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Welcome to 1000 Bits of history Customer service

Remember, you're the customer, and that means you're entitled to great products AND great service- so thanks for giving us a chance to provide both to you! We want to answer your questions and resolve your concerns quickly, so please take just a moment to review this page...

Frequently Asked Questions (Look here first- you may get your answer instantly!)

Q:Do you combine shipping? A:Absolutely! Just make your purchases and then wait for a combined invoice before you pay. If you pay for items seperately, you won't get a shipping discount. So don't forget to wait for the invoice! HOWEVER: We operate two ebay stores. Purchases made in one store can not be combined with purchased made in the other. Q:When can I expect my order to arrive? A:We usually ship right away, often the very next day. But USPS does lose items, and their service can often be slow, especially to the western and southwest states. Please contact us if you don't get your item within two weeks. Q:What if my item is damaged or lost in the mail? A:Just let us know and we'll take care of it. Be sure to allow up two two weeks for the post office to deliver it. Q:Can I get a tracking number? A:Most packages. like CD's, coins and prints are shipped via USPS First Class Mail. The post office does not offer tracking or delivery confirmation on these small packages. We often do recieve a delivery confirmation number on larger packages, but that only notifies us when you get the package. Q:Do you ship internationally? A:Yes, but it can be expensive. CD's usually cost about $5, but prints and larger items are more. Any order valued above $50 MUST be shipped via Global Express Mail, which is expensive, but it is the only way we can get confirmation when you ge the package. Q:Is "such and such a person" mentioned in this genealogy or history book? A:We have not read all of the thousands of books in our collection and simply do not have time to check for you. Most books are very reasonably priced, and even if your family member is not mentioned by name, the history and records they contain are vital to your genealogy research. Q:Where do you get your items? A:Genealogy CD's are made from scanning the original books from our own collection or from genealogical libraries in our home State and nearby. Art prints are not reproduced by us, we purchase them and resell them on a first come first serve basis. Q:What about copyright laws? A:We do NOT reproduce any item that is protected by copyright laws without obtaining the rights to do so from the copyright holder. Q:Some of the pages are missing or cut off on my disc! A:Make sure you have the most recent version of Acrobat Reader software from Adobe.com. Accidents happen, but we are always happy to take care of it. Just let us know. Q:What is your feedback policy? A:As the buyer you should be rewarded for your prompt payment and we strive to do so by leaving feedback soon after your complete your purchase. PLEASE return the favor!

Don't see the answer above? Still have a concern? Here's how to contact us:

FIRST option: Send us an email through the eBay messaging system by clicking here: (Contact MWTco) Be sure to include your ebay name and the item you are asking about.

SECOND option: Send us an email directly to Midwesterntradingco@runbox.com. This is a good option for when the eBay system is down, or if you are having trouble getting a response because eBay messaging responses get trapped in your email filter.

THIRD option: Give us a call 24 hours a day- 7 days a week. (989) 785-0775 -DON'T FORGET to give us your ebay user name and the item you are asking about! NOTE: Long distance charges apply. Responses to your voicemail message may be via email.

You're a 5-star customer... help us be a 5-star seller!

EBay’s new feedback system can be a bit difficult to understand for those new to it. PLEASE- in order to keep eBay a great place to do business, take a moment to review these recommendations BEFORE leaving feedback:

Negative Feedback: This is the atomic bomb of the eBay world! Use it ONLY when you have exhausted all reasonable means to settle a problem with the seller, and you feel the need to warn others. This type of feedback is devastating to an eBay business, and you don't want to take it lightly! So ALWAYS contact the seller first with any problem. If you don't get a response, try again (the seller may not have received your email). Still nothing? Call the seller's registered telephone number by requesting his personal information through eBay. Still not resolved? File an eBay dispute and let them help you settle it. A LOT of negative feedback is left over a simple misunderstanding. No one wants to hurt someone else's ability to make a living without good cause. So ALWAYS use the "atomic feedback bomb" as a last resort!

Neutral Feedback: If negative feedback is the “atomic bomb”, neutral feedback is the like a ballistic missile. Don’t be fooled by the name, other eBayers rarely consider that big grey smudge to be a “neutral” comment. This type of feedback can be as negative to a seller’s business as any other. So ALWAYS follow the guidelines above before leaving this feedback as well.

Ebay warns everyone who is about to leave negative OR neutral feedback to contact the seller first. You have to agree to their terms before clicking “leave feedback” on the feedback form.

Feedback Stars: Did you know that a powerseller can go out of business if he gets too many 4 star ratings and too few 5 star ratings? Many powersellers support their families on ebay sales, and their slim profit margins depend on the discounts and other privileges available through the ebay powerseller system (Even providing medical insurance to their families!) But if they drop below an average of 4.6 stars in every category, they lose their benefits! So PLEASE don’t be stingy! If you were satisfied, leave the full 5 stars!

One of the hosts on ebay’s radio show recently said “I don’t know why people wouldn’t leave five stars unless they had a real problem.” Sadly, though, many people only leave 5 stars is they were jumping-up-and-down-thrilled, and only 4 stars for the transactions that were “merely” very satisfying! 

Bottom line: Feedback can be a great way to help a seller, or to hurt him very badly. If others need to be warned about him, leave a negative feedback. If not, give him 5 stars and you’ll reap the benefits as well! For more information on the world of feedback, visit’s eBay’s Feedback Forum.