Use some caution folks

[30coupe]

Lately I've been seeing more and more items placed in the classified ad section by people with 2 to 10 posts. I'm not saying these are dishonest people, but there was a reason why a while back you were required to have a minimum number of posts before you could use the classified section. Now that it is no longer administered, it seems there are new names showing up only in the classified section.

Use some caution when doing deals. If a seller only has a few posts, do a search of their user name to see if selling is all they have done here. If so, you may want to be wary.

I don't mean to point fingers or stir up trouble. I just hate to see the threads about members getting ripped off.

[AWPForester]

Me too.  But it wasn't that long ago that I was one of those guys that didn't have enough post to trade here.  I must still be in a lot of uys minds as I have tried given away some great items, only to have them go unnoticed.  As a honest fella, if you do not want to do business with me because my post number is too low, so be it.  But, the guys who have were treated more than fairly and I am certain to the 100th degree they would all tell you that.

I have also dealt with fellas here with limitied postings with great results.  I understand your concern but post count has litte to do with honesty.  New guys are just as honest as older members.  Just use your head with anyone.  If they screw you over they intended to do that regardless of post numbers.  God BLess

[huntercole]

I'm one of the ones with a low post count, but I have done a decent amount of buying and selling on the classifieds. I've been on tradgang for a few years, but just tend to read and learn instead of post. I get what you're saying though.

[30coupe]

Hunter,

Another thing to look at is the join date. I would be less skeptical of you, since you have been around a while, even though you didn't post often, than someone who joined yesterday and posted an ad today as a first or second post.

I agree with AWPforester, too, that most of the new guys are as honest as anyone else. I'm just saying, it pays to use some caution here. Maybe call them and talk on the phone first. Even that won't guarantee honesty, but it's one more connection.

Also, since you are from Iowa, I could just do a road trip and do the deal in person...or find you if a deal by mail went bad          

I've had great dealings here. I've bought, sold, and traded. This is a great place to do that and an even better place to just hang out, learn from others, and have a laugh or two at times.

As I said, I'm not accusing, just trying to limit the number of "who got screwed by so-and-so" type posts. After all, we all started with low post counts.    :D

[wooddamon1]

Good thread. I've recently had a bow quiver get lost in the mail and replaced it and sold a bow to a girl who obviously joined just to buy it. I've also had people say "I'll take it!" and then lose contact while others wanted the item.

Keep in touch with whomever you deal with, not much to it...

[m midd]

I have had a few people with low post counts try to buy or trade for some things i have had. Nothing against anyone but when they have 10 posts and they are all in the classifieds it makes me a little uneasy. There are great people on this site and i have had many transactions and 99% of them were flawless..

[Buranurra]

In one of the aquarium forums I am a member of they make a minimum of 25 posts before you can use the classifieds. Mods keeps an eye on those post-padding in order to use the buy and sell. Post padders get a warning and/or a ban. Another forum makes those wishing to use classifieds pay a membership fee to the site of $20 per annum to trade. These things generally deter spammers but one still needs to exercise caution when dealing with those with low post counts... erm, like me I suppose.      

I know I would be much more comfortable dealing with someone with a higher post count than someone with a low count. However, looking up someones posting history it is pretty easy to see if they are post padders/ scammers or genuine enthusiasts.

I was asked to be a mod on above said forum but declined knowing full well that classifieds are a nightmare to moderate.

[Bowwild]

A couple of years ago when I was under 100 posts I wanted to buy or sell something -- I don't remember which.  I needed to increase my posts by several dozen to qualify.  So, I began responding to many posts that I had only been reading before.

Two things happened:
1. I achieved the 100 level very quickly and made the deal.
2. I developed a habit that remains difficult to break to this day.

While that was mostly serious, this is seriously what I do when working a classified project.
1. If I've already had dealings with the person -- GOLD!
2. If I haven't I look at post count like 30Coup suggests. I like to see thousands more than hundreds.
3. I do a search and read some of those posts.  If the poster seems to be an agreeable person that is a good sign. Note: if the poster reveals his "haul line" is gravity, I am alerted!
4. If I'm still unsure I will contact a few fellows I've dealt with and ask their opinion -- This has worked very well!
5. Last resort, I call the person or e-mail for a bit of background.

I don't do a lot of volume in the classifieds. I've bought, sold, or traded a dozen or so bows (If more than that please don't remind me).  All but one transaction was absolutely perfect!  The one that wasn't didn't result in anyone being stiffed, mislead, etc. it just waffled a bit and I was confronted with some language during  an otherwise polite conversation that shocked my Baptist sensibilities.

[Goshawkin]

Too bad there's not a thread on here where you could post about good dealings,both as a buyer and seller.usually only hear the bad.
Probably would take up too much space though.I'm sure there are WAAAYYYY more good guys to deal with on here than @$$h0!@$.
The low post count thing is tough,because you don't really know what to expect.I have been on the other side though. I was trying to sell a gun on another forum. Rare gun at a great price and nobody would buy it.One guy finaly made an offer.I got his phone number and called him up.He even said he was not sure because I only had a few posts.He paid with a money order and got a great gun at a great price.I even threw in a base and scope rings that I had no use for without that gun.You never know for sure though until the deal is done.

[jjwaldman]

I am one of those low post guys that has bought and sold a couple bows in the classifieds.  I just tend to read more than post!  I also look at the join date.  If they just joined and are trying to sell, I like to speak to them on the phone.  Never had a problem though!  Most trad guys are the cream of the crop.

[Eric S]

I have a very low post count but have been here a couple of years. I tend to do more reading than posting. When I do sell something in the classifieds I usually offer my phone number just to make all parties involved more comfortable.

[jcar315]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
While that was mostly serious, this is seriously what I do when working a classified project.
1. If I've already had dealings with the person -- GOLD!
2. If I haven't I look at post count like 30Coup suggests. I like to see thousands more than hundreds.
3. I do a search and read some of those posts.  If the poster seems to be an agreeable person that is a good sign. Note: if the poster reveals his "haul line" is gravity, I am alerted!
4. If I'm still unsure I will contact a few fellows I've dealt with and ask their opinion -- This has worked very well!
5. Last resort, I call the person or e-mail for a bit of background.

X2!!

Well said without a doubt.

It is still surprising to me the people who join and within their first 10 posts are selling bows in the classifieds.....beware folks!

Also, at the risk of "ruffling some feathers" the classified ads with no pictures are another instance where I steer clear. If someone can't noodle through how to post pics, even after all the tutorials available here on TG, then I don't pursue doing business with them.

I'm sure I've missed out on some "deals" but the one time I violated my personal policy I nearly fell victim to one of the scammers in the "hall of shame" listed above.

Bottom line for me......lots of absolutley AWESOME people here on TG but at the end of the day it is buyer beware. If the deal sounds too good to be true it is!

[57HOP]

This is subject that comes up on many forums - some have a Min. post count, others like TG here don't.
Common sense dictates caution - I've had one bad dealing in all my years here, not bad I reckon, and it was a minor ransaction. The moderators and local Police helped straighten everything out. (Thanks Terry!)

Join date is another useful tool - scammers won't last long. And check the posters profile, Although, like mine, it may be light.

I like to talk to the other party whenever possible.
Pictures of actual goods help.

[Scarne]

Posts have value.  They say you arean active participant.  They say that you are here for more than just yourself.  This is a community.  While everybody is welcome to join it is your participation that keeps it going.  Lurkers provide no added value, nor do those that are here to just use the classifieds.

Some want the benefit of the blood, sweat and tears of others.  Yet they offer nothing back.

The fact that you have something to sell means nothing to the site administration.  The classifieds are an added value for the participants.  Contributions require thought and effort.  Seldom are hustlers going to put in that time and effort for a one time kill.

[Brock]

I also, when allowed, look back through POSTS made by the member to see what they have been responding toward....such as supporting the community and sharing advice and experience....or just trying to sell things or degrade someone.

posts count, date joined, and thread content are all things I look at.

[cahaba]

We have a Hall of Shame. Maybe a Hall of Fame for peoples name to go that do good deals?

[sparkyflint]

Fine, guess I'll have to start posting more since I'm one who mostly lurks, but if people are going to get gun-shy about selling me something.  

BTW- my not posting much has nothing to do with not wanting to be a part of a 'community', but rather just not having as much to add to the conversation when much more knowledgeable people are around.