What are the “recommended best practices” for sell and ship ?

miparu50

I am new to using forums to trade cards and any information on this would be very much appreciated.

After a seller and buyer agree on a price, what are “best practices” for doing the sell and ship part of the deal. Does buyer pay before it is shipped and “trust” it will be shipped ? Does seller ship before it is paid and “trust” it will be paid ?

I am hoping there are some generally accepted practices that are "fair and reasonable" for both sides

JoeBanzai

Welcome to the boards!
YEARS AGO, sellers would send cards to you "on approval" and you could send them the money or send the cards back.
With eBay, you pay for the card and the seller sends it to you.
If the card is "not as described" you can return it for a refund.

1951WheatiesPremium

@miparu50 said:
I am new to using forums to trade cards and any information on this would be very much appreciated.

After a seller and buyer agree on a price, what are “best practices” for doing the sell and ship part of the deal. Does buyer pay before it is shipped and “trust” it will be shipped ? Does seller ship before it is paid and “trust” it will be paid ?

I am hoping there are some generally accepted practices that are "fair and reasonable" for both sides

It is important to discuss and clearly state everything ahead of time. But I think this is good advice:

1 - Vet your other transactor, thoroughly inspect item and ask/answer condition questions before you agree on a price. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting/sending and get/use hi res scans if you can or multiple photos. If it’s the first transaction between parties, use of PayPal Goods and Services is recommended. It gives some protections to both parties. (Can be waived for established/trusted sellers.)

2 - ‘Buyer pays, then card ships’ is pretty standard, procedurally.

3 - Seller ‘wraps’ the item to protect it well and ships it in a padded mailer. ‘Wraps’ meaning it includes a corrugated cardboard sandwich around the item or bubble wrap - and often a combination. The item should be shipped quickly and with tracking.

4 Good manners and confirmation of receipt/arrival.

Hope it helps

miparu50

Thanks a whole bunch !!!

PatriotTrading

Buyer should always pay first. Use a payment service that offers both buyer and seller protection. Paypal usually fits the bill. Get vouches from others of the seller. Google them and check social media groups if possible. When offering items for sale, always add the shipping price or a simple "buyer pays shipping". Remember International and odd size items are always more expensive. You can use plain white envelopes with a top loader and penny sleeve for really cheap cards. Otherwise a bubble envelope works. For larger items like sets, USPS Priority Mail boxes usually work fine. Always use tracking. For items over $200 or more, signature confirmation is good.

PatriotTrading

Also, blue painter's tape is recommended. Package and protect your items securely.