(1) To pay for an auction simply send me an E-mail message (volgems@icx.net) indicating the specimen(s) (using the code number) for which you were the high bidder and where you are from. If you live outside of Tennessee you do not have to pay our Tennessee State sales tax rate of 9.25%. So the price you see on the specimen is all you pay plus s/h. I will generally respond within 24hrs (~maybe more if I am out of town attending a show~) to indicate the total cost of your order.
(2) All transactions must be in US Dollars (please). You can either send a personal check (you must allow time for the check to clear) (if you live in the United States), a money order (US Money Orders only at this time, please) or you may use any of these:
Or, you may also use
if you prefer.
If you use
Please, no International Money Order at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience.
(3) Domestic Shipping charges:
Priority Mail is used for most of the items we ship within the United States. The USPS has adopted a zone system for determining rates. Special exceptions may arise for large or heavy items or for orders sent overseas (a slick way of saying it will cost more)...
Please note the following for domestic orders: If you want me to use Fed-Ex the s/h will be added to the total cost of your order. Fed Ex is always more expensive to use than the US Postal Service. Please indicate your interest in using an alternate service otherwise all orders will be sent via the US Postal Service up to the 4 pounds mentioned above.
(4) Foreign Shipping Charges
If you live outside the US I will apply a $9 to $30 charge for shipping and handling. Special exceptions may apply such as shipment of large, heavy or numerous specimens.
The mailing address for Volunteer Gems is:
Volunteer Gems
P.O. Box 53109
Knoxville, Tennessee 37950
USA
(5) Auction specimens are returnable if they are received damaged or are not as advertised on the site. Otherwise, your bid is a contract to buy the specimen at the price set by your bid.
(6) For credit card orders: You can get the information to me in the following ways:
* You may call me at 1-865-680-3093 to relay your credit card number to me.
* You may email (volgems@icx.net) me with your phone number and I will call you.
* You may mail the credit card information to me via snail mail.
* You may e-mail (volgems@icx.net) the credit card information. IMPORTANT: Please send the credit card number into 2 separate e-mails (this is for security purposes). Send the first half of the credit card number in one e-mail. Then, in a second e-mail, send the second half of the credit card number along with the expiration date, the name as it appears on the card, and your mailing address.
Be sure to indicate your full name as it appears on the credit card, the card number, the expiration date and your mailing address.
Once I have your credit card information on file future purchases will be greatly expedited.
(7) Remember you may also use
If you use
Thanks!
John Teague
Volunteer Gems
©2004, Volunteer Gems, Knoxville, Tennessee