Motto:
Store your idle stuff on eBay.
If you ever need it again,
it will still be out there.

A long-time Internet/Usenet user, I'm presently semi-retired from the computer industry, and have a personal web site at www.access-one.com/rjn. I have authored many a real product data sheet, hence the user ID, and my auction page style.

Email: I do read all eBay Messages sent via the "Ask Seller a Question" link on any of my auction pages, or via "Contact Member". In case of any difficulty with those, click here for a graphic of my alternate email account.

By the way, if you don't have an About-Me page, create one. It's a free eBay service. Apart from being a place you can put the how & why of your terms and shipping details, every trader wants to know who they're dealing with - and an About-Me page helps answer that question.

Motto:
eBay buyer expectations
are set by amazon.com.

I endeavor to meet your expectations, and, as a bidder myself, my own expectations. This About-Me page is intended to contain the "why" and the "how" of my auction terms, and allow the listing terms to be concise. In the unlikely event that the terms in a listing conflict with this page, the listing terms are authoritative (and, of course, eBay policies supercede either). Please notify me of any conflict.

To date, "data-sheet" eBay auctions have been for retired, excess and unused personal items. I'm not presently running an eBay-based business.

I'm reasonably disciplined about keeping track of product collateral (manuals, accessories, cartons & such), and hate to discard working products someone else might value. eBay has been an excellent tool for finding new homes for these items.

No Unpleasant Surprises
In my auction pages, I aim to include the kind of information that I would want to know if I were bidding on the item. This information is "warts and all". It is my intention to set your expectations accurately. If I've overlooked anything, by all means ask.

The USPS requires that APO/FPO shipments include a USPS 2976-A/CP 72 Customs Dispatch Note. Click here (176KB PDF) for how I fill those out.

"U.S. only" also includes non-US citizens who have a US ship-to address and an acceptable payment method. Because non-US-registered users are by default blocked from bidding or buying, you need to let me know before you bid, so I can add your ID to the BREL (Buyer Requirements Exemption List).

The BREL unblocks your non-US userID for all of my current and future listings. You only need to ask once. Your ID remains in the BREL indefinitely. This is completely different than PABA (Pre-Approved Bidder Auctions), which require a new permission for each listing. I don't run PABA auctions.

Any other bidders need to request an exemption to this policy. The exemption discussion at the bottom of this web page describes requirements for international sales.

I schedule my auctions so that I am available to respond within 24 hours of normal or early (BIN) closing (unless otherwise noted in any update to the auction). I am presently running auctions no more often than once every 14 days, all ending the same day. If you win an auction, you'll automatically get an Item Won notice from eBay. Since the eBay notices are unreliable, I also send one to confirm your ship-to address and provide firm shipping quotes. If you don't also get an email directly from me within 24 hours, send a note via Question-to-Seller or to my Yahoo email account (above).

I allow 10 days from auction close for payment. If you will be unable to remit during that period, please advise me via email in advance of bidding, as I may be traveling after day +10, and may be unable to ship. No layaways, but at your request, and a normal payment settlement, I can delay shipment up to 25 days.

I'm a PayPal Premier member, but do accept other forms of payment. Note that eChecks require waiting for clearance notice prior to shipment.

I no longer accept personal checks, and I suggest that you not use them for on-line auctions. A check bears both your bank's RTN (Routing Transit Number) and your DAN (Depositor Account Number) in human-legible MICR typeface at the bottom edge of the check. Armed with these numbers, a crook can raid your checking account. Use personal checks only with trusted payees.

The easiest and safest way to make a PayPal payment is to click on the payment link in the auction page. It is also possible to give a seller notice of a money order payment via the auction link. Avoid clicking links in emails if at all possible. If you have trouble with the auction-link method, I can send detailed instructions on the send-money method.

When I've received payment, I routinely email a shipment plan, with dispatch date and estimated delivery date. Payment is required prior to shipment (somewhat astonishingly, eBay has no rule about this).

• If you're a PayPal member, please take steps to have PayPal "Confirm" any ship-to address you use. For improved speed and reliability of delivery, submit your address in USPS standardized form, including full ZIP+4.
   
• If, for whatever reason, your email address for eBay doesn't match your email address for PayPal, it will serve you to fix that. If I get multiple addresses for you, I send all emails to all of them until instructed otherwise. If email to you bounces, I re-send the message via eBay Messaging.
   
• Beware of clicking "pay me" links in emails. There are any number of frauds which take advantage that, such as what appears to be an email from the auction seller, but the PayPal link goes to the scammer's account. Even though eBay itself still sends email with links, the safest course is to use the links on the auction pages and/or in the Messages at your "My eBay" page.
   
• In particular, watch out for email notices of eBay's Second Chance Offer system (SCO). I rarely offer SCOs, so if you ever receive a SCO that appears to be from user "data-sheet", independently go to the eBay site and look up the auction number. Scammers do forge the emails, and even set up fake auction pages linked from the emails.

You pay only for the actual over-the-counter cost of the carriers delivery fee (excluding any add-ons for insurance & tracking).
 • I pay for insurance (if used, and a separate charge)
 • I pay for tracking (if a separate charge)
 • I pay for packing/materials.
 • I pay for "handling".

The auction quotes only a few shipment methods, or even a single flat rate, selected for prompt dispatch and reasonable transit times. I often include USPS Express Mail to meet eBay's "Get-It-Fast" program requirements.

Economy and alternate carriers and service levels are available on request, even if the auction is flat rate. Email before or after the auction (but before payment), and I'll generate custom quotes and an invoice with the agreed shipment method.

In-person pick-up can be arranged. There is no shipping charge at all in that case.

Shipping is not a profit center for me; indeed, I run a small loss on it. There are no packaging charges unless you request very unusual custom packaging, and in that case you'll pay only for materials.

Note that although the auction listing says "Insurance included in S&H", no charge for insurance is included in what you pay.

My auction pages include parcel size, weight and origin ZIP codes. Using eBay's Shipping Calculator, or the carrier's own calculator page, you can very accurately determine maximum shipping charges before you bid.

Although I don't list items on eBay until they're already in their individual shipping cartons, I normally allow combined shipment if you win more than one auction closing the same day. I automatically generate combined invoices with a custom shipping quote when the day's listings end.

If the actual shipping cost turns out to be higher than the quote/invoice, I pay the difference. If it turns out to be lower, I refund it (unless it would cost more to refund than the refund).

Prompt dispatch.
I can offer next-business-day (often same-day) dispatch on USPS. FedEx and UPS may cause an extra business day delay, as the nearest drops are 40 miles away. I cannot offer Airborne or DHL (except as USPS "GXG"), because the nearest location is 86 miles away.

FDX and UPS cannot yet be shipped to P.O. Boxes (POBs). They can be shipped to street addresses and PMBs (Private Mail Boxes) offered by CMRAs (Commercial Mail Receiving Agents), such as UPS Store, Neighborhood Postal Centers and similar enterprises.

I want you to get your item.
If you have an insecure delivery situation, please advise, and we'll use a Signature-level service. If even that is insecure, I suggest that you consider renting a POB or PMB, or take delivery at work if your employer permits it.

Tracking is free.
I pay for tracking (if it's a separate charge). At my expense, I may elect to upgrade the method to Signature Confirmation. Items over $250 will always be sent S.C. (again at my expense), due to PayPal policy. I always use shipping methods that offer tracking, delivery confirmation or signature confirmation.
I keep you informed.
I email you the tracking number within 8 hours of shipment (and often prior to shipment) This email is in addition to any that the PayPal label process sends.

Insurance is free.
I pay for insurance (if it's a separate charge). For low value items via USPS, I may simply assume any risk of loss. See the next section for information on how losses are handled.

USPS shipments go out the same or next business day after payment clears. FedEx Ground and UPS Ground require a 45 minute drive, and may not go out for 48 business hours. However, if we agree on an expedited FDX or UPS service level, it will go out ASAP.

Packing
I have a large supply of recyclable shipping cartons and padding materials. Having myself received items damaged in transit, I pack to avoid that. To ensure accurate and timely delivery, I also obscure all previous content, origin, routing, tracking and address information on re-used cartons. To deter pilfering and theft, I remove eBay and PayPal banners ads from shipping labels. I do not use eBay-branded cartons.

For details on how I package and ship individual CDs, click here, or on the image to the right.

I routinely include a Packing List in the carton, both to serve as back-up address in case the main label is damaged, and for your own records.

I monitor shipments, and unless I hear from you first, I send a delivery notice when the carrier reports delivery (or attempted delivery). Save that email, as it contains something most eBay sellers won't provide you.

Per the default in the eBay User Agreement, "Liability" section, I treat my auctions as delivery contracts.

Important - Liability
I assume liability for the shipment only up to the point at which the carrier generates a delivery record.

If the package never arrives, and there is no delivery record, I refund the full amount of your bid+shipping immediately on acknowledgement by the carrier that they've lost it.

If the package never arrives, or arrives damaged, and there is a delivery record, I refund the full amount only after settlement of the claim (which won't take long when I've assumed the risk on the shipment). I assume responsibility for filing the claim.

If the package goes missing after delivery, you are responsible (unless we can convince the carrier to assume the responsibility). If this risk is not acceptable to you, let's use a Signature service level. Also seriously consider renting a USPS Post Office Box (POB), or CMRA Private Mail Box (PMB).

POBs are relatively inexpensive, and the smallest (cheapest) will do, as all you need is space for a paper notice.

PMBs, such as UPS Store (formerly MBE) are more flexible, but more expensive. I had a PMB until moving to Kansas, and would have one here if there were any closer than 45 minutes away.

You have 14 days after delivery to inspect and test the items and ensure to your satisfaction that they are as described in the auction.

If any problem is found, please communicate. If shipping damage is involved, we may need to pursue a claim with the carrier. If a return of the items results, ship all of the auction items, in as-received condition. I will refund at least your entire original payment, upon arrival of the returned items.

There are no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied. Burdensome laws and regulations make it impractical for individuals to offer warranties or guarantees. eBay itself advises against it for items selling for over $15.

Policy:       "Seller first upon transaction completion"

As seller, I post feedback first, but when the transaction is materially complete, which is after the parcel has safely arrived, been opened, inspected, perhaps tested, and you have informed me (by whatever means, usually email or eBay Messaging) that the contents are undamaged, and there are no issues to resolve.

I don't insist that buyers post feedback (and I prefer that you let me - as seller - post first), but if you want my feedback, I need to know that there are no unresolved problems with the transaction.

As a buyer, I routinely generate an Acceptance email. I post feedback to seller after the seller posts.

As seller or buyer, if any issues arise, I want them resolved before either of us posts feedback. The purpose of the eBay Feedback Forum is to advise future trading partners about the other eBay member. That advice cannot be accurate until the transaction is complete, and it is not necessarily complete when a Delivery Confirmation record appears - this is not a sufficiently reliable indication that the ultimate buyer has the item safely in hand.

Bidding:
I place all bids manually and don't use snipe tools.

I usually send an email to the seller immediately upon winning/BINing an auction. I always respond promptly to your email. If you don't receive an email from me within 12 hours of auction close, please try my Yahoo address.

Ship-to:
ZIP for USPS: 67441
ZIP for FedEx & UPS: 67431

I have both a PayPal-Confirmed P.O.Box address and a Confirmed PayPal "Home" street address.

The eBay user ID
   "data-sheet"
is entirely unrelated to the eBay user ID
   "datasheet"
(no hyphen), registered in Spain, and so far inactive.
If you mis-type "data-sheet" in several common ways, such as
   "data sheet" (with a space)
or
   "data+sheet" (with a plus)
you will find yourself looking at "datasheet" pages.

eBay apparently simply drops invalid ID characters when processing input user IDs. If your own user ID has special characters in it, you might want to see if there are any "typo aliases" of you.

Other eBay accounts with user IDs that include my actual name and/or initials are also not related to me in any way whatever, but you are less likely to stumble into those accounts accidentally.

I do ship internationally, for buyers who find my terms (below) acceptable. Any non-US-registered user is welcome to make inquiries. If you have a U.S ship-to address, these terms don't apply - just let me know - see Market Scope above. If you want me to export, read on ...

• Non-U.S. Bidders are Blocked by default
  I am willing to export, but I have my auctions set for shipment to U.S. only, and block other locales from bidding.

  This is only to ensure that we understand each other before export. You need to let me know that you agree to these terms (or have a U.S. ship-to address), so that I can add your user ID to the Bidder Requirements Exemption List (BREL).

  The BREL unblocks your non-US userID for all of my current and future listings. You only need to ask once. Your ID remains in the BREL indefinitely. This is completely different than PABA (Pre-Approved Bidder Auctions), which require a new permission for each listing. I don't run PABA auctions.
   
• Tracking Required, which means EMS
  Because I require detailed tracking (a policy confirmed by actual experience), the least expensive shipping method is apt to be USPS Global Express Mail (EMS), and it is rarely less than USD$20.00.
   
• Five (5) Items per Shipment
  The USPS has a strict limit of 5 line items per EMS shipment. Although I offer discounted combined shipments, if you win/BIN more than five declarable items, they will require separate parcels. I will quote/invoice for maximum economy, but there will be a price bump for item #6. Caution: a single lot of items (one eBay auction) may include more than 5 declarable items, and require multiple EMS shipments.
   
• Get a customized Invoice
  If I don't send one, you need to request a customized Invoice so that the correct shipping amount is reported, particularly for combined shipments. If you just execute a check-out, eBay is likely to overcharge you for shipping. You can reduce it to our agreed amount, but the PayPal packing slip will reflect the original higher amount, and you may needlessly pay excess duties/taxes. This is a PayPal software defect, and I am unable to override the S&H amount they report.
   
• Declared Value = eBay Final Value
  Customs paperwork, if required, is made out for "Other" (and not "Gift"), with generalized and specific descriptions of the shipment and the item, and for the precise amount of the auction (excluding shipping, unless you request otherwise). This may cause your parcel to be held for extra taxes and other charges, particularly in the U.K. I include two copies of the PayPal packing slip, or my own pro-forma pre-paid invoice in the customs sleeve.
   
• HS Tariff Codes
  If I can't quickly determine it, I will need you to tell me what the HS Tariff Number (Harmonized Schedule Tariff code) is for the item. If you have purchased the same item type from other international sources, you may find that number on old paperwork. Some HST codes used with recent export shipments:

  852410	Phonograph Records (LPs, EPs, 45s, 7-in.)
  852432	Discs for laser reading systems: For reproducing sound only (CDs)

• Your Telephone Number
  I will need your phone number prior to shipment. It is entered on the CP 72/PS Form 2976-A, so that your country's Customs can contact you about any issues on landing. If you don't provide the phone number, I will obtain it by executing a request for Contact Info from eBay. You also receive a copy of the C.I. report.
   
• Payment must be in U.S. Dollars
  PayPal is preferred.
  Money orders are acceptable only if they are all of:
  ¤ pink,
  ¤ international,
  ¤ postal (issued by your national post), and
  ¤ denominated in U.S. Dollars.
   
• Send me a URL for your Post
  I need to be able to validate and standardize your ship-to address on-line (usually, via a look-up page on your national postal service site), and later track it. Please include a URL when requesting an Exemption. I already have this information for Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain, Taiwan and the U.K.
   
• Customs Preview
  In addition to the tracking number and URL I routinely email to buyers at dispatch, on international shipments I attach to that email a PDF of the CP 72/PS Form 2976-A Customs Dispatch Note.
   
• Vultures at the gate ...
  You are responsible for any Duties, VAT, taxes or other government import fees. These are usually collected by the carrier when, or after, the shipment clears Customs. If you haven't done international mail-order before, be aware that these fees can be substantial, and I have no way of estimating them. Any refund will not include these fees, but I will render assistance if you can claim a refund from your government.
   
• ... and trolls under the bridge
  You are responsible for any Customs brokerage, handling or holding fees, often charged by government postal services and private express carriers. These fees are also charged after Customs clearance, can also be substantial, and I have no way of estimating them. Any refund will not include these fees.
   
• Limited Time Offer
  PayPal's export label software codes international shipments for "return-if-unclaimed". If your shipment gets held for ransom by your provincial brigands, and you don't redeem it in a timely fashion, it may get sent back. If the shipment is unclaimed or refused, I'll refund the auction final value (only).
   
• Language
  We must be able to communicate in English. If you don't read and write English, you may rely on the assistance of someone who does.

Beware of Sticker Shock
Adding in carrier, customs and brokerage fees, the final total cost of an international sale can easily be more than twice the winning bid for an item that closes for under US$50. An international auction of mine for an over-$100 item totalled 161% of final auction value at delivery. Keep this in mind before requesting a Buyer Requirements Exemption.

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