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 PRINTABLE VERSION OF TERMS OF SALE

AUCTION
Shipping Tutorial    Shipping Policies    Return Policies

(click HERE for a printable version of this page)

We hope you find the following information helpful.  It is as accurate as we can make it but the policies of the United States Post Office change from time to time and you should check their web site for up to date accurate information.  Please understand that some of their information is APPROXIMATE.  For instance they quote 3 to 4 days when I ship Priority Mail to my daughter in Hawaii.  It actually takes 2 to 3 weeks every time.  Their continental US projections are a lot closer.  All of the information on this page is an attempt to help clarify our main objective:  SATISFIED BUYERS.  WE WANT YOU TO COME BACK AND BUY AGAIN!  Thank you and we hope this is helpful.

SHIPPING TUTORIAL
When I buy on eBay it always bugs me a little that some sellers quote shipping costs (as actual) that really contain hidden handling or packaging charges.  It is OK in my book if they say they are charging more than the actual cost of shipping because then as a buyer I can make a decision if I want to pay that amount.  Well we never charge for other than the actual cost to us from the Post Office for shipping.  We have had a couple of very large and/or heavy items that required special packaging that we had to purchase.  It those rare cases we clearly point that out right in the auction page.  I thought I would include a little tutorial for the beginning buyers so they could evaluate "shipping costs".

The following pertains only to shipping FROM the 48 lower United States TO  the 48 lower United States.  Alaska, Hawaii and International shipping IS more expensive and follows a completely different set of rules.

1. The USPS establishes basic rates by the weight and dimensions of a package.  For packages whose total weight is 2 lbs. or under AND whose dimensions are less than 84" (length of longest side plus the girth or distance around the package.  Calculate as follows:   length + 2 times the width + 2 times the height).  they charge a flat rate of $3.95 for Priority Mail or $3.45 for Parcel Post.  For larger items and heavier items you need to go to the USPS web site and calculate for the specific delivery Zone because rates can vary widely.
2. Parcel Post ships ground (by truck and/or train) and Priority Mail ships mostly by air.  Parcel Post packages get piled higher and get banged around and handled more than Priority Mail.
3. Marking packages FRAGILE has little or no effect on the way they are handled.  This is due to the automation used these days by the Post Office (and all other delivery systems).  ALL packages must be able to survive the system whether they are marked fragile or not.  All packages must be able to survive getting wet.  Fragile items must be packaged in shock absorbing material and/or double boxed for protection.  The shipping address must be water proof AND it is quite necessary to include a copy of the shipping address INSIDE the package in the event that the main shipping label gets damaged.
Occasionally packages do get lost or seriously damaged.  Insurance is always a good idea.  Insurance costs an additional $1.10 for up to $50, $2.00 for $50 to $100 and so forth.  No matter what you insure a package for they will only reimburse the ACTUAL value of the shipped item and that can get a little controversial.  The Post Office has been telling people that if you insure for over $50 you can track the package's delivery progress on the Internet.  This is NOT TRUE.  If you go to the Post Office they can track such a package for you (so they think you can track it on the Internet) but Internet tracking does not work in this case.  In the event of a lost package (or if the buyer wonders if the seller ever shipped the package) delivery confirmation is a HUGE help.  It only costs $0.40 for Priority Mail and allows confirmation over the Internet.  
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OUR SHIPPING POLICIES

• These policies pertain only to the 48 contiguous United States.  For Alaska, Hawaii and International Shipping (including Canada) please email us or use our Feedback form for shipping arrangements to your specific address.  We only ship to countries that don't require extensive custom's declarations and those that are active members of the newly formed world peace alliance.
• We always ship USPS Priority Mail
• We always use the delivery confirmation option (there are no exceptions to this policy, it is necessary for both buyer AND seller protection)
• Insurance is buyer optional unless the high bid exceeds $50 then it is required and added to the shipping cost
• For items over 2lbs and/or larger than 84" (by the USPS calculation) we will provide the approximate weight and package size on the auction page and a link to the USPS web site so you can estimate the shipping to your location.  Don't forget to include delivery confirmation.
• We always package VERY well (see our feedback).  However this does not insure that your item can't be damaged in shipping.  It has never happed to us yet but there is always that chance.  If an item is damaged or lost in shipping your only recourse is the insurance.  The USPS can reimburse for up to $50 for a lost uninsured package but it can take a long time and can be quite difficult for you to collect.  We do everything we can reasonably do to protect your package but once it leaves our hands we are no longer responsible.
We will only ship via carrier other than USPS, method other than Priority Mail and/or internationally (other than Canada) by special arrangements made PRIOR to the auction close.  It only takes a minute to click on our email links or use our Feedback Form links to request special shipping.  We will make every attempt to cooperate with your special shipping requests but exceptions to the above shipping policies must remain at our discretion.  As a reminder delivery confirmation is always mandatory.
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OUR RETURN POLICIES

I always get a kick out of the seller that specifies that their item is "GUARANTEED" but items must be returned within 3 days of auction close.  Obviously impractical.  I once purchased a saddle for my wife's horse with a satisfaction return guarantee.  The saddle arrived and was manufactured improperly (seriously bad).  We returned it immediately and when we contacted the selling company they told us that it would have to have been returned within 10 days of shipment for the price ($400) to be refunded.  I pointed out that it took three weeks for us to receive the delivery but they wouldn't budge.  That was two years ago and we are still out the purchase price, return delivery costs AND the saddle.  They refused to send us back the saddle too.  Shame on us for not clarifying this issue up front.  We simply will not subject our buyers to the same "gotcha" type of guarantee.  So here is our assurance to you:

• If you simply change your mind ship it back within a reasonable time of the auction close (say 15 to 30 days).  We will reimburse you for your original high bid (less the shipping costs, the eBay fees and online payment fees if any pertain) and you pay the return shipping.  We do reserve the right to refuse this type of return reimbursement if we think the original bid was capricious or malicious.
• If the item is other than what we described in the auction page (if we missed something significant or if we made a significant or seriously misleading mistake) - we will reimburse you for the original TOTAL price AND the return shipping cost.  The determination of significant and serious is at our discretion.  Example: if we described an item as having two tiny scratches on the back and it has three tiny scratches on the back, that is NOT significant in our opinion.  However if it has two tiny scratches on the FRONT where it shows and we said BACK where it wouldn't show that IS significant in our opinion.
• For ANY reimbursement or refund we MUST receive the item back in the same condition that we shipped it in, no exceptions.
• We package our items VERY well (check our feedback).  If an item is damaged or lost during shipment we can not be responsible.  If shipping insurance was purchased and an item is damaged or lost during shipping, let us know IMMEDIATELY and we will file your claim with the shipper (we always retain shipping and insurance invoices and receipts for this purpose).  In addition to filing a claim we will email you copies of all pertaining documents.

BOTTOM LINE:  We want our buyers to be satisfied.  We will do everything we can reasonably do to make sure that you will not hesitate to buy from us again.  We have been very successful with regard to repeat buyers.  However we do have to protect ourselves from the goofballs that show up on eBay from time to time.
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ALWAYS CHECK THE SELLER'S FEEDBACK
It is the best insurance you can get
We always leave feedback for our buyers.  Please do the same for us.

Thank You

The Evil Stepfather   (himself)
Jerry

TRADING ASSISTANCE POLICIES AND TERMS

The Evil Stepfather's Antiques & Collectables (TESF) is located in PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN.
Please email with questions: sell4you@tesf.net 

 As a Trading Assistant we will help people who want to sell item(s) on eBay that live in Plymouth AND the surrounding cities and townships.  We will work with you
We can sell your items for you and, if you want, we will teach you to sell as we list your first few items.  CONTACT: sell4you@tesf.net or 313-887-5912.  Pick up or drop off items.  We recommend how to maximize your auctions and how to price them.  Your items will be featured on our website (www.tesf.net).  We list fewer items accurately and with good detail.  This is why 99% of our items have sold.

Here are the steps necessary to successfully auction an item on eBay:

1. Closley inspect the item and write a detailed description including as many of the following as possible: dimensions, colors, manufacturer, date manufactured or purchased, original packaging, original instructions or labeling, manufacturer's mark, accurate assesment of condition e.g: crazing, scratches, rub marks, tears, creases, signs of wear, cracks, discoloration etc. and any other information that can help a bidder know exactly what they are bidding on.  Information regarding where you obtained the item is usually helpful.
2. Then the item has to be photographed.  The quality of the pictures is very important.  Generally all sides must be shown, the bottom, close-ups of any significant details and close-ups of any flaws.  The accuracy of color is extremely important.  It is necessary to use a macro capable camera for clear pictures of makers marks and fine detail.  We use the best combination of photo floods, incandescent, daylight flourescent lighting and sunlight for each particular item.  We also employ several different backdrops of varying color and reflectivity to best show each item.  When there are more than one piece of similar appearance it is extremely important to keep a good log of photographs and descriptions to be sure and match the right item description with the right photos to insure the high bidder receives the item as described EXACTLY.
3. Next many items need to be researched to establish their estimated value and to verify their authenticity or uniqueness.  Many items are found to be much more unique than the owner assumed and usually either more valuable or less valuable than the owner expected.  The research is primarily to gather accurate information on the the item for use in the auction page but also to verify that the owner's expectations of auction performance are within reason.  If presented accurately and properly the vast market represented by eBay will determine the real current market value of the item. Obviously not all items need to be researched.
4. Now that all of the information is gathered the auction listing can be created.  The actual creation of an auction listing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the item.
5. Once an item is actually up for auction it is not unusual for potential bidders to email questions.  These must be responded to quickly and accurately to keep the attention of the bidder.  When the auction closes it must be invoiced to the high bidder and payment/shipping arrangements need to be made.
6. The last step in auctioning is the packaging and shipping of the item.  The shipping services are all pretty brutal on small packages.  Packaging must be water tight, and able to withstand a drop of 6 to 10 feet onto a concrete floor.  Sounds like a lot but if you don't package that way and an item is damaged even if it was insured it won't be covered.  Thus the use of double boxing, styrofoam popcorn, and bubblewrap for fragile or even heavier items of a set that can break each other.

Now here are the options we offer to assist you in selling your items as a Seller's Assistant:

1. First in order to insure that all items are packaged properly and the same item is shipped as was described and photographed we offer two ways of handling
   a.) You maintain possession of the item(s), package and ship.  We hold payment to you until the buyer has received and accepted the item.  Here you are taking the responsibility for any buyer disatisfaction.
   b.) We store, package and ship the item(s).  We pay you as soon as we receive the buyer's cleared payment.  Here we take the responsibility for any buyer disatisfaction.
   In both above situations nothing is shipped until the buyer's cleared payment is received by us.  We accept buyer's money orders, personal checks and electronic payment via PayPal and eBay Payments.  We are charged a small % fee for the two latter methods of payment.
2. We take special care in photographing items for auction.  After meeting in a local public place (like a coffee shop) to discuss your items and come to an agreement, we can make arrangements to photograph the items either at your home/office or you can drop the items off ( in most cases we can also pick up items) at our place and we will photograph them here.  If you have a digital camera and would like to photograph your items yourself we still need to inspect the actual item before we list it under our eBay registration.  However we do offer a discount below if you handle the photography because it saves us time.
3. In all cases if we both decide to work together at that first meeting we will provide a detailed written description of these options and fees for both of us to sign and retain copies of.  This is done to avoid any misunderstanding of what the auction process involves.

We offer two basic fee structures: one that is simple to understand and work with and one that is more complicated but offers more flexibility and cost savings.

SIMPLE FEE: $10/listing plus 15% of high bid (we handle everything).

NOT AS SIMPLE, BUT LOWER FEE:

LISTING FEES -
We photograph; $5 first item + $2 each additional.
OR
You photograph (digital); $3 first item + $1 each additional.

PLUS FINAL VALUE FEES:
We Ship; Commission on buyer's payment up to $200=20%, up to $500=15%, over $500=12%
OR
You Ship; Commission on buyer's payment up to $200=12%, up to $500=11%, over $500=9%

You decide on the fee structure you wish to use and pay the initial listing fee before we start.  The final value fees are subtracted from the High Bidder's payment (as are the shipping costs if we are packaging and shipping) and the remainder is paid to you.  All eBay fees are included in the above fee structure.  High Bidders pay fixed shipping cost stated in auction listing (and postal insurance cost as an option) in addition to their high bid amount.  A copy of the agreed terms and conditions will be signed by both of us prior to start.

We are willing to work with you to arrive at the process that best serves an ongoing association as well as satisfied buyers and will be enjoyed by both of us.

Please email with questions: sell4you@tesf.net

ALWAYS CHECK THE SELLER'S FEEDBACK
It is the best insurance you can get
We always leave feedback for our buyers.  Please do the same for us.

Thank You

The Evil Stepfather   (himself)
Jerry

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