What You Want

I really don't understand why some sellers post the details of their transactions -- like the buyer's full name and what he/she bought. If I were the buyer, I certainly would not want that. It's like going to the mall and buying something, and the saleslady going to the PA system and announcing to everyone "Attention! Miss Jane Doe just bought panties sized XXL."

Come to think of it, it's worse. A mall announcement like that will only be heard by the people present. But these people are occupied with their shopping or with their kids, so most likely the information will enter one ear and pass out the other, unprocessed by the brain. The same is not true online. The information we post will be seen by potentially thousands of people. I know these sellers mean well -- they want to show everyone that they're active sellers and are not scammers. But please, let's respect our buyers' privacy.

One more thing that turns me off is the negativity of many sites. It's common to see statements like "If you can't pay blah blah blah, then don't bid/buy." Then there are halls of shame and blog posts declaring war against bogus buyers. Maybe I'm just naive since I'm still a new seller (I just started actively selling last February) but I don't like the negative vibes of those sites. I know those sellers are angry at the bogus buyers and are just releasing their rage, but I don't think it's good business ethics to air out your dirty laundry. Whatever misunderstandings you and your buyer have should be between you two, and are nobody else's concern.

Besides, I believe in the saying "You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar." Sure, some customers are tough, but that's business, even in the real world. So instead of making them your enemies, win them over with your patience and good-naturedness, while sticking to your terms. Who knows, those bogus buyers might end up being your biggest customers in the future, so better not burn any bridges. Just shrug off those misunderstandings and treat yourself to a life with less stress :)