On my cels, every one not from an auction
are from personal offers.  Here are my 'rules'

RULES FOR BUYERS (people offering)

1. Take the time to write a coherent email.  You
don't have to be all bussiness, but be direct.
Name a price in the original email.  Be specific,
but be as brief as possible.  Sign with your first
and last name and email address.

2. If you are new to collecting, or just a
particular anime, be sure to mention that in the
email.  Apologize in advance (I'm sorry if this
offer's really off the wall, but...).  Many times,
it's impossible to 'do your homework.'  Cel prices
are all over the place-they are only worth what
you are willing to pay.

3. Don't have a big sense of entitlement.  By even
considering your offer, the seller's are doing YOU
a favor.  Especially if it's marked NFS(I usually
begin with a 'I'm sorry to bother you' in that case).

4.  Explain to them what makes that cel special to
you (don't ramble).  Also, most established
collectors have at least one really gorgeous cel.
 Everyone likes a compliment ^_^! (just don't be a
brown noser).    

RULES FOR SELLERS

1.  If someone is rude, just ignore them.  If you
get involved in mudslinging, you'll only get dirty.

2.  Try not to be offended if a person offers you
a low price.  Maybe they're new.  Maybe their
trying to get a really good deal.  All of us have
been one of those people before.  They're not
trying to con you-cels have no intrinsic
(spelling?)value, we're all just shooting in the
dark.  

RULES FOR EVERYONE
     Make friends in the community.  If you see
cels on a person's wishlist, drop them an email.
Be honest and quick with payments (the quick part
I am not always so great at -_-;). Respond to
questions in forums.  If you help people out,
they'll be willing to help you out.

Personally, I've been on both sides more than
once.  I once offered $250 for a Majin Vegeta cel
(DBZ) that I ended up buying it for $800.  I've
offered $50 for a cel of Sailor Moon from Hotaru's
dream sequence (-_-;;;).  I've offered $250 for a
cel of an open eyed Queen Serenity.  I'm sure I
have many  more victims out there...to all of
them, I'm sorry!!!

^_^ Holly