#1 Accurate descriptions
#2 Good pictures, (no pictures, no sale, that's my personal policy, I don't care who you are or what your reputation...this is even MORE true for cue dealers in my view. Their job description includes pictures IMHO, I won't do business with somebody I know already can't do the minimum of their job description, even a stellar reputation does not replace pictures IMHO)
#3 Good communication, open communication
#4 Secure, traceable transaction (different people feel differently about this, and there are common misunderstanding about some things like money orders, I like Paypal)
#5 Expect to "give" a little on your first sale. Maybe a little on price, maybe a little on terms. Reputation is everything here and it takes some transactions to establish that
#6 Look at iTrader numbers, but DO NOT think that means everything, and if a buyer or seller seems to feel their higher iTrader in any way gives them any advantage over you STOP THE DEAL, do not be bullied. There most certainly are rip-off artists with lots of great iTrader ratings. Everybody is on equal footing IMHO. I say again, DO NOT be bullied. Warning signs: "I have a high iTrader so you have to do X, Y, and Z." You don't have to do anything at all and they are in no position to dictate to you. (I already said above that if you have no reputation yet then there will likely be some small concessions, this is not what I am talking about here.)
#7 Use an escrow service if there is any question about the product or the deal
#8 Learn how to pack a cue for shipping, there is lots on the forums about it.
#9 Use shipping insurance
#10 Make sure you actually discuss the possibility of the deal being bad for any reason and how that should be handled. Both parties should be fully aware of what the terms are in this regard. Leave as little as possible open to question.
Important: If anything makes you uncomfortable resolve it immediately or STOP the transaction. Don't vacillate, don't him-haw around.
And finally: Screw the Golden Rule. Do unto others BETTER than you would have them do unto you.
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