reasonable S/H, ship quickly
• pack items with the same care I'd like taken with my items
• include insurance in my handling fee
• communicate well
• describe each item well
• include good photos
• leave feedback as soon as I print shipping label
• consider feedback from my customers to be “icing on the cake.” 
• offer 100% satisfaction guarantee.
   

Buyer’s Pledge: I will

• read the seller’s listing, including their terms,
• bid only if I agree with their price, policies, and S/H
• pay within 24 hours of winning the item
• leave feedback as soon as I receive my item in satisfactory condition
• attempt to contact my seller, in accordance with their policies if I have any issues with the item at all
• only leave neutral or negative feedback if the seller is completely non-responsive.

Last Notes

Sellers: if you state you will accept no returns and will give no refunds, you cannot expect your buyers to contact you to prior to leaving negative feedback if they feel they have a problem with the item they paid you for.

Buyers: if you expect your sellers to take care with the items you have purchased and get those items to you at a expedient manner, you will need to pay the appropriate costs of that shipping, protected in that way.

And, though I do not make my living on eBay, I sincerely applaud those who have found their key to success here, using ethical selling and buying practices.