posted on September 22, 2005 07:52:13 PM new
Comments, suggestions, words of wisdom,
did I forget anything?, please.. on my newly revised "terms of sale"...Thanks in advance!
posted on September 22, 2005 08:03:51 PM new
i think it's too long and my eyes began to glaze over, as they usually do when i read a long TOS. try somehow to make it shorter. i'm just too tired to think of how. in one place, you have 24hours instead of 24 hours. nite nite
posted on September 22, 2005 08:48:09 PM new
I agree with VP- way too much detail. I wouldn't call it boring, but I would say that it sounds bossy and controlling. Why not keep it simple?
This is an auction, not a contract. Lose the lawyer-speak and just go with simple, honest terms. The buyers know they have to pay shipping. If they don't they're either trying to get away with something or stupid beyond belief.
Take a look at my auctions. I disclose everything up front, but it doesn't come off as rude or overly controlling. I cannot remember the last time I had a shipping problem of the kind you seem to be trying so hard to avoid.
--------------------------------------
Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on September 22, 2005 08:59:56 PM new
My first impulse we would be....
This seller is way too anal.
Now...
The last line is more than a bit haughty for someone selling on a generic auction site.
You don't have to tell people to feel free to go ahead and pay if the shipping is already available - they know that.
List your shipping! It will save you all those What is shipping to my area questions plus there is a growing group of buyers that just won't bother.
Dump the $1 packing fee line. It's confusing and will generate a half a dozen... Is the $1 included in the shipping cost or is that in addition to it emails
Basically - just be clear and consise and many people will not read the whole thing.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
- Term of sale is too wordy. Do you want people to spend their time reading the TOS, or examining the item for sale?
- State your city, not "Northeast USA"
- Delete "Other Shipping Options $0.00 UPS Standard service"
- I don't care seeing the Vendio Gallary above the item. Put the item above it.
posted on September 23, 2005 12:16:52 AM new
Please list it in black printing
<font color=black>
Put a space between your bullet points <p>. I was going cross-eyed trying to read it. On the longer lines I found myself just skimming reading only the first 10 words or so.
You may want to break it up a bit use <hr> for lines and separate your international terms.
You might reconsider paypal for international. You are covered if it's sent via fed-ex or via usps global express as those methods of shipping provide the necessary tracking for overseas sales.
I agree about losing the last line. It might turn off the good bidders and won't make any difference to the bad ones.
Having said all that you are very brave asking for critiques. I'm not certain I'd have a thick enough skin.
posted on September 23, 2005 02:06:33 AM new
Here's what I would do:
PAYMENT
Payment is due within 7 days of auctions end. A confirmed address is required for PayPal payments. We also accept checks and money orders, and will gladly combine shipping/insurance charges when possible. Pennsylvania buyers pay 6% sales tax or provide tax exempt number.
International bidders, please contact me for a shipping quote prior to bidding. BidPay is the only accepted payment method for international customers.
SHIPPING
Either a flat shipping rate or a calculated rate is available in the auction. If purchasing a single item, you may proceed with checkout if you like. If, for some reason, the shipping isn't stated, or if purchasing multiple items, I will send you an combined invoice within 24 hours.
QUESTIONS? Please ask prior to bidding, as we do not accept returns.
.....
Leave out your last line completely, and include the $1.00 handling in with your shipping rate. It'll just confuse people.
posted on September 23, 2005 05:17:49 AM new
"We reserve the right to cancel any bid or auction we feel interferes with the integrity of how we conduct business."
I honestly want to know, I'm not trying to be a smarty pants here, but what the heck do you mean with that statement? Then asking folks to bid with confidence, check my feedback? I agree with Fenix it does sound very pompus... I personally tend to blow right by auctions that have wording like what your proposing.... makes me nervous about the seller rather than comfortable. There is far to much stuff and way to many dealers on ebay to make anyone who stops in have to feel like they need a lawyer to buy my "whatever"... I want them to look read and feel comfortable enough with my words to look at all my listings.Those words you are thinking of would send me personally, packing... back clicking actually
posted on September 23, 2005 06:00:55 AM new
You should end this test asap - if I were to place a bid of $.01 on this painting, you would be obligated to sell it to me at that price. There's plenty of people who would have nothing better to do than bid on stuff like this.
My suggestions:
I like the layout itself.
Type needs to be black or dark blue.
Way too long - I like thedewey's suggestion on putting it in sections.
Way too detailed.
Eliminate handling cost info.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
Caroline