These are all questions a smart buyer should be considering before making a purchase on line. Buyers have to do their homework (and you thought homework ended when you left school...Ha Ha Ha...not). In this blog, I will try to give you some pointers on what to look for. These tips helped me get over my phobia of on-line shopping. (A phobia...Kind of silly when I sell on-line.)
So here goes....
Honest and Trustworthy Sellers
I think most vendors are honest and trustworthy....they would not be in business if they were not (There are some who are scammers). Check the feedback of the vendor...not just the number but actually read the feedback. One or two negative or neutral comments does not necessarily mean a bad vendor. Each situation has its own story...remember there are two sides to every story. Ebay does not allow the seller to respond to this type of comment. On Bonanzle, if there is a situation arise, both parties can tell their story. A new seller with a low feedback number may also be honest and trustworthy. We all had to start somewhere....so give them a chance too if they have what you are looking for. And if all else fails...follow your gut instincts.
Quality Products
Most vendors do extensive research on an item before they even list the item. They do the listing trying to describe the item as if there were no picture. (A challenge for me...I am camera challenged LOL). Then they photograph the item as if there were no description. If these two items are in place, then you should have a fairly good idea of the items condition and quality. This is especially true for vintage collectibles. Know the item you are looking for....if it is a designer item you want then verify its authenticity. Ask the seller questions ...make sure there is paperwork etc. There seems to be a lot of knock offs out there. (I personally cannot afford those items so I am OK with a knock off as long as it is described as such) I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. Bottom line ....ask questions.....even if they seem trivial. I would rather answer the questions than to have a buyer who is not satisfied with an item. At Bonanzle, you can chat live in the booth if the seller is on-line and get your answers immediately...if not, then email will get you the required information.
Reasonable Pricing (Value for your Dollar)
This is where your shopping savvy comes into play and it reverts back to the above. There are a lot of good deals on the web but you have to know what it is you are buying. You would not pay $100 for a "thingy" if you know the same can be purchased at your local mall for $20. And you would expect to pay big dollars for a designer "thingy". I have some afghans listed at http:www.bonanzle.com/booths/jinx_stuff at very reasonable prices.....why you say....because these items are a labor of love. I probably would not be able to sell them if I charged for materials and labor. They are time consuming to make. So I made a decision to sell them at a reasonable price. I love to crochet and knit but I do not want a gazillion afghans. Bottom line....know your prices.
Customer Service
Read the TOS(Terms of Service). A seller will state their TOS in their profiles. Check what the return Policy is. Is there any warranty? Check what methods of payment are accepted. Check when they ship. Here again, reading feedback will give you an insight as to what previous customers say about the service they have received. Another place to check is the "personal endorsements" section provided by Bonanzle in the User Profile section. As a buyer, please leave feedback for your vendor. Doing so helps make on-line shopping a little safer.
Shipping
This information is usually listed in the booth details section. I, as a seller, ship within 24 hours of receiving a "Cleared Payment". If a buyer pays by Money Order it only makes sense to ship when you have received and cashed the MO. (Postal MO are the best...some banks hold funds on a deposited MO just as they would a personal check) Postal MO's can be cashed and cleared immediately at the Post Office. Some sellers only ship once a week due to their geographical area while others ship daily. Also check the sellers shipping and handling costs. At jinx'stuff I do not charge any fees for handling. (I have an excellent source for bubble wrap, packing peanuts etc.) I do however, require the buyer to contact me for shipping. Shipping is based on Weight, Carton Size and Destination. We all know that the cost of postal services is very expensive . Most shipping calculators are not reliable and result in overinflated shipping costs. Another reason why I prefer to quote the shipping to my customers. I only charge what I am charged. Some selling venues dictate how much a vendor can charge to ship certain items. This is not right and may result in shoddy packaging to reduce shipping costs or inflated item costs. As a buyer, please be aware that there may be delays in the length of time to receive your item after shipping from seller. This is especially true if you purchase from a seller who is international. Your package could be held up in Customs or Post Office is super busy (like Christmas time). So a little patience is in order here.
Good Selling Platform
This in itself may be the most crucial to have a happy on-line shopping experience. If the on-line site has very little inventory then you may or may not find what you are looking for. If there is a large inventory and the "search" does not give you appropriate results for your search criteria then that can be very frustrating. The site should be easy to navigate. The site should also offer an easy to use check out system as well. Bonanzle.com is a great on-line selling venue. Here a buyer can find "Anything but the Ordinary" as well as day to day needs and wants.
I hope that the above has given you, the buyer, some insight from behind the scenes. Shopping in your Jammie's and bunny slippers, your hair in rollers and a cup of coffee in hand(or beverage of choice) can be very relaxing and enjoyable. No time schedules...just you and your computer. No rushing to the mall and being trampled on by other shoppers especially now that the "Holiday" season is just around the corner. You can take your time to find that "special" gift for whomever is on your shopping list and do it with no pressure all the while making intelligent informed choices.
So, why not start at http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jinx_stuff .....there is something for everyone here.....
Until the next time ...........be happy....be safe
jinx
