Bartertown.com

Im new to bartertown and about to do my first trade. I dont really know how to trade so im asking experienced traders for help.
Thx

Im new to bartertown and about to do my first trade. I dont really know how to trade so im asking experienced traders for help.
Thx

Here's all of the advice I can think of:

1) For your first trade or 3, only trade with experienced traders (say, a 20 rating or more? That constitutes 10 good trades. It'll do a couple things for you. It'll give you a handle on how things are done (they know the ropes by now) and it'll give you SOME sense of security... higher ratings = a lower tendency to rip you off or screw up big time on a trade

2) (Sorry Newbies) I recommend keeping away from traders with a rating of 4 or less until you've reached a 10 or so. As a new trader, you're less savvy on the kinds of scams here. You're ripe pickings for an experienced scammer. If your rating is 10 and theirs is 0, you have more backing you up if you want them to ship first.

3) Get a home phone number and use it. Do NOT complete the trade until you call that number and it is answered by a person (first 3 or 4 trades, at least).

4) Pack your stuff well. One big Pain in the Arse is receiving damaged goods because the moron you traded with doesn't take the time to pack well.

5) If the deal is TOO good, it probably is.

6)Do research. If a person has multiple references, look at them to make sure they're not all from the same person... especially himself. <G>

7) Always use delivery confirmation. This is YOUR proof that your package was delivered.

Always require THEM to use delivery confirmation... you can enter the number in the USPS web site to make sure they actually sent out a package.

9) Check the Bad Trader forum to ensure that your possible trade partner's name and/or trade name does NOT appear there.

10) If you're REALLY sceptical, like me & Insidius, you can ALWAYS assume that the person will cheat you if you don't keep him from doing it and take precautions and measures to make sure you aren't cheated.

That's all I can think of off hand

Ok, I'll bite...

Welcome to BarterTown. Today's tips are:

Be 100% honest on the condition of what you are trading. This doesn't mean that you have to disclose EVERYTHING, it does mean that if someone asks you, you should be honest. Provide pictures if you can.

Expect to ship first since you have no trade rating. But don't let anyone sucker you if it doesn't "feel right." If both of you are of a low/no rating, find a neutral party and ask them to be a shipping "intermediary." Basically someone with a high rating who will recieve and hold onto each sides "shipment" untill the right conditions are met (I am willing to do this as long as ALL shipping cost are covered).

If someone is rude to you or odd don't trade with them. On the otherhand their being rude DOES NOT mean you can. Just drop it.

Be polite and list everything that you want or need. Don't just say that you have IG and you want SM. Be exact. Please.

Act like an adult. Don't blame your mom/wife/brother/dog/act of God/hurricain for not shipping on time. Well, maybe the act of God and Hurricain is ok as long as it's the truth.

Use proper spelling and punctuation. No 1337 speak. Dont stess yourself out, just use those basic english communication skills you learned in school.

And last but most important of all: HAVE FUN!

Mark