T.E.S.F. Privacy Policy
TRADING ASSISTANT: Information
and TERMS
And our
AUCTION TERMS OF SALE:
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 we 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
but not perfect. 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 you
enjoy your eBay experience.
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 Shipping
company for shipping without clearly saying so. Occassionally we need
to purchase special packaging or take unusual packaging measures for very fragile
or very heavy or large items. It those cases we clearly point that out
in our 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.
- The USPS, UPS and Fed Ex establish their basic rates by the weight and dimensions of a package
combined with the zone to zone difference in distance the package will have
to go. With the USPS packages whose total weight is 2 lbs. or under AND whose dimensions are less than 84" (length + 2 times the width
at the widest part + 2 times the height at the highest part). they charge a flat rate of $3.95 for Priority Mail or $3.45 for Parcel Post
regardless of zone (these rates are increasing as of June 30, 2002). For larger items and heavier items it
is necessary to go to the USPS web site and calculate for the specific delivery zones because rates can vary widely
and the calcualtion becomes quite complicated.
- USPS 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 frequently
than Priority Mail. Thus increasing the opportunity for shipping damage.
Packages shipped by all methods may suffer exposure to weather.
- 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
and extreme changes in temperature. Fragile items must be packaged in shock absorbing material and/or double boxed for protection.
It is also necessary to prevent settlement so the item doesn't gravitate
to the side or bottom of the packaging material where it can get damaged
more easily. Items that can be easily crushed are probably the most
difficult to package and often require a box significantly larger than the
item, increasing the overall size of the package. 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. Several Post Office's have 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.
- The general rule of thumb that most eBay sellers follow for describing
shipping, packaging and handling cost in the auction pages is as follows:
BUYER PAYS ACTUAL SHIPPING COSTS = The buyer will have to add to their high
bid the actual amount that will be charged by the shipper without additional
packaging or handling cost, BUYER PAYS SHIPPING/HANDLING (or s/h) COST=
The buyer will have to add to their high bid the actual amount charged by
the shipper plus the amount estimated by the seller for packaging and/or
an amount for the work of packaging and delivery to the point of departure,
BUYER PAYS FIXED SHIPPING COST (weather specified in the auction or provided
after auction close)= The buyer will have to add a fixed amount for shipping
to their high bid and this amount may include costs other than the actual
cost charged by the shipper. Obviously a buyer should be vary careful
bidding on auctions where the issue of shipping, handling, packaging costs
is vague, unspecified or unclear. A few unscrupulous sellers are attempting
to charge excessive amounts for these issues and are not telling the buyer
to expect that charge until after the auction is over. Be careful
because if you are high bidder on such an auction you are obligated to pay
whatever the seller wants to charge for this. If you want to bid on
an item with vague or unclear shipping costs simply email the seller (at
least 24 hours before auction close) with your zip code and request the
shipping cost. If you do not receive an answer DON'T BID unless you
want to risk being overcharged.
- With the increased complexity in calculating shipping costs it is sometimes
necessary for a legitimat seller to determine the shipping costs after they
find out the actual location that the package is to be shipped to. In
these situations they should specify wheather the buyer will be charged
ACTUAL shipping cost, packaging or handling cost and how those costs will
be calculated. In all cases a legitimat seller will not hesitate to
reply to emails requesting information on their auctions.
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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) 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.
Buyers must pay any and all customs fees and taxes for international
shipments. For shipping to countries other than the United States
and Canada the buyer MUST receive our approval PRIOR to bidding.
- We use USPS Priority Mail for all US shipping. However this may change
with the rate increases coming June 30, 2002. We are still investigating
the various methods of shipping to try and reduce the impact of the rate
increases for our buyers.
- With Priority Mail shipments 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 specified as "required" in
the auction and when used is 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
in most cases 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 will always try to respond as quickly as possible to requests for
shipping costs where they are not specified as a fixed amount on the auction
page. If request for information are received less than 24 hours prior
to auction close it can sometimes be difficult to respond in time but we
will still try.
- 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 always retain copies of the postal and insurance receipts and will
file a claim for your package if insurance was purchased. We will
also email copies of all documents involved in a claim to you.
- The selection of the method and carrier to use for shipping will be made
by us and is not negotiable. We will only ship 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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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OUR PRIVACY POLICY
T.E.S.F. Antiques & Collectables it's associates, employees
and owner's (T.E.S.F.) will take all reasonable precautions to prevent
the distribution out side of our organization of any personally identifiable
information gathered or received by us from any person, family or company that
purchases any goods through our web site and/or our eBay auctions except as
may be required by law, our defense, prosecution of crimiinal and/or civil cases
and/or our agreements with the eBay, Billpoint, PayPal and Square Trade
organizations and/or as may be required for pursuing resolutions that develop
out of our sales activities. Any person or entity that places a bid on
one or more of our auctions agrees by doing so to provide the same or more stringent protection
against misuse and/or distribution of any of our personally identifiable
information including but not limited to email addresses, proper names, street
addresses and so forth. Considering that the World Wide Web is not perfectly
secure, T.E.S.F. takes no responsibility and/or liability and provides no garanty
or warranty against the piracy, interception and/or use of any information
transmitted to T.E.S.F. through the use of any form of communication. T.E.S.F.
is strongly against email spamming and will not sell or other wise distribute
the email addresses of our custormers outside of the above privacy agreement.
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Good luck bidding.
Questions? Please
EMAIL
Us
Or use our Feedback form
This
page and it's contents: Copyright GJKelly Associates 2000,2001,2002
"T.E.S.F.", "The Evil Stepfather's
Antiques & Collectables" and the stylized logos and
graphics on this page containing these phrases are trademarks
of GJKelly Associates, Plymouth, Michigan
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