jancohen Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Scamming happens in a lot of places that can be turned to today for purchases and is a sign of the times we live in. It doesn't matter whether here on FM, at Nikonians, Dpreview, eBay, etc., nothing replaces due diligence which, while perhaps offering more comfort to the buyer (and seller), is also no guarantee that one won't be scammed.
In any case, such due diligence might include:
- Buying from/selling to someone who appears to have a history (including recently) of using the product, as somewhat exemplified by (e.g.) their posting of questions, comments, and their own work elsewhere on FM and/or perhaps other forums/web sites;
- Adequate feedback here and/or elsewhere, feedback whose ownership might be substantiated somehow. That's somewhat easier to do right here on FM if a person has been a regular;
- Possibly sharing verifiable email addresses and phone numbers when dealing with the more expensive items, and communicating with each other using them;
- Meeting in person if time and place allows.
The list could go on, but I think I've covered the main points.
If what I mentioned above doesn't seem like enough and you still feel uncomfortable, you've always got established retail outlets like KEH, B&H, Adorama, etc., that you can turn to. Doing so might be more expensive, but it can come with that peace of mind not found through other avenues, depending on the individual.
Lastly, I know the sort of advice I mentioned above might especially hit home with those who haven't been here long, and I apologize if it does. Not everyone is out to scam someone, and I know a lot of the new people might find what I've said troubling. Hang in there. There are those of you who have sought advice as to how best to establish themselves here, and fairly sound advice has been given. The only thing working against you might be time if you're in a hurry.
Edited: btw, feel free to add to the list if you think I've missed something.
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