Any time of the year actually but especially now.
It's that time of the year where the bad traders seem to crawl out of the woodwork, taking advantage of the Holiday giving spirit of good traders.
It's sad to say but it's a good idea to use caution when trading w/"newbies" - some are really legit newbies (I apologize & mean no offense to those who are legit) but some are returning bad traders, likely using a different email addy & NAZ to scam. :(
Some bad/banned traders don't even bother to register or re-register here w/another username & will lurk on the trading boards & then email people privately.
When making trades w/people you're unfamiliar with, ALWAYS get a complete NAZ. Do NOT accept PO Box addresses w/out a street number/name. I realize some people don't have mail delivery at their homes but EVERYONE has to have a street number/name for emergency personel.
Also, be sure to ask for their username & check their feedback here if they're RS members. If they don't have feedback set up, have only a few feedbacks or aren't RS members, ask for trade references & don't be afraid to check on those references! Also, don't be afraid to post here & ask if anyone is familiar w/that person. Alot of good traders here have been members or traders for a very long time & will be happy to help you.
Good traders have NO problem providing references.
If you're unfamiliar w/the trader & still feeling uncomfortable, request that they send their end 1st if it's a snail mail trade. Most traders won't mind if you're upfront about it.
If what you yourself are sending is valued at $10 or more (cash, coupons, forms, etc.), I recommend putting it in a bubble envie w/a couple packing peanuts so you can get Delivery Confirmation on it. That 80¢ fee for DC can save you a major headache if someone has a history of claiming they didn't receive your end. The DC will at least prove you mailed your end to that address.
It is frowned upon & not recommended that you knowingly agree to trade w/a bad trader. It's not only a slap in the face to the good traders, it can still turn bad for you even if they agree to send their end 1st.
If you end up w/a trade gone bad/haven't received & it's been 2 wks. since the trade was finalized, PLEASE report it to Garnette Blanton at blanton19@hotmail.com. She's been keeping track of bad traders for many yrs. w/her Trader Alert List Services. Membership is only $8/year & can save you alot of hassle by staying informed. However, you do NOT need to be a member of her TALS to file a complaint w/her.
ETA: Keeping good trade records w/NAZ, email addy & trade details is strongly recommended as well as saving the trade emails til the trade is completed & both ends have been received.
Happy Holidays & trade safe everyone! :)
Smile... it makes people wonder what you're up to!
Please identify yourself in 1st email w/name/username. Due to recent problem trades, if I haven't traded w/you before, I will probably require you send your end 1st or I'll need LEGIT trade references/feedback. I will be happy to provide the same. IF you plan to hold your end til you've received mine, I will need to know that IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE trade is finalized.
1|1|Amen and a great reminder to all traders!!!!!|padrifter|candles@nb.net|19:44:50|11/06/2011|
http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/127.html 2|1|thanks|cjdj|Lintaos@optonline.net|20:06:06|11/06/2011|
me 3|1|bump|maraj|maraj64@hotmail.com|10:36:20|11/09/2011|
Smile... it makes people wonder what you're up to!
Please identify yourself in 1st email w/name/username. Due to recent problem trades, if I haven't traded w/you before, I will probably require you send your end 1st or I'll need LEGIT trade references/feedback. I will be happy to provide the same. IF you plan to hold your end til you've received mine, I will need to know that IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE trade is finalized.