Some of my readers know that I mediate eBay disputes as a contracted mediator for SquareTrade.  I recently ran across When Things Go Wrong: How to Resolve eBay Disputes by online auction enthusiast Kirsten Hawkens and I share it with you because the advice is sound.

I believe many online auction problems that initially look worrisome can be resolved if buyers and sellers communicate directly and without threats that can escalate the conflict.  I think it’s also worth mentioning that careful buying and selling practices (always buy insurance, always offer insurance, send payment via a trackable method, etc.) really reduce the likelihood of a problem with your transaction.