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Me at the 125th NYSVI monument at Gettysburg SEP 07
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What's in a name? In the case of my eBay screen name, it's a US Army callsign. Every unit in the Army has one, a sort of radio shorthand. Back in the day, I became platoon leader to a high-spirited group of Army paratroopers who had named themselves the Warpigs. As their lieutenant, I quickly became known as WARPIG6 both over the radio and in regular conversation. Upon joining eBay I was asked to give myself a seller's screen name. Naturally, the old WARPIG6 callsign came right to mind. Only after I had been trading awhile did I learn that "Warpigs" was also the name of an old Black Sabbath song. Fellow eBayers frequently write me saying "I love Black Sabbath too" and "Ozzy Rules" when in fact my screen name was inspired by a tank platoon, not a heavy metal tune. In fact, I've never even heard the song. Sorry about that, headbangers! Rock on.
I described myself as an "eBay dilettante" recently. This means I dabble in both buying and selling online. I never want to sell $3,000 a week or fill up my garage with stuff I'll never use that caught my eye while surfing the web all night. I do enough of this eBay business to know how I want to be treated as an online customer. My eBay philosophy is pretty simple: List Accurately, Don't Get Greedy and Always Say Thank You.
I've only had one item returned to me in over 300 auctions listed. That's because I take the time to accurately describe my listings; flaws as well as selling points. Photos help, too. I want your feedback to say "item as described" -- no surprise is a nice surprise.
As an eBay buyer, I've been hosed by sellers who list low but soak the winning bidder with ridiculous shipping fees. I can use USPS.com too, and know that it doesn't cost $15.00 to ship a six ounce toy from Michigan to New York. Stop the nonsense! I'll charge you what it costs me to ship the item. If I have to buy extra packing material because the item is fragile, I will let you know beforehand so there are no hard feelings. Your item will arrive safely, in a reasonable amount of time, and as cheaply as our postal rates (and your delivery needs) allow.
Say thank you -- always. The worst eBayers I've dealt with are the ones who demand postal money orders, a DNA sample, delivery confirmation on top of registered mail, everything up to and including a single plum floating in perfume served in a man's hat. Sigh. No matter if the customer is always right, rude is rude. I deflect that attitude with a sincere "thanks for your business" message to each customer. It helps.
End of rant. Thanks for listening!
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