Your Sales Policy
Having a sales policy can help bidders know exactly what to expect if they bid on one of your items and win. A sales policy typically consists of several statements, including:
How soon payment is expected from winning bidders
The payment methods you accept
The shipping methods you offer
How merchandise can be returned and what type of credit will be given
A reminder for potential bidders to contact you if they have questions about the item, payment, or shipping
A basic sales policy might be structured something like this:
Thank you for bidding. Payment must be made within ten days of close of auction. I accept PayPal, money orders, and cashier's checks. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept escrow payments or personal checks. I offer shipping within the United States only, using Parcel Post, Priority Mail, or UPS. If the item received is materially different than advertised, it can be returned within seven days for a refund of the bidding price. Items returned are subject to inspection before a refund is issued. If you have questions, please contact me via e-mail before bidding.
In the online auction world, there are two schools of thought regarding sales policies: (1) you definitely need one and (2) you probably
Having no sales policy at all can leave many things open to assumption or interpretation. For example, a buyer may assume that you will let him use an escrow service or a personal check or use a shipping service that is not available in your area.
Be careful how you present your policies, however. Many potential bidders may go away if you have posted sternly worded requirements, such as: “Escrow payments and personal checks are ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN!!!” Instead, use your seller etiquette to create a kinder, gentler statement. For example: “Unfortunately, I cannot accept escrow payments and personal checks. However, I welcome PayPal payments, money orders, and cashier's checks and can ship quickly when you use one of these methods.”
Some sellers take a minimalist approach to sales policies. They state only what they will not do, such as use an escrow service or ship overseas. Otherwise, they stay flexible. They use the auction site's tools to list their preferred payment and shipping methods, and they remain open to inquiries from potential buyers who might want to pay with a personal check or use a specific freight carrier.
The good transactions at online auction sites will far outweigh the bad ones, and the risk of a bad transaction can be reduced if you have a clear sales policy. Keep clarity and politeness at the forefront of your sales etiquette.
