Probably a good time for a primer thread on this, and there's a fair bit of ground to cover.
I'll take a stab at it and anyone else can join in with their two cents.
Let's start with the person: Willingness to buy or trade. Confidence in the buyer/seller is the factor facing a prospective sale/trade. If the newcomer doesn't really have a presence in the forums---chatting up people, sharing info and such......just being a real person............then there can be some understandable wariness.
Let's be up front: rip-offs do happen.
There are people in the collecting community that go from forum to forum looking for marks to steal from, They use aliases, they fake mailing addresses and the defraud people.
It happens.
BUT, that said, there's things one can do to build trust.
--Keep first transactions small. Less than $20......something you won't be too irked to lose. Save the hundred dollar+ orders for down the road.
--Do a series of buys or trades and build up a rep for being square with your end of it. Even better, sweeten your end with little extras to cast a better light on you. That can be a couple of extra accessories or an extra figure in a trade, or rounding up some dollars sent ( for the other guy's "trouble" in finding you an item you seek).
-Carry through with the deal--your commitment in this is your bond. Make good on it at all cost.
--Be HONEST--communicate. If something goes wrong, let the other party know.
-Protect yourself.....get insurance on whatever you mail, get a tracking number. It protects BOTH parties.
--Ask (polite) questions. Ask for/look for references on someone you are going to deal with--it's fair and smart to do so. No-one's rep is so far above reproach that they can brush off such a request. It's part of doing business.
--Ask about retailers, or EBAY sellers too. There's no stupid questions--but remember, being polite helps.
--When you complete a deal or trade, announce it and leave feedback. This tells others that the parties involved are good eggs and straight-shooters.
If something goes wrong, be clear and upfront about it--your mistake or there's.
Also understand that screw-ups DO happen. Use your brain, consider the other side of it before burning someone at the stake. But if you've been genuinely wronged, make it clear that you are not happy. You MIGHT remained ripped-off, but sometimes the other party will make good.
-Payments can be by any number of methods: postal money orders, cash, cheques, wire transfers, email money transfers, paypal. That's between you and the other party, BUT.........always bear in mind that some methods have weaknesses and flaws moreso that others.
Paypal probably offers the best protection when used a certain way. Other methods depend.........DEMAND a level of trust and familiarity with one another that isn't there at the start. Use discretion.
-Trust........but verify. It's okay.
-Trust your instincts. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong......walk. If someone approaches you, and pressures you for a deal....and you don't like it, say so and move on.
NONE of this stuff we collect is so unique that more of it cannot be found somewhere else. You WILL get another shot at it if you pass on it the first time. It's a hobby, it's meant to be fun.
Lastly, pace yourself. It's not a race either. The zeal for getting stuff is intoxicating, it's easy to go overboard. Take it slow, ENJOY IT, and have fun.
May all your trade/deals be good ones.
