In a message dated 9/6/02 6:06:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM writes:

<<  It is best when sellers on the list post a sales price. >>

I agree with this totally. I have a small Classified section in my webpage. I
only accept postings with price and locations unless it is a parting out ad.

<<  For the newbies on  buying on the list, take heed:  a posted price is one
where the seller is up front and not afraid of competition.  As to the parts
listed with no price?  When you pmail for a price, you have already worked to
get information. >>

Another good point.

<< Oh yes, as to shipping---Unless you want to pay Mailboxes Inc double the
UPS rate to ship UPS, plus a boxing/packing fee, tell your seller or buyer
who pays what and from which shipper---FedEX, UPS, or USPS.  If you ship UPS
or FedEx, never go to Mailboxes Inc.  They double UPS rates!  Use the
Customer Counter at UPS or FedEx.  I received a large pkg. from Victoria B.C.
that cost US$8.00 via Canada Post.  But, the same item shipped from Pa. would
be $16.00.     Why? >>

This is sometimes a question of logistics. I once bought some stuff from a
fellow who had to drive to a customer counter which was 45 miles away. Mail
Boxes etc. was a few blocks away from him. Another example: My UPS counter
only opens until 5pm. My Office Depot UPS counter is open until 9pm. They
charge the same as the UPS counter anyway. Ask your seller first. When I sell
stuff on ebay, it will say exactly what the shipping terms are including the
type of service I will use. It eliminates misunderstandings.

<<  Because the seller also wanted to get paid for putting the item in a box.
This is a sore point with me---it is like paying to park at or enter a Yard
Sale.   >>

I can understand your frustration with this in some situations. However, in
some cases, the seller has no choice but to do this. For instance, I sold
some wheels which had to be shipped. It required 2 large boxes plus a ton of
packing material. I made it very clear in my auction that I needed the extra
cash to use for supplies. They did not have to buy if they did not like the
terms which was in predisclosed. I changed $5 for each box. They actually
cost me $5 plus tax. So about $5.45. Plus I used a whole roll of tape which
was about $3. Packing peanuts I get for free. Plastic bubble wrap I get for
free. My labor they get for free. I've done this on ebay and on the list
hundreds of times. I have hundreds of positive feedbacks. Zero negative or
neutral.

My point is there are reasonable charges and there are rip-off charges. You
need to clarify your position and the seller's ahead of time. Happy trading.

BenT
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>