In the case of the Online Auction Users Association, two truths converge: home-based sales is a lonely endeavor and buyers appreciate ethical standards on the part of sellers. The OAUA was created in response to this by Jen Hassler and approximately 15 other auction users who discussed ways to make trading online safer and fun. Their plan was to construct an organization and offer a free membership to individuals committed to sound business principles and a willingness to treat transactions fairly.

Members of the OAUA agree to abide by a code of ethics that include the principles where both buyers and sellers: use clear descriptions for items up for sale; act with reliability and honesty; use good packing practices; and comply to the rules of auctions. In addition, the code says members won't steal others' images; will pay attention to the terms of all sales; will pay for items promptly; will use feedback in a responsible manner; and will ask questions before an auction ends. In short, members promise to use good manners and some common sense.

Begun in September of 1999, the organization now boasts more than 2,100 members who use a variety of auction sites: eBay, Amazon.com, edeal, eHammer, MSN auctions, Yahoo auctions, and Out of the Attic. OAUA also provides forums to discuss dispute resolution, ways to identify items, mentoring, as well as the usual friendly chats.

Their Web site is clear, easy to use, and sharp, giving the impression that a paid staff is on hand. No, says Hassler, the OAUA is 100% volunteer-run. She states the entire site was a collaborative effort by a group of dedicated charter members, "especially Don Benedict who began with limited knowledge and taught himself the skills necessary to make the site what it looks like." When asked about the level of commitment volunteers make and what OAUA currently needs, Hassler explains, "The typical volunteer gives us one to two hours each week with a couple of exceptions like membership verification and customer service. Sometimes people sign up for one task." The group currently needs an associate editor for the newsletter, writers, an accountant, researchers and someone to compile the announcements. Overall governance is the responsibility of a three-term eight-member board of directors elected by members. Funding comes from advertising revenue.

In return for signing up, members get more than the chance to chat with others. OAUA amassed member discounts and freebies for sites like: Collectible.com, Foo Dog Software, Easy Auction and free counters through Honesty.com. Member-to-member discounts have also arisen like mushrooms after a rain. Future plans include exploring group health insurance, mediation/arbitration, and credit union benefits.

Members also receive a newsletter edited by Raleigh Mercier. This month's issue features a good comparison of online payment services, "Walt's Whimsey's" toy train column, letters to the editor, a request for participants in an independent marketing research project and a new shipping service called nescrow.com.

But does the organization have any bite when members stray from the ethical path? Hassler explains that the OAUA membership screening process weeds out potential bad seeds from the start, but should someone suddenly adopt unscrupulous practices, "their membership is revoked, of course, and we work with eBay and other services to resolve problems." She stresses that the use of the OAUA logo and membership is a privilege earned, not bought.

"In a nutshell," Hassler stresses, "we want to be the Chamber of Commerce for online sellers." With the amount of work they've accomplished so far and the heart they've put into the endeavor, their goal seems within reach. For more information or to register, visit OAUA. And if you have a little time and want to ensure that the organization thrives and grows, don't hesitate to contact them at voluntr@auctionusers.org.