Black List of No Pays

[oldsecesh]

Dear AC,

This may have been posted before and I might be using the wrong words in "search" to find it.

I realize the legal issue involved, but is there some list that could be made up and available to members, of individuals that have failed to pay for items bought off the "Want to Sell - Want to Buy" forums? This would include those that accept payment and don't deliver. If there was something like this, I wouldn't be out $110.00 as I am now. This would include those banned from the forum for this kind of practice.

Maybe it could start with a complaint to the moderators about a purchase or sale with complete back up of information. I was contacted by two members that they were also "taken" by this same fellow that owe's me money for an "Wanted to Buy" thread on the forum.

Merely a suggestion that would certainly be a service to those buying and selling on the AC.

[firstexas]

Jim,

I think this is a great idea. Public humiliation is a great way to keep people in line. Last time someone tried to burn me I hired a private investigator. She then called the local police and reported the person. Finally, the investigator got a hold of the guys mom and I had payment within 2 days. People on-line hide behid their computer screen and if they are going to rip someone off they deserve to be exposed. If they guy you are dealing with is using the mail for goods and payments, he is commiting mail fraud which is pretty serious. I would contact the postmaster general in my area and report this guy. My 2 cents.

Pards,

[oldsecesh]

Bill,

Thanks for the support!

[Gallinipper]

Gents, I would like to add something. I think it's a good idea, because there's another side to the coin too and the courtesy of common communication appears to be lacking these days.

I have both bought and sold many items on this site for years. I have always been pleased with what I've purchased, and fortunate enough to have always received payment for those items I've sold (except for one occasion involving a "trade" with an individual who was later banned from the AC).

Again, communication is the key but if that kind of behavior becomes more prevalent- not saying that it will, hoping that it won't- more drastic measures may be the only recourse.

Good luck Jim, I hope your situation will be resolved.

[PetePaolillo]

Jim...I feel your pain....I was one of the victims of the now infamous Casey Osgood

He is no longer on here but he was selling on other forums and that is where I got burned..Live and learn but a list would be nice.

[lukegilly13]

However, in trying to post an item for sale today I find that I am prevented from doing so. ????????

You are showing as "Rank and File" status. You have to be a paid subscriber to list items for sell. If you have paid a subscription, check with the moderators and see if something is up.

[Ian McWherter]

I have bought and sold numerous items on this forum and so far I've never had any problems, I guess to some extent I'm lucky. Clear communication is very important, those little courtesy emails go a long way to avoid potential problems. When I have sold any of my used items on here, I always make sure to take clear photographs of those items so people know exactly what they're buying. I hate trying to decide whether I want to buy something or not, whether it's an auction or a item sold on this forum, and I'll have to go by is a blurry overexposed photograph taken at distance of an item laid out on some swell 1970s sofa. When an item is sold immediate clear communication needs to take place between those parties to arrange payment and shipping so no misunderstanding develops. This is nothing new and to most of the older members on this forum it's just plain common sense, but this seems to be a problem with the younger crowd. And what's up with mailing an item out at the end of the week or "whenever I get around to it." I've always mailed items, despite how busy I am, the NEXT day, with insurance (just in case) and delivery confirmation, I then forward the number immediately to that person. Yah, it costs extra but it's worth it.

I wish there wasn't any fraud being perpetrated here, but at least it's not as prevalent as in the WWII reenacting hobby, the horror stories there are endless.

To all the window lickers out there, Don't tell someone you want to buy an item unless you have the cash on hand in order to do so! This is especially prevalent among the younger cash strapped crowd.

[briangauthier]

As part of the younger, typically strapped for cash section of this hobby, my inquiries about products for sale are always serious. I may hope someone doesn't respond to my requests to lower prices, but I always have the funds before I inquire.

I would also like to point out also, I've not had any problems on AC. I've received and mailed back(hat didn't fit) and not had a single problem. Everyone has been extremely gracious in their dealings. Perhaps someone (a moderator?) could post payment guidlines to follow in order to streamline the buying and selling process? Just a thought.

Sincerely,

[Fenianboy]

Ian, sound advice indeed! I'd further suggest once banned from here forever banned,in the spirit of "he who doesn't learn from the past is destined to repeat it"

[FloridaConscript]

I've bought and sold on here as well and only had to crawfish on a purchase once, and that was due to a car repair on my wifes car.
4 tips that work well for me

1.) clear pictures or description.
2.) I always ship within 24 hours of reciept of payment and i inform the purchaser of this.
3.) I forward the tracking info to the purchaser as soon as I get back from the post office.
4.)keep all PMs and or emails, so there is a clear record of communication.