Rules of Buying and Selling

[lu2236]

I'm trying to understand buying and selling here and I'm brain dead from reading searches. Let me summarize what I have probably misread:
1. I better be a Goldmember.(hehe)
2. I should describe my sale item accurately by condition - like using Mr. Levine's grading system. And be honest with myself.
3. I need to offer a money back guarantee and at least three days for the buyer to really look it over.
4. Cashier's checks are the safe way to go. Used Paypal once, the deal is still unfixed - I need to phone - my fault. Ergo . . .
5. Trades can be limiting because of slow demand for specific items.
6. I have better things to do at work.

Any links, urls or whatever to initiate me into another level of this madness? I'm not the only one who might like this summarized (where's the dang button to bring up this stuff?) so thanks ahead.

 

[DaveH]

I think that's it.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Don't use Bernard Levine's grading system to describe a knife for sale because even if you fully understand it the buyer might not. Describe and if possible picture every little scratch and pit so prospective buyers can see for themselves what condition the knife is in and decide for themselves what grade it is.

Payment by postal money order is the best protection for both buyer and seller. Even if the knife isn't sent by US mail if you pay for it by postal money order and you get cheated that's mail fraud, and so is forging a postal money order. The authorities are very serious about mail fraud and they're better funded than any other law enforcement organization.

I'm going to post some advice for traders when I get over this damn stomach virus, but there won't be anything new in it -- it'll just be for the benefit of people who are new to knife collecting and trading.

 

[lu2236]

Like me. Thanks, the PO money order is good advice. And yes, I agree that describing every miniscule scratch (my words) is a good thing - having read a few other disagreements posted around here. It is very important to fully and accurately describe the item - I started learning this from friends who dealt in German militaria before the Internet (is that possible?) and full descriptions even the playing field. No surprises! but good surprises! should be the motto.

Thanks!