Security for buying/selling

[Curtis boggs]

The amount of scammers on Reduser has gotten pretty darn bad.
Seems like every other post is someone trying to pull a scam.

At this point I don't buy high value stuff from someone unless it's
an industry person that I know personally or I can verify through a mutual friend.

Suggestion, .. how would the group feel about a system where only verified
forum users can post things for sale?
I have no idea how to implement that or what it would look like but
I'm just throwing the idea out there.
A pain in the butt I know but honestly I think something needs to be done.

Curtis

 

[RJ_Ortiz]

I've seen this a lot too. I know there are "Escrow" like services that will help do this, but I can't remember the name(s). I do believe there should be restrictions on who can post in the marketplace. A verified buying and selling rating would be great too. I used to trade and buy things on reddit regularly and they had a system like that. It helped me feel confident with trades/purchases.

 

[Tom S]

How about some criteria like be registered for over 6 months or a year and have over 50 or 100 posts before being able to sell. Buying and selling through Reduser is a good option because it eliminates the Ebay commission, which is significant when you still have PayPal and shipping fees. Before buying, I generally check out the seller's posting history.

 

[Brendan H. Banks]

How about some criteria like be registered for over 6 months or a year and have over 50 or 100 posts before being able to sell. Buying and selling through Reduser is a good option because it eliminates the Ebay commission, which is significant when you still have PayPal and shipping fees. Before buying, I generally check out the seller's posting history.

Yeah this makes sense. Any extra security means more oversight, which means less flexibility. Buyer beware for sure, but also I've gotten STEALS on the forum (meaning great deals...I realize now that in this context that may not be the right word haha). Most big purchases I've been able to meet up in person for, but I am lucky in the fact that I live and work in a major market.

To be honest you can do a RU deal and then only pay via PayPal for business. There is a fee, but it's also a sort of "insurance". Private deals always have their pitfalls, but that's also where you can snag some value.

 

[Marc Wielage]

PayPal is about the only thing I know, but if I were buying a $20,000+ camera or lenses from somebody in the U.S., I'd get on a plane and fly out and meet them with a cashier's check. eBay is another choice, but bear in mind the added fees.

Escrow.com claims to offer a service that will do this as well, but I've never used them.

 

[Christopher S Johnson]

RU already makes a new user posting for sale wait 60 days. I think you guys misunderstand what this place is... RU doesn't take a cut, and they have no reason to on take the time and headache to improve their marketplace. Why would they?

If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[Sterling Williams]

I always ask for a phone number and reach out to talk in person. If they are not willing to give out their number, I give them mine. If they are not willing to talk, somethings up. Why would they decline that? as it should put them at ease as well.

And always pay through PayPal or something similar