Here's my .02, and trust me, I do a TON of trading, purchasing, selling, customizing, blah blah blah blah blah... Sometimes, I have over $3000.00 PLUS of some merchandise either on it's way out, just receieved to be customized, or stuff I went and picked up for members here who don't have access to a Vault store (SINCE THE VERY BEST VAULT AROUND is 15 minutes from me...PLUGGING THE STAFF AT CABAZON!!!)
Phil is correct in not wanting to publicly point fingers. I have been called on the carpet in a rather ugly way in the past, & I have had the finger pointed at me, which PISSED ME OFF!!! But, it was also not a trading/selling issue, but never the less, I was angry. I have dealt with a whole load of members here in my 1.2 years on the forum, and I can say I have NEVER had a bad deal, or come out of a transaction feeling slighted or done wrong. This community is, and aloways will be tight knit and when issues arise, they become known fast.
As far as how to deal with a situation, they certainly are case by case scenarios, and no 2 can be handled the same. In my opinion, I feel that if there are open issues where a member made a deal, sent merchandise/funds in good faith, and no proof of mailing, delivery, or anything has been supplied to the recipient, than perhaps the sender/seller should NOT be allowed to post ANYTHING in the classifieds until cleared. I know it is additional work for our mods, but really is very easy to open a message, click a link, verify a receipt or whatever, and release the block. Now really, there are what, maybe 2-3 open issues at any given time? Should be simple. But, if you read the terms, it is an honesty type system, so they don't have an obligation to mediate anything. It truly is a double edged sword.
I personally came close to having an issue in the past, and turns out my judgement saved me a load of headaches. Here is how I prevented myself from getting burnt:
1) I asked members who are well respected if they had ever dealt with the person, which none of them had.
2) I specified very clearly how I would accept payment. First red flag...Western Union. Never take them. No Paypal, No Postal Money Order, No DEAL!!!
3) I never accepted a message from this person again. Later I found out this person screwed a couple of others over, but because I trusted my gut, it payed off!! He is no longer a member.
4) Ask their Ebay ID and verify feedback. This is key in a lot of situations if you can verify info. Most every member here is on the Bay, and that is how we track certain pieces down, so chances are, no Ebay, Crappy feedback, no deal again.
The vast majority of members here very honest, extremely helpful, and can be trusted. I also had a recent dealing with a member here in which the package had been opened in transit and the item stolen. Luckily enough it wasn't anything that was major, but still, an empty box. We worked it out very easily, and all is well without ANY ill feelings. When you build a network, it is usually built on TRUST, HONESTY, and CONSIDERATION. I hate to sound as if I am babbling and rambling on, but this topic comes up REGULARLY, and hopefully this can alleviate some headaches in the future.
Glasses
Goggles
Watches
Accessories
Alphabetical
Video Reviews
