How do you judge a item's condition?

I take the item and look at it in bright light. First I look at its overall appearance, and then I look at it very closely. Judging is a very subjective process, but I try to be as fair and accurate as possible. If I list a pony as "mint", then it has no flaws that I can find. Other items are rated not on the number of flaws, but on their overall displayability. In other words, an pony with many small marks that aren't very noticable may be rated "very good", while a pony with only one very large mark may only be "fair".

I rate ponies on the following scale, from best to worst:
Mint, Near Mint, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, Bait

Pony Wear, accessories, and other items are rated on a simpler scale:
Good, Ok, Poor

In the case of clothes/accessory lots, this rating represents the overall condition of the set. Individual pieces may better or worse. All major flaws such as stains, rips, etc are noted in the description of these items.

I don't consider the following things flaws, and do not comment on them in my descriptions: loose (unglued) heads, loose tails, rattling noise (generally caused by a loose washer inside the pony), odors, missing flutter wings, inability to stand, minor surface dirt.

How did you photograph the items?

The ponies were using a digital camera. I have provided two photos of each pony, but since some flaws cannot be seen from those angles (or are under the hair), it is important to read the detailed descriptions thoroughly.

Are the items from a non-smoking home?

My home is a non-smoking home. However, I am not the original owner of any of these items, so they may have odors from where they have been previously.

What does "minor wear" mean?

I use this phrase when the paint is thin and bits of body color shows through in places. This is usually a factory flaw, I believe. A result of paint not being applied very well when the pony was made. This is different from rubs and scratches where the paint was clearly worn off during play.

Why should I buy here?

There are a number of benefits to buying here instead of on eBay or another major auction site:

1. Expertise: I am a pony collector, and I know how to clean ponies and judge their condition. I don't call something "mint" unless it really is. You always know what you're getting when you buy here.

2. Never a handling fee. You only pay the actual shipping, as determined by my scale and USPS.com, plus box/envelope costs in some cases.

3. Everything is in the same location, so buying more than one item saves you shipping. Get all your wants in one box!

4. Prompt, friendly customer service: I check my email many times a day, and respond to questions quickly. I care about YOU, the customer, even after your item has been sent out. I stand by my descriptions, so if you are dissatisfied, please contact me. We will work something out.

5. That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you know you're helping out a fellow collector.  :)

How do I place an order?

Click on the photo or name of an item you would like to buy. This will bring you to a second page will have additional and larger photos of the item. If the item is available, you may click the "buy this item" button. This button will open an order form. You can have up to 5 items per form. (Additional items must be place on additional forms.) Fill out the entire form, and click "submit order". This will immediately place the item(s) on hold for you, and send me an email with your information. Please do not place an order unless you are positive that you want the item(s). If you have questions, are unsure you want the item(s), or are unsure you have the money, please wait. You can use the "ask a question" button on any item's page to contact me for more information.

If the item you want is on hold, you can ask to be notified should it become available again. Simply type your email address in the box provided in the item's page, and click "submit".

I'm interested in one of your items, but I feel the price is a little high. Can I make a lower offer ?

Yes. If the item is 'available', you can make me an offer if you feel my price is unfair. On the item's page, under the "Buy This Item" button, you will see a little form for this. Simply enter your offer (in $US) and email address and click the "Make Offer" button. I will consider your offer and email you within a few days to let you know if I accept. The item is NOT put on hold for you until I accept your offer. If someone else orders the pony for full price before we have agreed on a lower price, the item is theirs. So if you have your heart set on buying a popular pony, you should order it rather than haggling over a couple of dollars.

Please make only reasonable offers. If I am asking $20 for an item, $18 would be a fair offer, $10 would not.

I am more likely to negotiate on high-priced items than low ones. If I am only asking $6-8 for an item, I will likely not consider less, because then the price would not cover what I paid plus the time I put into cleaning and photography. If I am asking $10 or more, you may be able to get the item for a little less than my asking price, especially if the item has been on my page for a while.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I am accepting PayPal only at this time. (Yes, I do accept PayPal credit card payments.)

How long do I have to pay?

Payment MUST be received (and cleared) by 10-19-06. I am going on a trip on the 21st, so the 20th is the absolute last day I can go to the post office.

How much will shipping cost?

Buyers are always charged for the actual cost of shipping (including any packing materials) only, never a handling fee. Individual ponies are sent first class (or airmail, if international) in a bubble envelope. Shipping for one adult pony within the USA is $2.25 ($1.25 postage, $1 packaging). The same shipping for a baby pony is $1.80. Delivery Confirmation is included in these prices.

USA Priority shipping for up to 1 pound of ponies is $4.05, 2 pounds and up varies by location. If you'd like to estimate shipping on usps.com, my zip code is 11385. Multiple ponies are almost always sent Priority, though I will ship them another way if requested. (This may include a box charge if you opt for Parcel Post. The PO provides free boxes for Priority Mail, but not for lower services.)

Insurance is not mandatory, but is recommended for USA buyers. Cost of insurance depends on the value of the item(s). (Starts at $1.35 for $50 of coverage.) Insurance is very expensive for international packages, so if you live outside the USA and are worried about possible loss, I suggest you pay to have the package registered instead. I am not responsible for items lost or damaged by the postal service.

When will you ship my item?

I will ship your package as soon as possible after I receive your payment. Because of work and other obligations, I am unable to go to the post office daily.

What if my item is lost in the mail?

I am not responsible for wrong-doing by the postal service. Insurance is available upon request. If you choose not to buy insurance, then there's nothing I can do. If you are worried about your package or have spent a lot of money, please purchase insurance.