I've bought lots of gear on the FM buy/sell, but have never traded.
What's the protocol for doing so? Do we ship simultaneously, or does one ship first to ensure they are happy with the trade, and then the other ships and if both parties happy then no shipping back. By going in sequence, a trade reversal has a chance of costing less (if the 1st party to receive rejects).
Do people use escrow services or is that way overboard?
The person I'm contemplating to swap glass with (10-22 for 17-40) has no service feedback but has been a posting member of FM since 2004. He proposed I ship first. I have no reason to think he's dishonest, but the lack of FM feedback makes me a little nervous. He does have 100% feedback on ebay.
There's no right & wrong about it...every transaction is unique. You say the other member has no feedback but has posted since 2004...how many posts(?)...in which forums(?). You yourself have only 39 posts in almost 4 years...hardly any history at all. Kind of a difficult situation with members that have few posts and/or feedback. I would certainly suggest alot of communication...telephone calls at least!
omarlyn wrote:
There's no right & wrong about it...every transaction is unique. You say the other member has no feedback but has posted since 2004...how many posts(?)...in which forums(?). You yourself have only 39 posts in almost 4 years...hardly any history at all. Kind of a difficult situation with members that have few posts and/or feedback. I would certainly suggest alot of communication...telephone calls at least!
Coincidentally the only trade I've ever done on FM was my 17-40 for a 10-22. We shipped simultaneously and everything worked out. I agree with Omar that open communication and exchanging phone numbers is a good idea.
I've only traded for cash but on high ticket items, I ALWAYS call first, sort out the details, then carryout what ever we agree on...... On low dollar items, I haven't called..
I just traded a 300 f/4 IS with a member who has much fewer ratings than I do. I asked if he could ship first and if it was ok if I shipped after I get his lens + cash. He said yes. He sent me paypal payment and in 5-6 days, I got the lens. I shipped as soon as I got the lens and made sure it was ok.
but on high ticket items, I ALWAYS call first, sort out the details, then carryout what ever we agree on...... On low dollar items, I haven't called..