As disorganized as I am, I have some fairly strict guidelines I follow when trading, buying or selling on the Internet.

If you wish to do a deal with me, please adhere to these guidelines and expect the same from me.

1. When a deal is made, get to the post office. I mail my items within 24 hours and expect the same. If this isn't possible, an "I will mail the cards on Saturday"  should suffice.

2. Use packaging suitable to protect the items.

3. You pay your postage, I pay mine.

4. If either party is dissatisfied with items received, the deal is off. Each sends the items in same condition back in same or equivalent packaging. You pay your postage, I pay mine.

5. Payment by money order guarantees immediate shipment. If a buyer takes the time and money to obtain a money order, that means he/she doesn't want to wait for a check to clear. In addition, the buyer is extending trust and should receive fast service.

6. The seller may choose to wait for personal checks to clear before sending items. Buyers who send personal checks should expect to wait an additional 5 - 10 days on top of shipping time. I usually wait unless I am dealing for small amounts or with a regular trader who has established a good reputation.

7. Communicate. Let the other party know when you send and receive items of mail. Return all emails inquiring about the status of a deal.

8. Support good and bad trader lists by documenting your experiences on them. Same goes for Auction comments at eBay and other such places.

9. Always give a trader ample opportunity to clear-up a deal before placing him/her on a bad trader list. Many "bad" deals are simply the result of misunderstandings and procrastination. There are several traders I won't put on my good trader list, but I won't put them on a bad trader list either. If a trader rips me off or fails to honor an auction bid, I will ask them several times to make good, wait two weeks, and then proceed to report them to every bad trader list I can find.

It is a good idea to print-out emails related to the deal and include them in mailings.