Auction
Policies Auction
PoliciesHi, this is a collection of all my Ebay auction polices. If you have gotten here pressing a link and it didn't go there then click on the Table of Contents below.
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The nature of auctions is that of finding and acquiring items in their "second season". Keep that in mind when considering placing a bid on an item - there is probably going to be some "wear and tear". I will go to an effort to point out in an auction description anything that I think is more than usual in the area of condition stated. I will usually put a condition/shape statement of an item on the auction description. It ranges from Good, Very Good, Very Good+, Excellent, Mint, New/Like New. It is hard to define these, and I will often put as a range (e.g. "Very Good+ to Excellent") to help you get a "feel" of the condition. If you think you need some more clarification about the condition of an auction item then please contact me - I would rather you know exactly what you are getting instead of being surprised or disappointed when it arrives.
Below is an attempt to put some kind of definitions to grading terms. Keep in mind that these are not concise and that they often "mush" into each other. Also keep in mind that the terms are relative to the subject matter. An example being; a recent published book 'Mint' is going to look and be in much better shape than an antique book graded 'Mint'.
Note: I will never knowingly sell anything that does not work, unless I say unequivocally that it is broken (or unknown condition). (yes, some broken things are worth something to some people) Such auctions will say "sold ABSOLUTELY as-is".
Bidding on an auction is a binding contract (unless there is a "Reserve not met"). If you win you will be expected to pay your winning bid within a reasonable time period.
If you are new to eBay and cannot readily find an answer about how and what bidding means, then please go ahead and contact me and I will do my best to get back to you with an answer.
There is a bid retraction mechanism on eBay. Retracting a bid is a serious matter to other bidders, the seller, and even yourself. When you retract a bid the reason should follow the guidelines of eBay policy. Also, the fact that you made a bid retraction now goes into a permanent record on your feedback for everyone to see. If you feel you have very good cause to retract a bid then please contact me first (if time allows). I will want to know your reasons prior to your retraction so as to come up with a plausible reason to put down (note: some retraction reasons can be detrimental to the sell/auction ensuing a type of slander). If you do retract a bid, then both the seller and previous bidders have the right to respond on your retraction record (which can be a type of negative feedback). Please consider that in most cases, especially if early on in the auction, you will be outbid, saving you a necessity of retracting your bid. It would be better to wait and check back on an auction occasionally to see that another bidder has outbid you - in any case contact me.
Sometimes I will cancel a bid for the purpose of canceling an auction. I will most likely cancel an auction if I find a problem with the auction item (after I had listed it). When your bid is canceled you will have received an automated email from eBay, and I will most likely send you a more detailed reason. When the reason of why I canceled the auction is resolved I will probably relist the item on eBay, and I will email you stating the item is back on auction.
When an auction has received no bids (or interest) I will sometimes cancel an auction to give it a fresh "shot" at being noticed. This can happen anytime all the way up to a few minutes before end of auction. If you are holding out in placing a bid for the reasons of not wanting anybody else to notice the auction then don't be surprised if I cancel it. No, I will not sell it direct (outside of auction) because my intent of canceling was to relist.
On many of my auctions I state "I reserve the right to remove bidders with recent dishonorable intent exhibited in their feedback". This really applies to ALL of my auctions, and most likely does not refer to you at all. Who it applies to are bidders out there that have been less than honest in their dealings on eBay.
There are little "loop holes" in eBay policy that allow these kind of people to make it unbearable and "down-right" nasty for the rest of the honest people in the eBay community. Though it is not readily obvious on the surface, these kind of people make an effort to do the right thing occasionally so that they are not "booted" off eBay. Bottom line, occasionally I look at the feedback of bidders "scurrying" for an item. If a person has had more than a couple negative feedbacks and they are recent, and they trace out to appear real (and not a vengeance feedback from some other nasty person) then I will most likely take action to have them removed (and barred/blocked) from the auction. There is eBay policy that supports sellers on this matter, and, an eBay mechanism to block specific users from my auctions.
This is what happens if you win one of my auctions:
Often times I will put additional information on an auction, and it often ends up being after a bid(s) have already been placed. I will (if time permits) email all bidders of the addition(s) so that they can make an evaluation of any changes. Occasionally it happens that a winning bidder has already placed his/her bid before the addition/addendum. The auction winner, has a right to decline/refuse being the auction winner by eBay policy because additions were made to auction after their bid. Then again this winner also has the right, by eBay policy, towards the auction item. But, for protection of both seller and buyer through eBay regulation I require that you MUST make a statement that you have seen the addition/addendum in the auction description, and that you will abide/agree by/to any terms and/or changes reflected in it.
Important:
Winner will be asked for full name and shipping
address. These are required (no exceptions) for accurate processing of
auction (even if planning on using an online payment service that would give all
or some of this information).
Note: If you are one of those that has a phobia about giving your address over the internet then we can arrange to have it sent in pieces, or contact made over the phone. If you are going to refuse giving me your address (or name) then DO NOT BID. If you do bid and win and refuse to submit your name and address then eBay will consider that a form of concealment, which they support the seller on - eBay Safe-Harbor will probably not bother to get involved, and you also won't probably be getting your won auction item.
(Please see below concerning these)
(credit cards are accepted through these services - not direct)IMPORTANT for PayPal
PayPal: you will need a PayPal invoice sent to you to pay for an item (if you try doing a PayPal Send Money the process will be denied). Just let me know that you want to pay via PayPal and I will have a special invoice sent to you that makes it simple for you to make payment.
Note that PayPal Protection Policy requires I ship to a PayPal Confirmed Address - this is only necessary using credit card payment (which includes 'Instant') - existing PayPal funds or electronic check does not require this. If there is good reason why you must ship to another address (and use credit card payment) I will consider your eBay and PayPal feedback relative to the amount of the payment. Please be aware that under this situation I have the option to accept or deny your payment via PayPal - your money is not sent into my account until then.
For an overview of PayPal, and how to get started (i.e., signed up): https://secure.paypal.com/auction/pal=tbutler@rvi.net
Excessive Shipping +3%
For PayPal when the shipping is excessive in relational to the total or when using a premium shipping service (i.e., Overnight, 2nd Day Air, etc., and even Priority in certain cases), then there will be an additional 3% of shipping costs (only - not item cost) applied. Note that PayPal charge me for using their service, but you are not charged for the item price % it cost me to receive your money (with exception of International transactions).
You will have 10 Days for payment to reach me (after you have been notified with my 'Send Payment' email). If there are difficulties in accomplishing this then you must notify me and keep me appraised. I am not one to easily give negatives, so don't get excited if things don't quite work out the way you thought they would in the area of paying for an auction. However, please don't abuse this kindheartedness. There is a time limit set by eBay in which I can apply for a eBay listing fee refund (for non-payment situations). If it is apparent that I am not going to be paid for an auction then I will set that process in motion. What that means to the non-paying bidder is that they will receive from eBay a special notification and eventually a warning notice. A few of these and the bidder is permanently removed from eBay.
PAYPAL AND CONFIRMED ADDRESS - to pay using PayPal, auction item must be shipped to your PayPal "Confirmed" address (to be under the PayPal Seller Protection Policy), or, be approved by me with sufficient good Ebay feedback and history to warrant the risk. General approval for PayPal usage in this situation is that you be an eBay member for at least 60 days, and show a quantity (~10 or greater) of recent feedback (without negatives). Note: see PayPal help system for more about Confirmed Address and how to use/get - see below. Also, below is policy notice (and will be in PayPal invoice): When using Credit Card funds (includes 'Instant' from bank account) PayPal Protection Policy REQUIRES I ship to a PayPal 'CONFIRMED ADDRESS' (not applicable using non-CC funds (i.e., from existing PayPal Balance, eCheck) and approved transactions). PAYMENT MAY BE RETURNED IF NOT IN COMPLIANCE.
NOTICE: Alternate to PayPal usage is the option to use BidPal.com (credit card Money Order service, which ships upon approval in most cases), or mail a check/Money Order.
about Confirmed Address on PayPal
help system:
http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_help-ext
and enter "confirmed address"
Adding a Confirmed Address is easy, and is done when you add a credit card to your PayPal account, where the address on file with your credit card company becomes the Confirmed.
The nature of auctions is that of finding and acquiring items in their "second season". Because of that most items are auctioned "as-is". But, should you feel strongly that you have not received what you auctioned for (i.e., a "non-compliance" of the described auction, or a complete misunderstanding from an extremely vague description of auctioned item, etc.) then feel free to contact me. Under certain conditions and reasons you may (with prior arrangement) return an item within 10 days after receipt and the auction price of the item will be refunded. (I am sorry, but this will probably not apply to shipping costs except for exceptional circumstances*).
*In some circumstances (i.e., insured delivery damage, DOA (Dead on Arrival) when specified functional, etc.) I will refund shipping. In other cases in the consideration of fairness I may split the cost of shipping.
Almost all of my auctions have a 10/5 day return on "non-compliance". What this means is that if I have said something about an auction item and it turns out not to be true (most likely through error, mistake, or unknown to me), or that you believe strongly that the item does not comply or match the auction description, then...
When an auction says "sold ABSOLUTELY AS-IS" that usually means that this item was non-functional/broken in some fashion (obvious in picture/s or as stated in auction), unknown condition, or not feasible/practical to return (which would apply to International/APO/FPO sales). In these cases there will not be a refund for any reason short of an obvious bonified shipping damage (which there must have been insurance for, and shipping service must approve and pay on as a claim).
Typically, unless otherwise stated on auction, I ship using UPS. UPS usually cost less and includes insurance (I cover any extra) and tracking in the cost. I will also ship US Mail upon request (or if shipping weight would be ~4lbs or less) - for the purposes of faster receipt via Priority Mail, or, cost savings using Book Rate (e.g. books/mags, videos, tapes). (Or, if you just can't stand or trust UPS for some reason)
It is important to me that you receive what you auctioned for. That is why I take great care in packing most items. (The only items I may not go to great effort to protective pack would be those that are deemed virtually indestructible.) You can be assured that I will more than adequately pack your item - see my feedback.
Protective packing is usually in the form of a firm Styrofoam surrounding an item. And occasionally, an additional softer polyfoam to absorb shock for more delicate items. There are often special circumstances requiring special packing, which is why packing has almost become an art form.
Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and it is remarkable what you can find in a small town as discard. Some of my time weekly/monthly is spent hunting down suitable boxes and packing material. In most cases there is NO handling charge for packing because of the abundance of boxes found. There are special cases though where the size of a box is cost significant. As an example, both UPS and US Mail have 3 general size ranges that dictate their cost of shipping a package (in addition to weight). This sizing is based on a girth measurement plus longest side. What this really means is that a shipping cost will increase significantly when a size threshold is reached. In certain of these cases I can take special precautions, box modifications, or selective efforts (i.e., hunting down just the right box) so that there is a considerable cost savings on shipping. When I make this special effort then I will usually charge a $3-$7 "special" fee, which in the long run has saved you a net $7-$25.
When you receive a 'Send Payment' email invoice from me it will almost always includes a direct online quote from either UPS or US Mail of services and costs. In many cases the auction informs and allows you to discover the cost of shipping immediately. If you think it is a considerable amount then contact me and I will look at what it takes to reduce it with special boxing (see above).
Sometimes at shipping time it is discovered that shipping costs were considerable less than expected and quoted online (for reasons I often do not understand). If it is deemed to be well below what you paid for shipping then I will contact you to offer you a refund of (all or a portion of) the difference. If you paid the auction (or sale) via some electronic means (e.g. PayPal) then I can make an immediate refund. Otherwise it takes paperwork and postage to mail you a refund check (in which case the amount refunded will be proportionately less). There are cases though that I will not make a refund, such as in the case of US Mail where a pound or so off makes a difference of $1-$2. If though you do find that have paid for considerable more shipping than it cost, then please contact me and I will review the situation for a refund.
Larger lamps/items often require boxing classified as "oversize", which is equal to 30 lbs (and sometimes 70 lbs) shipping rate, even when item is much less than that weight - a best shipping rate effort is always made to save you the customer on costs. Sometimes delicate glass shades will be shipped separately if deemed unsafe to ship with main light/body, which often is even cost effective (when oversize boxing would be needed for complete light/lamp). Also, occasionally a lamp will be (partially) disassembled for the purposes of safe or cost-effective shipping. (I will of course be available to assist/help in any re-assembling of a lamp - talking you through it). Also, please consider the special effort that is being made to properly package your lamp. Very often this involves special boxing, which if it can't be procured has to be handmade/constructed - this can take some time, so please be prepared to possibly wait a longer than normal time to get your lamp. Regardless, the idea is to get your lamp to you in a whole/unbroken condition (broken is no good to anybody) - lamps/lights I sell are unique/cool/impressive, and so well worth extra care and time taken to ship them.
Shipping via UPS includes insurance. If shipping US Mail then insurance is not included unless specified in auction. When using the US Mail you must MAKE A SPECIFIC YES/NO CHOICE REGARDING INSURANCE - insurance will usually NOT be automatically purchased for your item using US Mail, and I can NOT accept responsibility for loss/NON-delivery.
Concerning liability: Some are under the notion that as the shipper I would be liable regardless of insurance. This would only be true had I not given a winner/customer a choice, and, had you not given a clear statement regarding insurance and I was to ship w/o insurance. When a customer says "NO" on insurance, the following is put on the invoice "[NOTICE: Customer has stated NO-INSURANCE - Customer takes ALL delivery risks]", and then customer becomes fully liable/responsible. Packages don't get shipped without an invoice, and, invoices aren't made w/o insurance or a statement regarding.
Confirmation is used as proof of shipping for you, and proof of delivery for me. 'Confirmation' is consider an optional US Mail service, but is a requirement, under terms, for all my auctions. US Mail Confirmation is available for almost all packages of US destination, and is going to cost an additional $0.40 or $0.50 as part of your shipping costs. As the winner/buyer, you will receive a Confirmation tracking # when you get a "shipped" email notice from me. Auction items shipped using UPS include tracking as part of the service cost.
Generally my auctions are NOT "termed" as being shipped (and/or bought) Internationally (APO/FPO also applies as International), except for Canada when indicated on auction. If you are considering an auction item and you are considered International/Canada/APO/FPO (as from U.S.) you may ask prior to bidding/buying if I will ship the item Internationally. Below are some additional terms that will be applied to an auction being sold as International or Canada delivery.
(Notice, please make every effort to understand and reply as necessary - not replying appropriately can delay the auction transaction - these are binding terms as indicated in auction for an International winner)
Canada Zone C: Alberta/Yukon /British Columbia /Northwest Territories & Nunavut (except XOA and XOC)
If you are
pleased with your eBay auction transaction then please say so by leaving
positive feedback. This is best done by going to your won auction and clicking the
"to seller" under the Leave Feedback icon.
PLEASE consider carefully before putting any kind of negative, derogative, unpleased, or even neutral type statement as feedback (even if under Praise category). My primary concern is that you are pleased with your win, so it is likely there is a misunderstanding regarding the auction item. If for some reason you are not pleased with your auction item then please contact me first so that we might come to some mutual satisfying arrangement. Remember, feedback is permanent.
Sometimes I get soooooo busy that I neglect/forget to return the kindness of your praise feedback. Please feel free to "hound"/"get after" me about leaving you feedback You must do this within 45 days from the auction end, else the auction will not be accessible, which is the only way to leave feedback.
If you have any questions concerning any auctioned item please feel free to email me (Terry Butler, a.k.a. justmetlb) at tbutler@rvi.net. Please always include the eBay auction # and title in the subject line of the email.