Post by ionicpiranha on Jul 13, 2006 11:23:25 GMT -5
To prevent scams from working, I am writing this checklist so you can learn a few basic actions that can protect you from losing your $/gear.
1. Deciding whether or not to business with a certain user:
- Does the user have feedback?
- Does the user have pictures, with an ID next to the item for sale?
- Does the user have a respectful attitude, or does he act like he is doing you a favor by answering your questions?
- Most of all, is this item what you want?
2. Validating feedback:
- Are the feedback comments spread apart, or are they all within 5 minutes of each other?
- What is the join date of each user? Did they all join on the same day, or are the join dates spread apart?
- Ask a moderator to do an IP check if you think the feedback is questionable.
3. Deciding how to pay for an item (if you are buying):
- Paypal is a great way of paying for items because there is an electronic record of the transaction, and you can get a refund if you have evidence that the seller scammed you.
- If you use paypal, write every last detail of the transaction (i.e. This is the $30 for your CP regulator, which you agreed to ship to me through UPS ground.) in the comments box.
- Avoid sending cash/MO's. 95% of all cash sent through the mail in a regular envelope does not reach its destination. MO's are somewhat risky. Should you send out an MO, keep the receipt and stub.
4. Leaving feedback after doing business:
- Did the seller send you everything you paid for?
- Was the seller courteous throughout the deal?
- Were the items as described, or better than described?
- How fast was the shipping? Did the seller ship using the service you agreed upon?
- Was the packaging sufficient, or did it leave something to be desired?
- Did the seller stay in contact with you throughout the deal? Did they give you information that you asked for (such as a pic of the shipping receipt, a tracking number, etc.)?
Addition #1 (7/13/06): Posting Your WTB Threads
What should my WTB thread's title be?
- Be specific. You may get many views with a vague, nondescript title, but you will not get many offers. If you want a black CP Air Source Adapter, posting a WTB thread titled "WTB something" will not do you any good. On the other hand, titling it "WTB Black CP ASA" will get you results a lot faster.
- Keep it short and sweet. Payment details, more exact requirements, contact info, etc. should not be in your title. That belongs in your thread.
What should be in my post?
- Say exactly what you want.
- Specify what color, condition, year you would like, and any other details that apply.
- Make sure you post a price range.
- Contact info helps quite a bit. Post your instant messaging screen name in your thread. If you want to be PM'ed, state that in your thread.
Who should I buy from?
- Choose the offer that you feel comfortable with. If someone tells you they will give you a brand new Angel G7 for $50, that's obviously not a legitimate deal.
- Always ask for feedback. If they have worse feedback than you, or simply don't have any, they ship first. If they link you to a different website, create an account on that website, send the username with the feedback a PM, and ask the seller to tell you what it says.
I hope this helps. I will be adding on to the list from time to time.
Let me know if there is anything you feel that I should add. If your suggestion is reasonable, I will edit it in.
1. Deciding whether or not to business with a certain user:
- Does the user have feedback?
- Does the user have pictures, with an ID next to the item for sale?
- Does the user have a respectful attitude, or does he act like he is doing you a favor by answering your questions?
- Most of all, is this item what you want?
2. Validating feedback:
- Are the feedback comments spread apart, or are they all within 5 minutes of each other?
- What is the join date of each user? Did they all join on the same day, or are the join dates spread apart?
- Ask a moderator to do an IP check if you think the feedback is questionable.
3. Deciding how to pay for an item (if you are buying):
- Paypal is a great way of paying for items because there is an electronic record of the transaction, and you can get a refund if you have evidence that the seller scammed you.
- If you use paypal, write every last detail of the transaction (i.e. This is the $30 for your CP regulator, which you agreed to ship to me through UPS ground.) in the comments box.
- Avoid sending cash/MO's. 95% of all cash sent through the mail in a regular envelope does not reach its destination. MO's are somewhat risky. Should you send out an MO, keep the receipt and stub.
4. Leaving feedback after doing business:
- Did the seller send you everything you paid for?
- Was the seller courteous throughout the deal?
- Were the items as described, or better than described?
- How fast was the shipping? Did the seller ship using the service you agreed upon?
- Was the packaging sufficient, or did it leave something to be desired?
- Did the seller stay in contact with you throughout the deal? Did they give you information that you asked for (such as a pic of the shipping receipt, a tracking number, etc.)?
Addition #1 (7/13/06): Posting Your WTB Threads
What should my WTB thread's title be?
- Be specific. You may get many views with a vague, nondescript title, but you will not get many offers. If you want a black CP Air Source Adapter, posting a WTB thread titled "WTB something" will not do you any good. On the other hand, titling it "WTB Black CP ASA" will get you results a lot faster.
- Keep it short and sweet. Payment details, more exact requirements, contact info, etc. should not be in your title. That belongs in your thread.
What should be in my post?
- Say exactly what you want.
- Specify what color, condition, year you would like, and any other details that apply.
- Make sure you post a price range.
- Contact info helps quite a bit. Post your instant messaging screen name in your thread. If you want to be PM'ed, state that in your thread.
Who should I buy from?
- Choose the offer that you feel comfortable with. If someone tells you they will give you a brand new Angel G7 for $50, that's obviously not a legitimate deal.
- Always ask for feedback. If they have worse feedback than you, or simply don't have any, they ship first. If they link you to a different website, create an account on that website, send the username with the feedback a PM, and ask the seller to tell you what it says.
I hope this helps. I will be adding on to the list from time to time.
Let me know if there is anything you feel that I should add. If your suggestion is reasonable, I will edit it in.