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Olde Mac Milt's Auction Policies and Helpful Information
The following is provided to help enlighten you about Olde Mac Milt's policies regarding eBay auctions (and eBay Store Sales) and provide other helpful guidance with your eBay purchase. My apologies for the long document, but eBay prohibits more than one link to such information.
- Olde Mac Milt and Your Winning Bid
- Olde Mac Milt's Buy It Now Thoughts
- Olde Mac Milt's Electronic Payment Options
- Olde Mac Milt's Paper Payment Options
- Olde Mac Milt's Shipping Information
- Buy With Confidence from Olde Mac Milt (Guarantee & Refund Policies)
- Olde Mac Milt's Comments About Item Condition
- Send Olde Mac Milt Your Questions or Comments
Olde Mac Milt and Your Winning Bid
It is important to understand that Olde Mac Milt does not sit at his computer 24 hours a day, waiting for the next auction to close. He is a one person business and wears many hats, including President and CEO, Equipment Acquisition Manager, Chief Equipment Testing Technician, Inventory Manager, Packaging Clerk, Janitor and others too numerous to list. The Janitor does not do much work, but is responsible for all important decisions ;o).
The following are general guidelines regarding contact from Olde Mac Milt after you win an auction:
- You will normally be sent a winning bidder email from Olde Mac Milt within 24 hours after the auction ends. This is usually done late at night, since Olde Mac Milt is a night owl and a day's worth of auctions can be processed at one time. Saturday evening is normally reserved for some recreation and Sunday for family time and some recuperation. The response time may be extended during these weekend periods. Holiday periods will be similar to weekend response intervals.
At times Olde Mac Milt must travel to acquire equipment. This may extend the contact period to 48 hours. Similarly, during times of traditional holidays (Christmas, New Years, etc.) the contact period may also be extended to 48 hours.
Do not hesitate to make initial contact after you have won an auction (such as via eBay Checkout). Providing your name and shipping address, your eBay User ID and PayPal email address (if you prefer that payment option) in advance is helpful. To facilitate matters, please include the auction number in the subject header of your email. Subject headers like "I Won" that are sent from an email address other than your registered eBay email address are not overly helpful and tend to get lost in the shuffle of over a hundred Emails a day.
Olde Mac Milt's Buy It Now Thoughts
Olde Mac Milt believes that the Buy It Now option provides benefits to bidders. These include the opportunity to acquire an item now, without having to wait for an auction to close; time savings in not having to "baby-sit" an auction until it closes (wondering if you will win or not; wondering if you should also bid elsewhere or not) and the opportunity to win an auction without the frustrations of being sniped at the last minute in regular bidding.
Please be sure to read the information in the above section Olde Mac Milt and Your Winning Bid regarding timing of response and contact. Because you bought it right now, please understand that I cannot always respond to you right now.
Olde Mac Milt's Electronic Payment Options
To facilitate payment by winning bidders, Olde Mac Milt accepts electronic payments via the services described below - PayPal and Western Union Money Transfers. While other services exist, it is not reasonable for Olde Mac Milt to subscribe to, and monitor, a variety of services. The services below were selected because of their availability and the variety of payment options they provide. With each of these methods, shipment will normally occur on the next Post Office business day after receipt of payment confirmation by Olde Mac Milt. The descriptions below provide some thoughts regarding each service and when they might be most applicable.
PayPal is Olde Mac Milt's preferred method of electronic payment by domestic buyers and is now available to International Buyers in Selected Countries.
- Currently used by over 90% of Olde Mac Milt's winning bidders.
- Currently limited to buyers with credit cards and/or checking accounts drawn on U.S. banks and International Buyers in Selected Countries via credit card or debit card.
- Free - No charges to you as the buyer.
- Flexible - You can pay for auction or non-auction winnings. This is particularly important if you want to acquire additional items to save on shipping costs. (Heck, they say you can even pay your rent with their service, but I am not your landlord...)
- Privacy and security of information maintained on their site (a big concern to Olde Mac Milt) - Appears to be well done and I am comfortable with it.
Western Union Money Transfers are available to many international buyers who choose not to use on-line electronic payment services.
- Available to international buyers in a great variety of countries. Western Union sends a money order by wire transfer that I can pick up at a local business.
- Does not require the use of a credit card or bank account. You can safely pay in cash.
- Fees - You will be assessed a charge for using the service, but it may well be less than the cost of a money order in your country and shipment will be faster. Check with your local Western Union office to determine the fee.
- Flexible - You can pay for auction or non-auction winnings. This is particularly important if you want to acquire additional items to save on shipping costs.
- Privacy and security of information - You determine how much personal financial information you want to provide Western Union based upon the form of payment you use.
Olde Mac Milt's Paper Payment Options
For paper payments (sent via the Postal Service), I only accept Money Orders and Cashiers Checks as payment (of course, good olde green cash always qualifies). Personal or business checks (from US buyers only) in an amount less than $100 will be accepted if one or more of the following applies, and the payment is received within the time frame specified in the Auction Terms section of the auction listing:
- eBay Rating - Winning bidders with an eBay rating of 30 or above with no negative feedback may pay by personal or business check.
- Repeat Customers - Regular repeat customers that have made such arrangements may pay by personal or business check.
- Large Corporation - If you are a large corporation, such as Apple Computer, I will accept your purchase order and/or business check in any amount.
Domestic Money Orders are available from any U.S. Post Office at a cost of less than one dollar in amounts up to $500. Many grocery stores and convenience stores (Safeway and 7-11 are examples in my neighborhood) also offer money orders for a similar charge. Money Orders normally cost less than Cashiers Checks.
Olde Mac Milt's Shipping Information
Olde Mac Milt prefers to ship via United States Postal Service's Priority Mail or Parcel Post in the United States and International Air Mail elsewhere. However, I will try to accommodate your needs and preferences. Other shipping options are available, as described below, and may be preferable for heavier items
Regardless of the shipping method, the buyer assumes all responsibility for the package after it has been placed in the hands of the carrier (USPS, FedEx, etc.) by Olde Mac Milt. If you have any concerns about a carrier's ability to properly deliver the package, please request appropriate features to help ensure safe delivery (such as insurance, certified mail, etc.) - see below for more details.
If payment is not received within the terms specified in the listing under Auction Terms, or Olde Mac Milt files a Dispute with eBay for non-payment, shipping will be via a method that includes a tracking number. This includes such methods as USPS Express Mail, UPS or FedEx.
Due to a hectic schedule with irregular hours it is very difficult to arrange personal pickup of items. Consequently, items are shipped only as stated in the auction listings and this document.
Olde Mac Milt consolidates shipping costs for multiple items whenever possible. Total shipping and handling charges are computed as follows:
- Shipping and Handling - This amount is normally stated in the auction listing for shipping via Priority Mail or Parcel Post in the United States. For other shipping options this cost is composed of the actual shipping charge plus a handling fee. Heavy and/or awkward items, such as monitors and printers, will incur a packaging charge based upon the use of in-place foam in addition to the shipping charge.
- Return Receipt For Merchandise - All shipments via the Postal Service greater than or equal to $100.00 nay require a Return Receipt for both your protection and Olde Mac Milt's. The Return Receipt provides proof of shipment and delivery. The charge is $3.00 for domestic shipments.
Insurance - All shipments greater than or equal to $100.00 will require insurance. Olde Mac Milt packs items to handle most shipping conditions. However, the shipping Godzillas can be creative. If you want to protect your investment, insurance is recommended. Postal Service insurance (for domestic shipments) up to $100 in value is $3.00, up to $200 is $4.00, up to $300 is $5.00 and up to $400 is $6.00.
Other Features - Any other features, such as Certified Mail or Registered Mail, are computed at the rate for the service, plus approximately $1.00 to $1.50 to complete the forms. Olde Mac Milt is not fond of the USPS Delivery Confirmation. It proves very little and can be misleading. If it is not scanned at either end it can indicate either a lack of shipment or lack of receipt of the package. On the receiving end, it provides no indication of who received the package. Your neighbor with the big, bad dogs may have it, but that does you no good. In a trial test, with regular buyers, I found that over 10% of the items were not properly scanned upon receipt of the package.
International Shipment - Shipments outside of the United States and its possessions will also incur an International Shipment Handling Fee. This amount is $2.50 for Canada and $5.00 elsewhere. This charge reflects the typical time invested to identify the appropriate shipping alternative and costs and prepare the proper forms. At Olde Mac Milt's option, international shipments may also incur a $1.00 Certificate of Mailing fee. Also, please be aware that requesting additional features (such as insurance) for international shipments can add significantly to the shipping costs (particularly if the package is less than 4 pounds). It is related to the way that international shipments are processed and handled. I am always willing to provide winning bidders the estimated cost for options they may desire. The value stated on the Customs forms will always be the total of your purchase price, but excludes shipping and handling.
A note about The US Postal System. We all like to bash the US Postal System (USPS). It is the American thing to do! However, I have been very satisfied with their performance. Out of over 11,000 shipments, I have mailed only two packages that were not received by the recipient (could be with the neighbors with the big, bad dogs). A few have been returned to me because they were not claimed on the other end. I have had only 6 instances of any damage to items.
However. The USPS is atrocious in their implementation of technology. Most of their forms cannot be processed through a Laser printer. This means that forms must be completed by hand. All of their forms (at least those that I use) provide three lines for name and address. Forget printing a business or international address on one of these, even if they could have been processed through a Laser Printer.
The above costs and descriptions are for shipping via United States Postal Service. Similar costs will apply to other shipping options.
Shipping Options
Priority Mail This is Olde Mac Milt's preferred shipping alternative. It is convenient, delivers on Saturday at no additional charge, and, according to a Consumer Reports article, is the most gentle. Typical delivery time is 2 to 3 days. Approximately 99% of all Olde Mac Milt's domestic shipments are via Priority Mail.
Parcel Post With the advent of postal rate increases as of July, 2002 this has become a viable alternative for some packages (particularly in the 3 to 5 pound range, and greater than 13 pounds). Don't ask me how the Postal System decides on its rate structures ;o) Delivery time is typically in the 3 to 7 day range (the farther away you are, the longer it takes).
FedEx and UPS Olde Mac Milt will use these alternatives at your request, or for very heavy items. A minimum $15.00 handling charge will be assessed, as these services are not convenient in the rural area where I reside.
FedEx Ground This alternative is available for heavier shipments (greater than 30 pounds) only. FedEx Ground is Olde Mac Milt's preference for heavier packages. Shipping and handling charges are similar to those for Priority Mail, as discussed above. This option automatically provides a tracking number. Insurance up to $100 in value is free. FedEx Ground deliveries charged to your account will incur a $5.00 handling fee in addition to the handling charges as described previously. You will be responsible for all pickup charges that may be assessed by FedEx. Please make sure you have the proper understanding with FedEx regarding these charges.
FedEx This alternative is available for those individuals that require rapid delivery and prefer FedEx. This option automatically provides a tracking number. FedEx deliveries charged to your account will incur a $5.00 handling fee in addition to the handling charges discussed above. You will be responsible for all pickup charges that may be assessed by FedEx. Please make sure you have the proper understanding with FedEx regarding these charges.
UPS Ground This alternative is available for heavier shipments (greater than 30 pounds) if it is your preference (it is not Olde Mac Milt's preference). Handling charges are similar to those as discussed above. This option automatically provides a tracking number. Shipping charges are based upon One-Time Pickup rates (since I do not have a UPS account) for residential delivery. Insurance up to $100 in value is free. UPS deliveries charged to your account will incur a $5.00 handling fee in addition to the handling charges as described previously. You will be responsible for all pickup charges that may be assessed by UPS. Please make sure you have the proper understanding with UPS regarding these charges.
Other Options Any other reasonable alternative will be considered, including shipment by slow boat to anywhere. International shipments typically go via International Air Mail or Parcel Post Air for heavier items (both from the US Postal Service). The choice is up to you, as long as I can reasonably accommodate it.
Buy With Confidence From Olde Mac Milt
Olde Mac Milt's objective is to sell items, ship them to a new home and everybody lives happily ever after. Every effort is made to test items (whenever possible) prior to sale and accurately describe items and their condition in the auction listings. However, life is not perfect and cases will arise where items do not function properly. When you buy from Olde Mac Milt you buy with complete confidence. The Guarantee Terms and Refund Policy provide the details.
Guarantee Terms
Items may be sold under one of Four different guarantees:
- Guaranteed for a stated period of time - These items have been tested and guaranteed to work for a specified period after arrival, such as 30 days (which is always calculated as beginning 5 days after the shipping date). Consumable items, such as batteries, are not covered (but are guaranteed to be working upon arrival unless otherwise stated in the auction listing).
- Guaranteed to be working upon arrival - These items have been tested and are guaranteed to work upon arrival. Sometimes referred to as Guaranteed Against DOA (Dead on Arrival).
Stated Condition - Items are guaranteed to be in the stated condition. This normally applies to items (such as disk hardware) that are not expected to have a failure rate.
As-Is - These items normally cannot be tested (because of the lack of related equipment or software) or have some known defect which is described in the auction listing. No returns or refunds are available for As-Is items. Please bid accordingly.
Olde Mac Milt's Guarantee is only valid if the item is paid for within the time period specified in the auction listing and the winning bidder email sent by Olde Mac Milt. International buyers are granted an additional 7 days for payment to arrive, if done through the postal service. To validate the guarantee, any motherboard over $40 in value must be insured by the buyer. See Olde Mac Milt's Shipping Information for insurance information.
Under no circumstances will Olde Mac Milt be responsible for any incidental damages related to the installation and/or use of items purchased from him. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that items purchased are appropriate for the intended use and properly installed. Improper handling or installation, or any damage caused by the buyer, will invalidate the guarantee.
Certain restrictions apply if you first have a package shipped to another person who then reships (or delivers) the package to you, or consolidates packages for shipment. Any guarantee applies only to the original shipment made by Olde Mac Milt. I cannot control how another person may handle the items for subsequent shipment to you, the buyer. Hence, if you have any concerns, you should have the original recipient test any items prior to final delivery to you.
Refund Policy
If an item covered by a guarantee fails to properly function during the guarantee period Olde Mac Milt, at his discretion, will either replace the item or refund the full purchase price (exclusive of handling and shipping charges). Whenever possible, a replacement will be provided. Return shipping cost is at the expense of the buyer. Replacement shipping cost is at the expense of Olde Mac Milt. Any refunds will be mailed promptly.
If an item is returned as being defective, but proves to be in working condition (or any other condition as may be described in the auction listing), the item, if accepted, will be subject to a retention by Olde Mac Milt of 30% of the purchase price (exclusive of handling and shipping charges), but not less than $5.00 ($12.00 for electronics that require retesting). This retention reflects the time and costs of selling the item on eBay, the time and effort required to deliver the item to you (correspondence, packaging, delivery for shipment), communication after shipping the item (communication to you, feedback on eBay), correspondence related to the return, retesting the item (if appropriate) and the actual refund of money. Shipping and handling charges are not refunded. The balance of the purchase price, less payment fees (if any), will be refunded promptly.
Olde Mac Milt's Comments About Item Condition
Almost all items sold by Olde Mac Milt are used. They usually are not in "like new" condition. While they are usually in very good shape, they are not perfect. The condition statement does not describe minor scuffs, dings, yellowing etc. that do not affect function or overall suitability. Significant defects, if any, will always be described. Obviously, the decision as to what is significant is subjective. I try to be conservative in my approach. If you have concerns, the best I can do is recommend that you read comments in my eBay feedback profile (see link above) to see what others say about my judgment.
Batteries on motherboards may either be missing or in "as is" condition. If you are replacing a defective motherboard, you may well have a working battery available. Be aware that some motherboards like the Quadra/Centris 610, Quadra/Centris 660, Quadra 605, Performa/LC 475 and PowerMac and Performa 6100 series require a working battery for the motherboard to function. If you need a good source of fair priced batteries, check out Other World Computing
The following are typical terms and phrases used in the description of an item's condition.
- Removed from working equipment or In good physical shape - Since these items are used they may show some signs of wear or age such as minor scuffs, dings or yellowing (depending upon the type of item). However, such wear or other imperfections are not significant and do not limit the functionality of the item. In the case of electronic items (such as motherboards) it also means that they have been "Tested and working fine" - see the next entry.
Tested and working fine - For electronic components (motherboards, video cards, SIMMs, etc.) I subject items to testing by connecting them to appropriate equipment and powering up the equipment. I test common functions, such as an Ethernet card's ability to connect to a file server and the ADB, video and printer ports on a motherboard. I do not necessarily test all possible combinations of functions, such as all the possible resolutions available on a video card. I do not connect equipment to special testing machines and test all possible functions. If you are looking for that level of comfort, you will either have to place faith in my guarantee or go to one of the high-priced vendors.
- Clean - The item has had significant dirt and or dust removed. However, it has not been treated to an extensive cleaning in a washing machine or dishwasher ;o)
Tested with Norton Utilities for bad blocks - I first format all hard disks and then test them with Norton Utilities for bad blocks. If bad blocks are found the hard disk is never sold.
New, Like New or Other Terminology - New and Like New imply what they say. You should expect to receive the item as it came from the vendor. In some cases, there may be some minor damage to packaging, but the item itself is in excellent condition. Any other terminology is normally explained in the listing.
In some cases I do not have the capability to completely test an item. In these cases, the degree or type of testing completed is described and the guarantee section states the guarantee I am placing on the item.
Send Olde Mac Milt Your Questions or Comments
If you have any questions or comments about this information, please do not hesitate to contact Olde Mac Milt.
© 1998 - 2007 by Olde Mac Milt (Milt Johnson).
