Tips for first time trader

954Ink

954Ink

Gold Member
Feedback: +27 / =0 / -0
Joined
Feb 22, 2020
Messages
458
Attention BF family. I've gotten a good trade offer on a knife. I have never traded online before. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions to ease my concerns?
 
954Ink said:
Another online group.
Click to expand...

I didnt want to assume that was the case, but I thought so...
Trading on BF is relatively safe...provided you do your due diligence.
Trading on other sites I stay away from unless I personally know the trader.
Sorry, but for other sites, my advice is be very weary.
 
If the other site has no real community AND some kind of feedback process, I would not do it - UNLESS - as Sharp & Fiery Sharp & Fiery suggests - you personally know the trader. Trading is such a crap shoot. You are totally trusting that the other person is honorable and honest - will send what he/she says they will send, when they say they will send, truly and accurately described, etc. Be very cautious and don't be needy.
 
I won't repeat other caution notices, but here are a few things to consider:
  1. Request the other person send you picture of the knife with a handwritten note with his forum name and date. That will give you some confidence of possession. You should do the same.
  2. Google search for his forum name, or his full name (if you know it) and "knife". Typically that throws up some info for seasoned hobby people.
  3. If no trade history can be found, you can request he ship his end first and post receipt, you will ship. This opens up a dialogue where you can spot those red flags, evasive responses, etc.
Never forget the old rule... if it is too good to be true... :-)
 
Unless you know the guy or can trade in person just don't.

If you want to sell your knife and buy something else feel free to take that route. You have a gold membership and can do that on here.
 
Thanks everyone. I'm gonna probably have to pass on the trade. The deal is reasonable as both knives have similar value. I appreciate everyone's input.

Norcaldude- my concerns are standard, dont wanna get ripped off.
 
954Ink said:
Thanks everyone. I'm gonna probably have to pass on the trade. The deal is reasonable as both knives have similar value. I appreciate everyone's input.

Norcaldude- my concerns are standard, dont wanna get ripped off.
Click to expand...

Pay them for their knife through PayPal goods/services and have them pay you the same for yours. That way there’s recourse if something goes wrong. It makes it a “sale” but if all goes well, it’s an even swap.
 
Just pay each other through PayPal G&S the agreed upon $ then ship the items. That way both parties are protected. I only traded once but the items were inexpensive and the other guy had lots of positive comments. But if I trade expensive items I will use the methods above. It costs only 3% more.

Edit: opps Jsega51 Jsega51 beat me
 
I would avoid the trade. It certainly can go well and most do, but there are many possibilities of a bad outcome- getting nothing at all or an item not as described are 2. I prefer to buy and sell, but there are those that love to trade
 
When I was a kid we used to trade stuff all the time. But man some of the other kids got the short end of the stick. You can really wind up swimming with sharks.
 
I've bought, sold and traded knives in FB groups, Reddit and here. So far, haven't been scammed or lost a knife. Had a couple people that I think were trying to pull a fast one after buying a knife from me but it got sorted.

I'd suggest joining whatever community you are going to be trading in and just watching for a while, get a feel for the place and the regulars. Smaller communities are better just because it's easier for scammers to hide in groups with thousands of members.

If you don't know the person you are trading with, do what research you can on them. Search by their user name. Search by their email address if you get one. Search by their real name if you get one. Sometimes even an address check when you get that might reveal something that changes your mind about the deal.

I've never asked for 'vouches' on somebody. That seems like a low effort on your part that can easily be faked by the scammer.

Most importantly, don't trade a knife (or whatever) if losing it is going to cause you a financial burden. Even if the person you are trading with is honest, stuff gets lost in the mail sometimes (though I've had really good luck with the USPS too)

edit: also, drop out of the deal if your instincts tell you to. Sometimes people just give off a bad vibe. Maybe they are being pushy or hinky in some other way. Or if the deal seems too good, it probably is.
 
I've become more cautious over the years between knife makers,trade scams, people going dark, personal issues, stuff dragging out, so many threads and stories. I basically just make purchases through credit card and/or PayPal for the least amount of stress
 
If I'm doing business with someone for the first time I ask them to give me a call. Not sure if it helps
But it make me feel better and Iv always had good luck trading here on the forum.
 
Thanks everyone. Your input is appreciated. The gentleman wasted my time and the deal never came to fruition. I was reluctant. I happened to have a friend very near to him that I was gonna mail the knife to so he could make the deal in person. That pushed the guy away.
I have dealt with several BF members repeatedly and would trade with them without concern. The FB groups I'm in dont share the community vibe that BF does.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top