Sellers who list on Overstock's auction marketplace have created an organization called the "Trusted Overstock Auction Sellers Affiliate" (TOASA). Overstock Auctions sellers must meet certain criteria to join TOASA (http://www.toasa.org/criteria.htm), and member can display a TOASA "Trusted Member" logo in their listings.

Small sellers on the auction site were upset in the Spring when some realized they would not qualify for Overstock's formal Trusted Merchant program, provided with the help of BuySafe, which requires sellers do a minimum of $1,000 a month in gross sales on the Internet to participate in the program.

The TOASA appears to be a way for sellers to demonstrate their commitment to safe transactions, with or without participating in Overstock's Trusted Merchant program.

The Trusted Merchant program provided through BuySafe guarantees transactions up to $25,000. Transactions with TOASA members are not guaranteed, but according to the site "TOASA members must meet established criteria to qualify as a Trusted Member. The criteria includes demonstrates exceptional service, personal responses, professional ratings and commitment to your satisfaction as the buyer."

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