With so many new buyers on EBay we thought it time to write some guidance for these new EBayers and others who may not be sure what sellers expect from buyers. The first thing for buyers is to READ the listing description and return policy, payment terms and payment methods accepted.

Sellers know that buyers want first and foremost is an item as described in the listing and secondly fast & fair shipping and fast responses to questions.  

In a recent interview Cynthia Rowley, the designer and avid Ebay buyer who buys jewelry and clothing on Ebay had some tips we think are important to share with Ebay fashion buyers in particular, but it really applies to EBay in general. It may seem like common sense however we all know that a bidder or seller that fails to use common sense so maybe if someone "famous" gives advice regarding EBay shopping, buyers and sellers alike will read it.. In an interview in the Shopping Insider's Guide in the November 2007 issue of Allure (not the online version, the print version) she makes some key points that we think are worth noting. 

Avid Ebay shopper Rowley's key points

• Limit yourself - this refers to telling yourself that you will buy maybe 5 things maximum. If you win them all "realize that one piece will probably be great, 2 or 3 will be just OK, and a couple will be duds." What she means by duds is that the items may not be what you expected whether your expectations were realistic or not; however many times the items are much better than you anticipated. Remember to read the description of the sizing the weight etc is what we recommend. Don't just go by a photo that may be enlarged.  She also states that shoes are especially tricky and only about 20% work and to be prepared for this.
• Seller Honesty - "Go to the source". Check the sellers ratings to see trends of honesty in the past. "Sellers will usually say if a piece is damaged. If you see something that you like and have a question, just email the seller for details....should get back quickly to you."
• Sizing - although referring to clothing mostly, she does mention enamel bangle bracelets in her article. Basically, she states that sizing can be tricky and in general it is best to go up a size and have it altered or sized than buying too small. If in doubt, ask the seller for dimensions before buying or bidding.
• Special features - "go under the "my eBay" icon and change your preferences to view a hundred items per page. Then you can fly through a huge volume of stuff. The "Favorite Searches" feature is great; you choose a keyword or phrase and the site notifies you whenever a new item matching the description listed.... you get an email whenever something comes up...get an email.... I also use the "Buy It Now" feature to bypass an auction and purchase an item outright. I may pay a little more but I don't want to miss out on anything."

We would like to add that many times in an auction the item is bid up over the original buy it now price or over the amount that the same item costs in the seller's store. That is not the responsibility of the seller either. An honest seller will sell to you even if the price does not meet their expectations or if the item just hits the reserve price and are disappointed conversely the seller expects a bidder or buyer to do the same. After all, that is what the auction experience is all about. Just use common sense and do not take unnecessary risks and ask questions!

We stand behind our product as do most sellers on Ebay and honor our commitments. Just remember to read the listing description and to read the return policy. There is no negotiating after the close. Ask questions before buying and do not buy if you do not really want the item and if you do, you are committed to buy just like the seller is committed to sell or refund your full payment including shipping if the item has been lost or broken or stolen which should not happen frequently

Please note that our return policy is flexible if you ask questions first. We have a store credit policy or exchange however this is to discourage buyers that are not serious or just purchase an item to wear to an event. Of course, no seller likes returns particularly in a small business like ours that does not have the volume of a Nordstrom or major retailer, however the customer is our top priority. Always if the item is not significantly not as described, the buyer is entitled to a refund less shipping.  We realize that there are some dishonest sellers out there but many times and always with honest sellers these are honest errors since "to err is human" and seller feedback will let you know if these are few and far between. Sometimes however a buyer may not read the listing and believes a 5 mm bracelet is a 7 mm or that a bracelet is a necklace and want to return for a full refund which is unfair to the seller that lost an opportunity to get paid and uses funds from payments to buy more items often on a cash basis.  It is also not fair to bid on multiple items at once if you cannot pay for all them within a reasonable time frame, usually 3 to 7 days for most sellers although some sellers want payment right away. Some buyers have won items at auctions then state that they didn't expect to win another item and prefer that item over one item over another. . Even if you believe that you cannot win all of them, you have committed to buy if you do win just as a seller is committed to sell to you even if the item did not reach the expected price point  If you continue do this as a buyer, this can lead to your removal from eBay.  Please note that time frame for payment should be in the listing also. Most sellers I know certainly appreciate a fast payment since the longer it takes the buyer to pay, the more frequently the sale turns into a non-payment situation which prevents us from selling the item & relisting it until it is resolved.

Always read the listing and the seller return policies always!. Many sellers have a no return policy, some have a time limit to return and some like us, have an EBay store credit in which any item can be returned if notified within 7 days for a non-expiring store credit for the full purchase price less shipping for any item we have listed in our store, in fixed priced or fi you WIN an auction. However we are flexible and do understand that sometimes things just don't work out.

Ebay is a great place to find deals,just ask Cynthia Rowley! Honest sellers expect honest buyers that read the listing and understand the terms and conditions, the same thing that buyers expect.  Also sellers can block buyers for any reason at all so it might be a good idea if you want to purchase an item from a seller to follow the Golden Rule.

Happy Shopping! It's not hard if you are honest and reasonable! It's easy! Just remember to read the listing information, check sizing and follow any instructions! Thanks for stopping by!