Bidbud.com - Contacting Sellers

How?
1) Email- This is of coarse the most common way to get in touch with a seller and it's probably the easiest method for communication. Email is quick and easy and it also provides hard proof of communication witha seller, if later on the transaction doesn't go as smoothly as you would have hoped. (e.g. Seller told you they had sent the package but the postage date states something different.)
2) Telephone- It's best to go this route after your emails have failed to elicit a response, especially if the item is of low value. Who wants to pay $5 for a long distance phone call in regards to an item worth only $10. A lot of times a person-to-person conversation can clear up a problem really fast too. If you have an issue with the item or transaction a friendly call can work wonders.
3) Snail mail- If you have to go this route you can request their contact information directly from eBay. Just remember that eBay also sends your information to the seller. This method is usually only used if you have exhausted all other methods of contact.

When is it appropriate?
Any time you are serious about an auction and are thinking of bidding. You should always ask questions before you bid. If you are unsure about something in the description then ask about it before placing a bid. You can also get an indication of a seller's promptness and reliability. If a seller takes a long time to reply or doesn't at all then that's a good sign that you shouldn't have anything to do with them. Here are some examples of when it's appropriate to contact a seller:
- To clarify the seller's shipping and handling charges or policies (e.g. who will be paying for it, how much it will cost, what are the various shipping options). Insurance and escrow are other considerations that might require further explanation.
-To find out more about the merchandise. If an item description is too vague or is missing important information..
-To find out more about the seller. This helps you come to a decision about whether this is a person you want to conduct a transaction with. Proceed with caution if a seller is hesitant about providing his or her full name in a return email.
-To clarify feedback. If a seller's feedback includes a negative then it's your right to ask for clarification. Remember: there are two sides to every story.
-To inform the seller that you're the winning bidder. Touching base with the seller asking for the final payment amount and include your address as well as the auction number let's the seller know that you are organized and on top of things.
-To deal with problems associated with the transaction. If you were not happy with something then it's your responsibility to let the seller know. Most sellers will go out of their way to make buyers happy. Remember, a happy buyer is a returning buyer.

When Is It Not Okay?
Lot's of sellers are busy people and don't have time to deal with people that aren't involved in their auctions. Please reframe from contacting sellers with frivolous questions or questions that have already been clearly answered in the description. It's usually not okay to contact a seller to:
- Ask question that are already answered in the sellers description of the item.
- Contact a seller asking them to sell you an item off eBay.
- Ask the seller to end an auction early if it seems you are the only bidder. Some bidders don't come into play until the final minuets of the auction.
- Send follow up emails if the seller hasn't contacted you within the hour. Some sellers might only check their email once a day, sending multiple emails just makes more work for the seller.
- Send multiple emails. If you have 10 questions that need to be answered, send them all in one email not 10 separate emails.
- Send rude comments or make person attacks on a seller if a transaction hasn't gone right. Acting professional and sticking
to the facts well provided a lot more useful.