You've found a buyer for your cherry pitter in California, but
    you are in New York.  How can you send him the item and make
    sure you get paid?  Conversely, how can he be certain that
    he'll receive the item in good working order?  A few people
    choose to avoid this problem by not doing business by mail.
    In reality, they lose out by staying away from a very large
    market for their goods.

  Every day, perhaps a hundred or more successful transactions
    take place on the Usenet Marketplace.  Most of the time,
    everything goes smoothly.  Occasionally, however, problems
    arise.  It is your job, whether buyer or seller, to catch any
    potential problems as early as possible.  Thus, it is a good
    idea to check and double-check all aspects of a sale long
    before any packages are sent.

***The Number One Problem:  Miscommunication***

  Fraud is very rare on the Usenet Marketplace.  Much more often,
    the transaction has problems because the buyer and seller
    didn't know exactly what was going on.  Before you discuss
    shipping arrangements, make sure both parties know the exact
    description of the transaction--

	What exactly is being sold?
	If it is a computer item, will it work in the buyer's
		system?
	How will it be shipped and paid for?
	When will it be shipped and paid for?
	What are the conditions of returning the item if it
		doesn't work?
	What is the other party's correct street address and
		phone number?

  If your questions meet resistance from the other party, be
    wary.  Both parties should be as open as possible in order to
    complete a successful transaction.  Some experienced buyers
    also make it a policy to call the phone number to confirm its
    existence for added safety, although this isn't necessary in
    most cases.  Finally, we strongly urge you to get a current
    street address, even if it isn't the shipping address.  In
    the exceedingly unlikely event that you need to file a
    lawsuit, this will save a lot of hassle later.

  Above all, ask questions now, _before_ the sale takes place!
    If you are clear on the details beforehand, and if you are
    sure the item will do what it is supposed to, both parties
    will be happier in the end.  If you're not satisfied with the
    answers to your questions, then ask more questions, and don't
    be afraid to cancel the sale.  If you think the person on the
    other end of the line may cheat you, then don't give him the
    opportunity.

  In summary, make sure that both sides:

	.Are clear about the goods or services being exchanged
	.Have provided detailed contact information
	.Agree on implied warranties and return conditions
	.Understand the shipping arrangements, especially when
		the items or payment will be shipped

  If you have a problem later, it will be much easier to resolve
    if you have this information documented.  Save a hard copy of
    all e-mail and written correspondence.