I have been buying on Ebay for over four years. About a year ago I began selling, and recently opened a store to take advantage of increased exposure and longer listing periods. All in all my experience on Ebay has been both a pleasurable and profitable experience. However, I would like to take a few moments and explain my concept of buying and selling in the Ebay community.

Recently I have had a few negative experiences with both buyers and sellers. My knee jerk reaction was to chalk up these negative exchanges to experience, and to begin watching my back more carefully. After some thought, I realized that a cynical view of Ebay commerce is exactly opposite to what I wanted my view to be. I have always enjoyed writing descriptions, selling merchandise, and even shipping and posting and receiving positive feedback. In essence Ebay has always been, for me, a sanctuary of sorts; a place where I can buy and sell in a safe and courteous atmosphere.

This is my true vision of the Ebay experience. Once I reached this conclusion I began to view my customers, and the people I buy from, in a different light. The outside world has become increasingly rude. Doing business, driving, and even going out for entertainment has become not only an experience in rudeness, but also rather dangerous. I determined that while I was dealing in the Ebay marketplace I would endeavor to be as honest, polite and caring as I could possibly be.

 I removed all threatening material from my ads. I had become used to reading such things as: "if payment is not received within X number of days I will leave negative feedback" and "We no longer ship to certain locations because we have had bad experiences Etc Etc." I even decided that non-paying buyers usually aren't worthy of my anger. Instead, I assume everybody will treat me as fairly and politely as I treat them. The change in my business is astounding. I am receiving many more hits on my items and on my store inventory. I am beginning to see an upswing in repeat buyers, and I have had several very pleasant communications with both buyers and sellers. Who would have thought that the Golden Rule our parents drummed into our heads would actually pay off so quickly.

Now I make it a habit to contact my buyers several times during a sale. I thank them for buying my merchandise, explain my shipping and notification policies, send each one of them a tracking number for their purchases and do follow up to make sure they are satisfied. At the same time, I make sure I keep up with my feedback and write feedback which shows I really care about my customers. Terse or abrupt feedback always dissapoints me. So I have taught myself to take the time to actually say something concrete and positive about each buyer and seller. I haven't ever left negative feedback. I will do so only if I feel that a person is a danger to myself or others ( in essence someone who is so vile that noone should have to deal with them).

I am not sure how helpful this guide might be to anyone else. But I felt compelled to write it because Ebay has become a positive part of my life. As I stated above: I view the Ebay Community as a place of Sanctuary from the rude, uncaring, selfish, and even dangerous world we seem to live in today. Thank you for taking the time to read my prattling. I hope you don't find this a waste of your time.

Thank You,

Rajean Schaible   AKA Jeanie-poo