Before You Buy from an On Line Auction

Established auction sites such as eBay® state that there is recourse for buyers in the event of a misrepresented item. However, recently, buyers have begun to shy away from eBay® because the recourse has not proven satisfactory. The word is that if a seller is moving a large volume, then those recourse standards are often relaxed or even overlooked. If you believe that you have purchased an item that was misrepresented, you may file a complaint with the auction site, with PayPal and with the seller, but be sure you have all the facts and have read the details about the item before you begin bidding.

Some sellers seem to price their Delicas and other beads incredibly low, and there's a few reasons why. In some cases, it's just a matter of passing on their savings to you, since they have less overhead. Or, they could be selling you something other than what's represented, especially with the precious metal coated Delica beads or any vintage beads.<br><br> Be sure to work with a reputable seller to avoid problems with bead types and finishes. Check shipping prices closely; a $1.50 for 10 gms is no bargain if shipping is $10.00. eBay® has said it is cracking down on these sellers, but they are still some out there.

Most reputable sellers will ship for the cost of the postal fees, plus perhaps an extra dollar or so to cover handling and packing, which is fine. Some sellers have a set price for shipping, because they know how much a package containing the quantity for sale will cost. However, some sellers do overcharge dramatically on shipping, so do keep an eye on this before you bid. If the shipping price is unclear before you bid, then clarify the amount in dollars and in writing with the seller, before you bid. Be sure to insure any expensive items. If insurance isn't offered or available, skip that seller; something's fishy.

Handling charges usually include the cost of pulling and packing an order and the materials used to send the order. On a small bead order, expect to pay between $1.50 - $3.00 for handing. Some sellers don't charge anything - they have built that cost into the price of their items.<br.<br>In the case of fragile beads such as hollow glass or anything vintage, be sure to request extra packaging and extra padding, although again, a reputable seller will provide this for you. However, if you request much more than the "basics" be prepared to pay an additional couple of dollars for the security. Don't forget the insurance!

Look at quantity/price ratio. Most Delicas are sold in quantities of between 7.5 and 10 gms. Precious metal Delicas are sold in smaller quantities, but again, only buy these from reputable sellers. A basic knowledge of lampworking is desirable, and keep an eye out for Self-Representitng Artists, as these are independant artists making beads, and not importers of mass-made beads from China. Know your sizes in mm and inches, too and read the fine print on the size of any beads.Make sure the auction list the bead size, or give you something to judge scale by in the pictures, such as a coin.

No real rules apply to the designation "vintage" when it comes to beads. Most sellers use that phrase for items that are between 20-30 years old. Some sellers describe an item as "vintage" if it is 50 years old or younger, and call it "antique after 50 years. Beware if the price is very high, and do a little research on the shape, type and kind of bead before you bid. Make sure that you will be allowed to return the beads if they are not up to your expectations and get that in writing (e-mail is OK). Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

Being able to return beads if they turn out to be not as described should be an ironclad guarantee by the seller. You should be able to return something as simple as a hank of regular seed beads or something as pricy as a handmade bead. Even hanks or strands of true vintage beads should be returnable if they are not as described and will not meet with your collection requirements as they are. Some sellers do have an "all sales final" policy, but pass them by. Do expect to pay return postage unless you have made advance arrangements with the seller.

That will depend on the seller. Some will only accept PayPal, some will take money orders by US mail only. Many sellers accept checks, but be prepared to wait about 10 days after the seller receives the check, in order for it to clear your bank. Just remember: don't send cash by "snail mail" as you have no way to track it. For added security, ask your seller to use a plain box and to leave of any reference to gems, jewels, jewelry, gold, etc. on the shipping box to reduce mail theft potential.