Whether you are buying a simple, inexpensive modern commemorative silver coin , or an expensive numismatic rarity, always always ALWAYS read the policy of the seller you are buying from.

 

Buyers may purchase something they were not 100% in-love with. Sometimes, a buyer will get caught off-guard by the final "bidding wars" that can occur, and end up spending way more than they expected to or wanted to. Whatever the case, when you place a bid or click on BUY IT NOW, you are agreeing to the seller's policy. In most cases, you can assume that yu are entering into a legally binding agreement not just to purchase the item but to abide by the sellers posted policy.

 

Policies will give you information about payment, shipping, insurance, delivery methods, return information, auction cancellations, and whatever else the seller wants to make sure you know about them and their business.

 

Reading seller policies is a GREAT way to get to know who you are buying from, on a strictly business level. You can gauge if that seller is someone you want to do business with. Almost every auction has a policy statement. A good policy statement should include the following:

Do they offer combined shipping and what is the charge for that? 

Do they offer insurance?

 

Those are just a few examples. Just make sure you read their policy BEFORE you bid or buy. Remember, ignorance is no excuse.

 

Feedback is very important. If only the brick and mortar world has discovered the power of feedback. Each seller is rated by each buyer each time they make a purchase. A high feedback rating does not guarantee you a safe transaction. A high feedback rating along with a HIGH positive percentage is what I look for when buying. If a guy has 4000 or more feedbacks and at least a 99% positive feedback ratio, I think my transaction is worry free.  I won't deal with anyone who has less than 99% positive ratio.

 

I also like to read the TYPES of negaties a seller has gotten. Just remember that it is hard to please everyone all the time. So even the best of sellers can have only 99% positive. Some buyers are just a negative before the sale ever even takes place, be sure to take those with a grain of salt if they are few and far between.

 

 

A good seller will provide you with several pictures of the item and will state that they are the actual photos of the item.  In addition a good seller will give you the attributes of the item including the size, weight, quality of the precious metals and if certified will let you know the grading company.

 

If ever in doubt, contact the seller.  Check their MyeBay page for more information or if they have a posted phone number for you to call.  Just remember, the more informed you are, the more satisfied you'll be with your transaction.