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General FAQ
The Basics- Do I need a credit card to register?
- Why do I need to place a credit card on file after I already made the deposit?
- Will anyone see my email address?
- Where can I change my email address or personal account information?
- Can I change my User ID? May I have more than one User ID?
- Are there any limitations on my choice of a User ID?
- Are there any limitations on my choice of password?
- What should I do if I forget my password?
- Where can I change my password?
- What is My iOffer?
- Where is my Message Center?
- What is "Live Notice"?
- How do I cancel my account?
- Does it cost anything to register, buy or negotiate on iOffer?
- What are C.O.P.S. users?
- What does "access denied" mean?
- Why doesn’t my PayPal payment show immediately in my account?
- How do I pay for my purchase?
- How do I pay my seller?
- How do I track my purchases?
- What does "Make an Offer" mean?
- Can I negotiate on multiple items?
- What is Mr. Grabber / Web Grabber?
- Can everyone see my previous negotiations with sellers?
- What if the seller doesn't respond to my offer?
- Why did I receive an alert telling me a seller is competing for my business?
- Can I cancel a transaction?
- What are Want Ads?
- How do I determine if a member is a good or bad seller?
- What is a buyer/seller dispute?
- How do I file an iOffer member to member dispute?
- How do I end an iOffer member to member dispute?
- How much does it cost to list?
- How long is an item listed?
- How many photos may I add to my items?
- Can I list the same item in more than one category?
- How do I change the category of an item after it’s listed?
- How do I feature my items?
- How long do feature enhancements last?
- Can I transfer my items and ratings from other sites?
- Is there a way to import my Turbo Lister items to iOffer?
- What should I do if I listed an item both on iOffer and another site and it sells on the other site?
- Can I upload items in bulk (using a .csv file)?
- How do I set up my account to upload my items to Google Base?
- Why are some or all of my items rejected by Google Base?
- Why is my account restricted?
- How do I get a refund of my balance?
- How do I make a payment on my balance?
- How do I accept credit cards with my own seller merchant account?
- What is a buyer/seller dispute?
- How do I file an iOffer member to member dispute?
- How do I end an iOffer member to member dispute?
- How does my store work?
- How long does it take for my store to update?
- How long do item listings stay in my store?
- How do I change the categories in my store?
- How do I edit my store information and store policies?
- How do I sort items in a store?
- What is the difference between "List View" and "Gallery View"?
- How does my item gallery work?
- Why can’t I find my items in my store or search?
- Why does the number of items in my store not match my current inventory?
- Why are closed or ended items still showing up in my store?
- How does the vacation feature work?
Have questions about Swapping or Trading?
Read our entire Swap FAQ
Do I need a credit card to register?
No. You may register without using a credit card. However, in order to list items for sale you will need to either (1) place a credit card on file, (2) make a payment via PayPal of at least $20 or (3) send in a pre-payment of at least $20 (for seller fees incurred in the future).
Why do I need to place a credit card on file after I already made the deposit?
Placing a credit card on file will give you a FULL SELLER ACCOUNT to sell in all categories. When you place a credit card on file, it will be authorized for $1.00 to validate the credit card. This is NOT a fee, as the authorization will expire and your credit card will NOT be charged.
Will anyone see my email address?
The only time your email address will be revealed to another user is when you complete a transaction with a buyer or seller. We will send contact information to both parties so you can arrange for shipping and payment.
Where can I change my email address or personal account information?
You can change your personal account information including your email address, password and address on your Edit Personal Info page in My iOffer.
Can I change my User ID? May I have more than one User ID?
No. You cannot change your User ID. Remember that your User ID is associated with your rating and this helps others to evaluate you and do business with those with positive ratings.
You may have more than one user ID. If you make an additional user ID you must use a different email address and a different credit card to register.
Are there any limitations on my choice of a User ID?
Yes. Your User ID must be at least 4 characters long and may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9). The following may not be part of your User ID:
The ’@‘ symbol
The ’&‘ symbol
URLs, such as ’ABCWIDGETS.COM‘
The ’>‘ or ’<‘ symbols
Consecutive underscores ’_ _‘
A User ID that begins with an underscore ’_‘, dash ’-‘, or period ’.‘
Any spaces or tabs
The word ’ioffer‘.
(Only iOffer employees may use ’ioffer‘ in their User Ids.)
Are there any limitations on my choice of password?
Your password must be at least 6 digits and contain a combination of letters [a-z] and numbers [0-9].
What should I do if I forget my password?
You can receive an email reminder of your password by clicking on this link
What is My iOffer?
My iOffer is where you can manage all of your activities on iOffer.
Click Here to go there now.
Where is my Message Center?
Your Message Center is your iOffer "inbox". Messages here will be archived after being read, please print out messages you want to keep. Click a message to view it, then you may then archive it. *Please note: iOffer periodically will remove the archived messages.
What is "Live Notice"?
Live Notice is a messaging system that appears when you are logged in. When it is turned on, you will automatically receive a message on iOffer related to any item activity you may have. You can update your Live Notice preferences here. The Live Notice button is located below the left-column navigation links.
How do I cancel my account?
If you are considering closing down your iOffer account, we ask that you carefully consider your decision. If you think there is a chance you may want to use our service in the future, it is not necessary to cancel your account. You're welcome to use your account as much or as little as you wish.
If you've decided you want to close down your iOffer account please contact us to let us know.
Does it cost anything to register, buy or negotiate on iOffer?
No. iOffer is FREE for buyers. Sellers pay a small fee when an item is sold or use Feauture Enhancements.
What are C.O.P.S. users?
C.O.P.S. (Counter Online Piracy System) is iOffer's system that allows verified Copyright owners to remove and/or disable access to items that may infringe upon their Copyright. They may also suspend accounts for these violations. iOffer cannot assist you with these issues, you must contact the C.O.P.S. user who removed your item or suspended your account as we do not determine who is suspended (the Copyright owner does).
What does "access denied" or "page error" mean?
If you are seeing this message you have landed on a page that was not intended for you to view or there was an error when processing the page you were on. Please report this error here.
Why doesn’t my PayPal payment show immediately in my account?
We appreciate your payment, but PayPal payments may take between 24-72 hours to process. If you can’t view it after that time, please contact Customer Service to let our representatives assist you further.
How do I pay for my purchase?
If the shipping amount has been set on the item you purchased, you can go through the checkout process and select a payment method.
If the shipping amount has not been determined (ex: the seller has not yet filled out the shipping charge) you must wait for the seller to send you an invoice and then you will go through the checkout process.
You may find your invoice right on the lower area of the listing page in the Questions & Offers area, it is only viewable to the buyer and seller. You will also receive a copy in your myiOffer message center.
Your seller's email address will be on the invoice. You may use the message area on the listing to contact your seller, to exchange contact information, payment information please email direct or use our Private Message system.
Private Message System. The private message system will only be available after a sale is completed. As with invoices, they are only viewable to the buyer and seller involved in the transaction. You may post email addresses, phone numbers for shippers, name and addresses etc. here. *Please Note: you must click the Make Private box to have it private. If you want a record of your message to show on the listing and it does not contain contact or personal information please do not click private.
How do I pay my seller?
iOffer does not handle or accept any payments from buyers for items. Each seller handles payments and shipping for their stores. Buyers should not register a credit card with iOffer or make Payments to iOffer by Paypal, only sellers make payments to iOffer for their seller fees. Please do not pay iOffer for items. Buyers are only to pay their Seller for purchases.
How do I track my purchases?
You can track your purchases from the Buying Section of My iOffer. Simply click on the item(s) you have purchased and the tracking information (if provided by the seller) should appear in the Questions & Offers area. You may also read comments right on the whole story lower area of the listing page in the Questions & Offers area.
What does "Make an Offer" mean?
This is your chance to begin negotiations with the seller. The starting point for negotiations should be the seller's Asking Price. A buyer/seller may offer, counter offer and decline offers. Please select a time period for your offer 1, 3, or 5 days. Your offer may be accepted at any time during this period. If an offer expires you may search for another seller or Post a Want Ad.
Can I negotiate on multiple items?
Yes, however we do impose limits on the number of items you can negotiate at any given time to newer buyers. **Please do not offer on duplicate items at the same time as all offers can be accepted.
**The exception to this is when a seller lists an item to you via Snag a Sale. You will have the chance to decide if you wish to use ’Offer Watch‘ and have similar offers be automatically retracted
What is Mr. Grabber / Web Grabber?
Mr. Grabber is a powerful tool that enables you to bring over your feedback rating from eBay™, Overstock™ Auctions and Sell.com™. Your reputation is important, transfer your hard earned rating.
Use Mr.Grabber and keep your ratings and/or items updated with one click!
Can everyone see my previous negotiations with sellers?
Yes. We believe that the best system for everyone is one that is open, not one with secret negotiations. Everyone, including perspective buyers, can view negotiations between you and buyers.
We encourage members to read "the whole story" when deciding to purchase from a seller especially those with little or no ratings. If issues arise during your transaction use the Whole Story to document all comments.
What if the seller doesn't respond to my offer?
When making an offer you have the option to select a duration: 1, 3, or 5 days. If the seller doesn't respond to your offer in this time period your offer will expire and the seller will no longer be able to accept your offer.
You may offer later or ask the seller a question at any time. You may search for the same item from a different seller using our search box or make a Want Ad. Our entire community and sellers from the net may make you a listing in response to your Want Ad. Hard to find items are often quickly presented for purchase using iOffer Want Ads.
Why did I receive an alert telling me a seller is competing for my business?
When a seller doesn't accept your offer and instead makes a counter offer to you other sellers can list their item to this "negotiation". Sellers are "competing" for your business by listing a similar item at a better price!. This features is called Snag a Sale.
Can I cancel a transaction?
No, when making an offer you are entering into a legally binding contract to purchase the item at your offer price. If for some reason you must cancel this order please let the seller know (you may receive a non-paying buyer rating if doing this) by posting this on the Questions & Offers area on the listing page.
What are Want Ads?
iOffer’s Want Ads find hard to find items FAST! Want Ads allow you to post what you are looking for. A seller then lists an item and we'll notify you. The seller can't contact you directly, you stay anonymous and it's free to post. Our Want Ads really take the work out of finding your item!
Manage your Want Ads Here: My Want Ads
How do I determine if a member is a good or bad seller?
You should carefully review a seller's rating and comments left by other buyers. Most sellers are honest, but there is the occasional bad apple. See what other buyers have said about the seller, read their Personal Profile page by clicking their user id. Take some time to read the negotiations they have completed by clicking the item titles on the users feedback page then make a decision. Feel free to ask the seller any questions you may have prior to completing a transaction. Our message system is unique, you can use it to ask about shipping terms, payment methods, return policies all prior to Making an Offer or using Buy Now.
Also remember that just because a seller is new does not mean you should not do business with them. Sellers with no ratings may have many from other sites, request they use mrgrabber to import them to iOffer.
What is a buyer/seller dispute?
A dispute can be filed by a buyer for the following reasons:
Item Not as Described
Non-delivery of Goods
Fraudulent Item
Item Damaged Upon Arrival
If you receive a dispute, you are required to respond before you can continue using your iOffer account. We recognize that there are two sides to every story and that at this point all we have is one side. It is our goal to assist users in resolving marketplace disputes amicably and for the benefit of all concerned. iOffer believes that a trading community committed to ethical practices, coupled with an educated and informed public, is key to establishing fairness and honesty in the marketplace.
How do I file an iOffer member to member dispute?
On the item listing page, there should be a link on the left for you to initiate the member to member dispute resolution.
Please note: You must wait 7 days after the sale and no longer than 30 days to file a dispute.
How do I end an iOffer member to member dispute?
To end a dispute, post a message on the item listing stating that the issue was resolved. You DO NOT need to contact customer service to end a dispute.
How much does it cost to list?
Nothing! Listings, Stores, Galleries and more are FREE on iOffer. Sellers pay a small fee when an item is sold.
How long is an item listed?
As long as you stay active on iOffer (continue to login) your items will remain up indefinitely. If we notice you haven't logged in for a period of 30 days we will automatically end your items.
How many photos may I add to my items?
Picture uploads are FREE, so enhance your item listing by adding enough photos that will allow buyers to gain a good visual of what they will be purchasing.
Can I list the same item in more than one category?
No, listing duplicate items in multiple categories is not allowed. If you do so, your items WILL NOT appear in all category searches. You have an option to "List Similar Item", but you can not list the exact same item more than once.
When listing your items, please be sure to place it in the most appropriate category, and use specific keywords for your items to improve its search relevancy.
How do I change the category of an item after it’s listed?
Once an item is listed, you CAN NOT change the category it’s in. However, you may end the item listing and relist the item in the correct category.
Once an item is listed, you are only able to change its subcategory by editing the item listing.
How do I feature my items?
In your item detail page, click on "Enhance Listing" on the left-hand column or at the bottom of the listing. Alternatively, you may click on "Enhance Listing" next to each item under "Current Inventory" in "My iOffer".
The featured options available are: Bold, Highlight, Category Featured Plus, and Homepage Featured. Each feature lasts 30 days and it may take up to 24 hours for your items to be updated and featured.
Please note: Homepage Featured items are rotated with other members’ items on the homepage. Featured Plus items are rotated in the corresponding category pages.
How long do feature enhancements last?
Feature enhancements will last for a period of 30 days
Can I transfer my items and ratings from other sites?
Yes, you can use Mr. Grabber to transfer your items and/or ratings. Mr. Grabber is a powerful tool that enables you to bring over your items from eBay™, Overstock™, and Sell.com™, along with your feedback rating from eBay™.
Use Mr. Grabber and keep your ratings and/or items updated with one click!
Is there a way to import my Turbo Lister items to iOffer?
No, but you may use Mr. Grabber to transfer your items and/or ratings.
You may also use the FREE Bulk Uploader to upload many items at once.
What should I do if I listed an item both on iOffer and another site and it sells on the other site?
You may easily end the item in your "Current Inventory".
We ask that you please do this as soon as possible to avoid selling the same item more than once. Some members use 'Make Offer' instead of setting an asking price to avoid selling the same item more than once, because it only sells when you click 'Accept'.
Can I upload items in bulk (using a .csv file)?
Yes we accept .csv files. Creating a file of all the Items you wish to upload at one time is easy! Using a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel, makes it even quicker!
From the File menu select ’Save As‘
Name your file with .csv extension
Select ’Save as type CSV (Comma Delimited‘)
Save the file.
You can find out more information here
How do I set up my account to upload my items to Google Base?
For convenience, a tutorial is provided to show you how to upload your items to Google Base and increase traffic to your store. Read the tutorial »
Why are some or all of my items rejected by Google Base?
iOffer does not have control over the items placed on Google Base.
Many times this is due your items violating Google Base policies. Boiler template phrases that do not describe the item, such as Free Shipping, Check it out, or Thanks for looking, or exessive use of symbols , such as 'NEW!!!!' , are common causes of Google Base rejecting one or more of your items. Try taking those terms/symbols out of your title/description and re-uploading your google base file. If all else fails, you will need to contact Google to find out the exact reason for the rejection and to resolve your problems.
Why is my account restricted?
There can be several reasons why your account is restricted (including but not limited to):
Delinquent balance or no payments made
Too many unrated transactions
(temporary until you receive a rating
or send us a delivery confirmation number
Posting contact information in public areas of the site)
Fee avoidance (excessive shipping or low dollar amount transactions)
High, unpaid balance
How do I get a refund of my balance? What is a reference number?
Please submit a refund request by clicking on the ’Dispute charge‘ link in your Account Summary page.
The reference Number can be found on your account summary page. It is on the left side of each transaction in red. It identifies each one of your transactions. You will need this to request a refund.
How do I make a payment on my balance?
You can make a payment by clicking on the red "Make Payment" button in your Account Summary page. Click here to make a payment on your balance
How do I accept credit cards with my own seller merchant account?
Credit cards are accepted through both PayPal and Google Checkout.
To accept credit cards through your own seller merchant account, you need to place a note in the "Other Methods" section of your "Selling Preferences" to let your buyers know that you accept credit cards directly and that you will contact them with the necessary information shortly.
Update your selling preferences here.
What is a buyer/seller dispute?
A dispute can be filed by a buyer for the following reasons:
Item Not as Described
Non-delivery of Goods
Fraudulent Item
Item Damaged Upon Arrival
If you receive a dispute, you are required to respond before you can continue using your iOffer account. We recognize that there are two sides to every story and that at this point all we have is one side. It is our goal to assist users in resolving marketplace disputes amicably and for the benefit of all concerned. iOffer believes that a trading community committed to ethical practices, coupled with an educated and informed public, is key to establishing fairness and honesty in the marketplace.
How do I file an iOffer member to member dispute?
On the item listing page, there should be a link on the left for you to initiate the member to member dispute resolution.
Please note: You must wait 7 days after the sale and no longer than 30 days to file a dispute.
How do I end an iOffer member to member dispute?
To end a dispute, post a message on the item listing stating that the issue was resolved. You DO NOT need to contact customer service to end a dispute.
How does my store work?
Your personal store is FREE on iOffer. When you list an item for sale, the item is automatically transferred to your store and your current inventory. You DO NOT need to relist the same item more than once.
You can edit your store on your 'Edit My Store' page in the Seller Center.
How long does it take for my store to update?
Due to the high volume of items listed per day, item listing and store updates may take 24 - 48 hours to be visible in your store and in our search system.
How long do item listings stay in my store?
Item listings in your store work the same way as all item listings. They will remain in your store and in your current inventory until they are all sold out.
However, you must log in at lease once every 30 days to keep your items active.
How do I change the categories in my store?
Store categories are generated from your item listing keywords and the popularity of your items.
To ensure that proper categories are displayed in your store, please use relevant keywords when creating your item listings (titles, keyword boxes, descriptions).
Changing your keywords will adjust store categories. Keywords from your popular items, items with the most views, are used for store categories as well.
How do I edit my store information and store policies?
To edit your store, click on "My iOffer" => "Selling" => "Edit My Store". Here you can edit the layout and theme of your store.
To edit your store content, click on the "Edit Store Content" button on the top left corner on the "Edit My Store" page. You may also click here: Edit Store Content
How do I sort items in a store?
Currently, there are 5 ways to sort items in a store. The options are: All Items, Asking Price (low to high), Asking Price (High to Low), View Count, and Newly Listed.
To sort store items in one of those ways, click on the drop-down menu at the top of the item listings in the store labeled "Sort" to sort the items the way you want.
What is the difference between "List View" and "Gallery View"?
By default, all stores are in "List View". This setting displays items in a detailed listing, showing a thumbnail picture, listing title, item description, asking price, and "Add to Cart" icon.
"Gallery View" displays items in the store with a thumbnail picture and asking price, enabling a simpler store view.
To toggle between "List View" and "Gallery View" in a store, click on the appropriate link at the top of the item listing right next to the "Sort" menu.
How does my item gallery work?
Your item gallery is FREE on iOffer. When you upload a photo for an item, it is automatically added to your item gallery.
Why can’t I find my items in my store or search?
Newly listed items will show shortly under "Current Inventory" in "My iOffer". However, due to the high volume of items listed per day, it may take up to 24 hours for your items to be in your store and in our search system.
Listing features and edits may also take up to 24 hours to be updated. Ended items will remain in your store for up to 24 hours, although they can’t be purchased and a "No Longer Available" message will be displayed when visited.
Note that your items WILL NOT show up if they are duplicates in multiple categories. You have the option to "Sell Similar Item", but not the exact same item in multiple categories.
Why does the number of items in my store not match my current inventory?
There may be a delay between the time your items show in your store and search and the time your items show in your current inventory.
Generally, items will be shown in your current inventory before it is shown in your store and search. Please be patient and aware that the items will ultimately appear in your store and search to match your current inventory count.
Why are closed or ended items still showing up in my store?
After your items are closed or ended, there may be a delay in removing those items in your store. However, rest assured that your items will not be available on the main site for questions, offers, or immediate purchases.
How does the vacation feature work?
The vacation feature allows sellers to set their account to be on vacation for a minimum of 3 days. Seller items will remain active, but buyers may only ask questions. A customized vacation message will be displayed at the top of the seller’s profile, while default messages will be displayed at the top of the seller’s item detail and store pages.
Sellers must log in at least once every 30 days to keep their items active. To update your vacation setting, go to your selling preferences and scroll down to "Other Preferences" to find the "On Vacation" box.
Learn more about the vacation feature here.
