Trade etiquette: asking someone to ship first?

elkins45

elkins45

Feedback: +82 / =0 / -0
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Jun 17, 2006
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Just curious: do you consider it insulting to ask someone with a low post count and little (or no) iTrader feedback to ship first on a trade deal? I've had a couple of recent trade offers by new members or members with little feedback that fell apart when I asked them to ship first.

In the past I have done trades with new members who made the offer to ship first themselves, so I sort of came to the conclusion that was an established bit of protocol for new members. In one recent case it saved me from being a victim of a scammer being discussed on a thread on this forum, but I think it also cost me at least one legitimate trade.

What's the general consensus on asking newbies to ship first?
 
I think that it makes sense logically, but I could see how it is slightly offensive to the other party. However, if you want to hedge your bets, that's perfectly legitimate.

I've never asked the other party to ship first, but it actually seems to be a reasonable request.
 
I would be put off if asked to ship first. Trust is a 2 way street. I will not ask the other party to ship 1st.
Just my opinion.
O
 
elkins45 said:
Just curious: do you consider it insulting to ask someone with a low post count and little (or no) iTrader feedback to ship first on a trade deal? I've had a couple of recent trade offers by new members or members with little feedback that fell apart when I asked them to ship first.
In the past I have done trades with new members who made the offer to ship first themselves, so I sort of came to the conclusion that was an established bit of protocol for new members. In one recent case it saved me from being a victim of a scammer being discussed on a thread on this forum, but I think it also cost me at least one legitimate trade.
What's the general consensus on asking newbies to ship first?
Click to expand...

Elkins45, being one of those "new" people, here is my thoughts. Someone such as myself who has been here a short 4 weeks, no trade history, no references, no reputation. Someone such as yourself, Mist, Pit, Moose, Cricket, Esav, or anyone like them has established their "rep". I would not have a problem sending a product to someone such as you or them first, because I am one of those "trusting" individuals who was raised in the late 50's & early 60's when a man's word & handshake were all you had. So count 1 vote for ship first.
Be safe.
p.s.: besides, if nothing else, I could just run it over to you . . . :)
 
When I was first starting out, I offered to ship out first as a gesture of good faith.

I think its not to much to ask to have a new member ship first,,especially if they have no feedback.
 
ThievesLikeUs said:
When I was first starting out, I offered to ship out first as a gesture of good faith.

I think its not to much to ask to have a new member ship first,,especially if they have no feedback.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. On my first few deals (both here and on other forums) I was happy to ship first to establish a track record and that I can be trusted. Of course, I only shipped to members with some positive feedback.

If a new member with no feedback is not willing to ship first after reading my feedback, then I can't help being a bit suspicious of his or her intent.

However, when he or she does ship first (and provides a tracking or DC#), even though the arrangement was for me to wait for receipt before I ship, I often go ahead and ship as soon as I receive the tracking or DC# (so that he or she gets the package as soon as possible). I have had great success with this approach, and I have made more than a few people very pleased with their transaction.
 
Well, I've had newer members with little or no feedback offer to ship first. The fact that they offered upfront gave me a good feeling, and I didn't take them up on it. Thus far, I've been lucky, and have had nothing but good experiences on the forums. But, I'm generally pretty careful and follow my gut.
 
Yea If they have a low post count, new join date or no trader feedback you definitely should have them ship first. They should know you gotta build up a reputation before everyone can trust you. People that have been here for years have built their reputation the same way. Everyone does it, neither party should be offended.
 
Guys, being new here on the forum was the reason I would not be put off or offended to be ask to ship first IF I was ever involved in a trade. I kind of equate this to applying for a job. If you owned a business & someone came in your office, with no address (living with a friend), no phone number, no previous jobs, no close relatives, no local references, etc., be honest, would you hire him for your company?? This is my viewpoint as far as being a "newbee" here, & I am sure everyone has their opinion. Thanks for listening.
Be safe.
 
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I have no problem asking members with minimal feedback to ship first and usually put it in the trade post. Should the trade go smoothly and as agreed, I leave positive feedback and I am willing to vouch for the member in future trades. I'm not trying to offend anyone with the request, but I am trying to protect my investments from being stolen. I try and allow my personal feedback to speak for itself. Unfortunately, even trading with a member with a long standing and positive feedback doesn't always protect yourself, as been apparent in recent threads.
 
Trust is earned, not demanded or bestowed at birth. Here and everywhere else in life. When I was new to the forums, I would gladly ship first to an established member. I think it is only logical, as well as showing respect and humility.
 
If i don't know them and i'm interested in what they have to trade, they will have to ship first.
 
I don't know, recent events like the Benya affair have showed that time on the forum and feedback are not all. I would rather deal with a newb with zero feedback than with Liu Kang or Benya.
 
I think it is very reasonable.
As this forum has continued to grow, we have seen an increasing number of problems with trades. I think it is important to establish and build trust.
That being said, I still occasionally ship first to assure that the other party is satisfied before they spend money on shipping.

In the end, it is about communication. Say what you need to say, listen to the feedback. Be polite and respectful. If you have a bad feeling, walk way. I would rather not come to a deal and keep a civil relationship than grudgingly enter a deal and urinate all over the feedback forum when a reality that I anticipated comes to pass.
 
The question is asked about shipping first in a trade....Is that any different than selling a knife and receiving payment before the knife is shipped ?

Would you buy a knife from a member with a low post count and ask the seller to send the knife first for inspection ?

If you don't feel comfortable from the beginning then don't take it to the next level. (IMO)
 
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bigmark408 said:
The question is asked about shipping first in a trade....Is that any different than selling a knife and receiving payment before the knife is shipped ?

Would you buy a knife from a member with a low post count and ask the seller to send the knife first for inspection ?

If you don't feel comfortable from the beginning then don't take it to the next level. (IMO)
Click to expand...

Good point. :thumbup:
 
I actually just came to the conclusion, if you and I havnt done business, or you have a seriously low count, I want you to ship first...if not, Oh well, I have plenty of knives...just not enough to throw any away.
I think this is VERY fair, and I would have done the same when I was a newb. And I dont care if you are an Ebay stud..this aint ebay, and a trade is considerably more risky than a PP purchase.
 
bigmark408 said:
The question is asked about shipping first in a trade....Is that any different than selling a knife and receiving payment before the knife is shipped ?

Would you buy a knife from a member with a low post count and ask the seller to send the knife first for inspection ?

If you don't feel comfortable from the beginning then don't take it to the next level. (IMO)
Click to expand...

If you use Paypal, you can get your money back...in a trade gone bad..."not so much"
 
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