RPGnet Buying/Selling/Trading tips...

[jdrakeh]

Given the recent complaints of possible malfeasance on the part of individuals doing business via the RPGnet Sales/Auctions forum, I've decided to post some basic guidelines that I've found handy for doing business here:

1) I never ship material until I have received payment (be that payment of a monetary nature or other books in trade) with one exception. The exception being repeat business with another community member that I have done business with before and deem trustworthy.

2) I always spring for Delivery Confirmation on packages that I ship, and generally insist that packages being shipped to me also have Delivery Confirmation. As a rule, I exchange Deliviery Confirmation numbers with the other party. A Delivery Confirmation number can be used via the USPS site to track the progress of packages being shipped and, obviously, to confirm delivery.

3) I rarely exchange materials (via trade and or purchase/sale) with individuals that are not long-standing RPGnet community members. Though an individual's length of membership at RPGnet is never a guarantee against malfeasance, it generally separates good apples from bad. I never do business with unregistered posters.

4) I try to give buyers/sellers/traders the benefit of the doubt, as I know that sometimes funds run unexpectedly short, packages get lost, shipments get delayed, etc. That said, there is a limit to patience (for me that usually runs about a month). Good communication and an attempt at understanding usually go a long way to smoothe over such incidents (but not always).

Others with tips that have helped insulate them against malfeasance while doing business via this forum are encouraged to post to this thread, as such information stands to benefit the entire community.

[ardyer]

Originally posted by jdrakeh
1) I never ship material until I have received payment (be that payment of a monetary nature or other books in trade) with one exception. The exception being repeat business with another community member that I have done business with before and deem trustworthy.

Except, if both parties in a trade are following this idea, nothing will ever be sent out ;)

[beasterbrook]

My rule of thumb there is whoever posts first, ships last... or whoever has the best rep ships last...

Brette:)

[jdrakeh]

Originally posted by ardyer
Except, if both parties in a trade are following this idea, nothing will ever be sent out ;)

I look at it this way:

If I have to pass up some trades I haven't actually lost anything, nor have I gained anything. If, OTOH, I ship out some books and never receive payment for them, then I've lost property and gained nothing. The former situation suits me better than the latter :)

[Mister Gone]

I've had a lot of trade and sale transactions here, and haven't so far had any bad experiences. Aside from what James said, I guess I can add a couple things:

1) Accurate representation of product. Most people tell you what condition something is in. It's especially important when someone is buying something... they want their money's worth and to get what they paid for. Always ask what condition something is in (unless you actually don't care), and if you're trading/selling, always say what condition something is in. It's just good practise. The whole "rating" system is fine, but very subjective. I always try to describe the item a little at least, rather than say "near mint" or "good". To me, "You could reshelve it and sell it as new." says more than "near mint", or, "the cover is beat up some, but intact and still well bound, and the pages are clean and unmarked" is better than "good" or "fair". Like I said, if someone asks, tell them. You're more likely to make a trade/sale that way.

2) Bargaining is a skill. Don't have unreasonable expectations. A lot of times, people either are willing to deal, or in a more giving mood. But don't always assume that you are on the same page. If someone makes a flat offer, that's fine. If someone offers a trade that seems unequal, tell them. But be nice and have some tact. Don't say "Well, throw in a couple more books and we'll talk." Especially if you just want to milk the deal more for whatever reason. In other words, be a polite and upstanding buisnessman. Yeah, I know that's a lot to ask, but it goes a long long way. Try to have some empathy. If you don't think a deal can be reached, tell the other party. If someoen tells you they don't think a deal can be reached, suck it up and move on.

3) Communication is everything. Not only does it play heavily into #1 and #2, but even more... it makes and breaks your rep. Sure, you can send stuff off and receive stuff and you're done. But it's good to let people know when you receive what they sent you, and have them let you know when they receive what you send them. This goes for payments and items, and when you ship something. It's just a nice thing. I always try to tell people when I've dropped their stuff in the mail, and when I get their money order, and whatnot. If nothing else, it helps to strengthen the trading community.

4) Pay attention! This is just a minor pet peeve. Read the whole sale/trade thread. Usually people will mention what kind of payment they accept, how they ship, where they will ship to, etc. Of course, never be afraid to ask questions and confirm information.

That's all off the top of my head. Really, I've never had any problems. I've gotten a couple books in trade slightly more "used" than I was expecting, but very minor. I've had a couple people say they'd buy something, then dissappear. No big deal, really. If asked, I'll hold things for about a month or so, especially if I've been told the item will definately be bought. I always ask again after a while to confirm.

Other than that, use common sense, and common courtesy.

Good trading and good luck.