Conduct your auction business politely, honestly, use good communication at all times, and you'll do well with online auctions. If not, you'll rack up negative feedback comments quickly. Sounds simple, but hey, we all need a reminder now and then. It's all about positive dealings with other people, not just about positive feedback. The web experience (for most users) is still less than a decade old, and it's up to all of us to determine whether it's a positive or negative force in the universe. Well, we choose positive, of course. If you feel the same way, then CONGRATULATIONS! You may be an auction expert, or at the least, a very cool person. Read on for valuable tips on how to "make friends and influence people"... or at least on how to become a kind and wise auction user with a Ginormous positive feedback rating... All of our advice is good for both buyers and sellers, so be sure to read the full article. Buyer Complaints When you bid on something, what irritates you the most... not being responded to in a timely fashion? If so, then answer e-mails to your own buyers quickly. Do you get furious when sellers take 3 1/2 weeks to send you the item, and never e-mail once to let you know what is happening? Make sure and ship your own auction goods quickly, and communicate if a problem arises. Seller Complaints As a seller, what REALLY gets you mad- a bidder using BUY IT NOW to buy the Hope Diamond or other high demand rarity from you, who then balks about the extra 25 cents in shipping fees you mentioned 8 times in your description? Auction descriptions are legal contracts once they have been bid on- you always have the choice not too bid, but once you win, it's too late to back out. Be courteous when considering a bid. Read all the auction terms...
if you win you should honor the fine print without negotiation. Next part: Bidder Guidelines | 
