Seller Responsibility

Choosing a Price

Factoring in Fees

Describing the Condition

Price referencing multiple websites is a great way to stay informed. 

If you are on this site, then you already started your price reference journey. Other websites to consider might be Amazon, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Mercari. 

Keep in mind that some active listings can be set ridiculously high. It might be helpful to reference sold listings more than active listings. 

Make sure to thoroughly investigate prices before deciding on a final asking price. If you sell a product at X price, and then later realize it was potentially worth more, that's on you. It's not the buyer's responsibility to pay the loss difference. If they are kind enough to help you out, then that's their choice but you cannot coerce a buyer into paying you more than what you originally quoted.

Some fees to consider might be the cost of shipping, the cost of additional insurance add on, the cost of seller fees (think eBay, Mercari, and PayPal who take a percentage of your sale), and so on. 

Technically, the customer is not responsible for any of the above fees. You must explicitly state your intention to have the customer cover these costs and you must do your research to provide an accurate quote. 

If you miscalculate the cost of the above fees, then it's up to the kindness of the buyer to pay the difference of what you misjudged. If the buyer doesn't want to compensate you for your mistake, then it consider the loss a lesson learned for the next sale.

When it doubt, write it out. 

The first description to provide is whether the product is new or used. Additional details include wear and tear, scratches, dents, rips, stains, and other noticeable damage. 

Providing Photos or Video

Refunding Partially or in Full

Communicating Until the End

Alongside providing an accurate description of product, you should also provide clear photos or video. Visible record of your product helps others make informed decisions regarding buying from or trading with you.

A great rule of thumb is to take as many close up photos as possible, but some farther away photos are just as helpful.

If possible, providing videos depicting the product in multiple angles and ranges of view (far away, up close or top, bottom, sides) is useful too.

In the case of mailing, taking photos of the letter or package gives the buyer an opportunity to confirm the mailing address looks correct before you mail. Photos of the parcel is a form of proof that you are going to follow through on your end of the deal. Another proof to consider is a video of yourself mailing the letter or dropping off the package to your chosen carrier. 

Of course, your default proof should always be a valid tracking number from the carrier.

Not everything goes as planned, but that's why you have a backup plan: refunds.

If the buyer doesn't receive their purchase(s), then the seller is responsible. This means that the money is not yours until there's proof of a successful delivery.

If something unexpected happens, then the first step is to investigate the matter. 

Is it a lost package? You will need to contact the carrier to follow up on the lost package. This only works if you mailed with tracking. If you did not mail with tracking, then the buyer is automatically entitled to a full refund because you don't have proof of delivery.

If you did have tracking, then the carrier might be able to recover the lost package. Worst case scenario, the carrier will reimburse you based on your package insurance if the lost package is not retrievable. If your package did not include insurance, then you will suffer a loss in money as you are still responsible for refunding your buyer regardless.

Was the package successfully delivered but there's damaged or missing contents? If the damage or missing contents seems to be the carrier's fault, then follow up with the carrier. If your package has insurance, then you will be reimbursed. Otherwise, your options are to either have the buyer return the damaged goods for a refund or let them keep the damaged goods and you issue a full or partial refund. Both you and the buyer have to agree on the resolution as you cannot expect to fully dictate the outcome as the seller. If the contents are missing, then the buyer should be getting a full refund for the item or items that are missing.

Don't leave people in the dark about their purchases. The buyer is going to be eager to complete their purchase and to receive their package.

If you change your mind before a full agreement is made, let the buyer know. Leaving a person on read, completely avoiding their messages or blocking them so that communication ends permanently reflects poorly on  your business.

If there's going to be a shipping delay, say it. Let the buyer know the postponed date you plan to mail their purchase. Just don't delay shipping too many times.

Don't try to dictate the outcome. If the unexpected happens with a package, be fair about it. Give the buyer reasonable options to choose from but also be open to any reasonable suggestions from the buyer as well. 

Be as transparent as you can possibly be. Everything you can do on your end to be honest, fair, and transparent will build positive rapport. You want people to keep coming back.