When do you get suspicious about a deal? Advice please!!

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SpyderJon

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Okay, so here's the deal. I've had this one guy emailing me with offers for a knife I have. I'm selling my collection because I need money, and so I'm inclined to entertain offers. I have an Anderson Rhino, which nobody seems to want, and so I'm thinking of trading it for a few user knives that would sell easier as separate lots. Well, the deal keeps changing. We had a deal, but then some money fell through on his end, so we made another deal. Well, the details keep changing, and he keeps coming back with different offers. In broad terms, the deal would be:

Shouldn't put the deal out there. BAD Spyderjon! BAD!! BAD!!! BAD!!!! :rolleyes: :yawn: :eek: :( :barf:

Anyone smell something? or am I paranoid?!?

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Yeah, I'd be suspicious, or at least annoyed. And I don't know if I'd take the chance of making the deal long distance through the mail. Two factors, can the deal be conducted in person? Does he have any favorable reviews from past dealings with forum members?

Could be he's just indecisive. In that case you should make a decision on his last offer and stick with it. If he tries to change again, I'd drop him.

Or it could be he ~really~ wants the knife but is having some sort of ongoing financial problems. In that case, he should bow out gracefully and save his $$.

Just my thoughts. Good luck!
Bob
 
Its hard to know for sure, but it sounds like someone who wants your knife badly, but does not have exactly what he knows is required by him.

Just be careful, its up to you to say "yea, or nay".
 
I would agree with Bob W here. It seems odd that the deal keeps changing, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If he is on the forums, or any of the other forums, and has been around for a while, has a good reputation, then I wouldn't worry so much. If that is the case then chances are he is just having some sort of problem getting the money together, or deciding on what exactly he wants to offer in trade.

If he is just some random unknown person then I would really be worried. Sure the case might just be that he is having a rough time at the moment, and really wants the knife. But there is also a pretty good chance he is trying to scam you. See what he would say if you need to get the money and knives offered in trade up front. If he is willing to send out the stuff first, and wait until you get it then I would feel pretty safe. Then just wait on the package, and if it arrives with what it should, then go ahead and send out the Rhino. I would think that if it is a scam then he wouldn't be willing to ship first.
 
Cougar, thanks!

Well, in my current position I can't really afford to lose a knife. I'm not sure what's going on actually. the name he gives for himself on the "other" forum is Inkster, and that person IS the moderator for some of the forums and has a pretty good reputation, but I'm still nervous because of what I have in it, you know?

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Why does the deal keep changing?

Inkster has a very good reputation, but if it doesn't feel right then don't do it. I do think you are being a little paranoid, but it is understandable. The fear of losing a fairly expensive custom can cause paranoia. Especially when one can't afford the loss (like any of us can). This is even more the case when you haven't dealt with this person previously.

By the way, the deal seems to be fair, as long as the condition of the knives is the same.
 
I am pretty sure I have delt with Inkster before on KFC and our transaction went fine. Just thought I would sound in to boost your confidence :)
 
I have been on these forums for years, and done many trades, etc., and knock on wood never been cheated.
I know of the person you speak from the "other" forum, and has a good track record but I agree with Ira(Wolfmann), and some of the others in that if you are not comfortable with sending at the same time then have him send first, and if he is the person I know him to be he will do so. Again as Ira said not any different than if he was buying a knife from a dealer......money/goods first then they send the knife. Who knows he may be checking your reputation as well. I know I do.
Hope this helps.

Larry
 
Spyderjon,I've been dealing with Inkster for over a year.He is a Moderator at the other forum and has quite a stellar reputation with that crowd.I've traded back and forth with him several times without a hitch.I can't see any reason to think otherwise.tom.
 
inkster is a stand up guy. i've done one straight up sale and at least 3 trades with him. in my opinion, you couldn't deal with a better guy.

todd
 
:D

I think the psychology of the circumstances overwhelmed the psychology of he deal itself. Inkster's cool. But you really need the money, and the knife you've got is so valuable, of course you're going to have some trepidation.

Ordinarily I would tell you to hold the knife until the right buyer came along. Expensive knives can take a while to sell because the market is limited, but it's there. You have to be patient.

When you're trading, it isn't as easy to set a value as a cash deal. Too many more variables. The last deal Inkster offered sounds fair, though.
 
Esav, I think you've hit the nail on the head (along w/others). I just couldn't afford to lose a knife like this. I talked to Inkster on the phone and we seem to be cool. I asked for a "good faith" gesture and he did it w/o complaint. I sent out his package today. Thanks for the advice, I think I was just having a moment- the panic of unemployment as it were, not to mention Cabin fever from all the snow. Thanks all, for your input. I think this should all be over in a couple of days and we'll all be happier (especially my wife when I explain I've got more knives to sell)!!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
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