Trading Tips

[meuandthelot]

Since this site's main objective is trading, I thought it would be a great idea to start some sort of Trading Tips thread(inspired by blayzn pro) after all, we really don't know what goes on in those PM's so keep a record!!

I'd say some keys would be: HAVE FUN!!

#1) It's OK to be cautious, do a Reference check: ask the mods, ask them(the other trader) for ebay or other site stats, other members, etc.. Gain Information/Trust, before you enter into negotiation!

#2) Know what kind of value they place on cards...Ask! Some are B.V, some are.. he's who I collect, so a 3 for 1 base of who you like is fine, some are staunch e-bay sales, etc...point is people value cards differently.

#3) Have an open mind, be articulate in your offers, ask what they collect and always have bargaining room built in!
**Remember some take offense at lowball, or base for g/u offers, even if your intentions were good, you just lost a deal, so think before you hit the send button! *See how they value above ;)*

--------DON'T ASSUME Anything---------

#4) Highlight(re-write) what you think they are proposing, When somebody says I collect player X make sure you know what they collect of player X, ** save your PM's for reference**Use some trackable transaction manager like Sportcardforums*

#4a.) Make sure you cover Card Condition, scans(if you can) are nice. **While looking at some cards recently(thanks NNelly), I noticed a few flaws that I hadn't noticed before IE: hairline crease on G/U, dinged/touched corner, chipping, etc this surprised me since I get alot of stuff graded, so re-check items before agreeing to a trade...you can miss flaws.

#5) State how you will be shipping the cards before hand, bubble mailer, in a top loader, however you ship, let them know so there are no surprises**for 50cents delivery confirmation is great IMO, or go inside and pay so you may ask the clerk for a dated receipt with ship to zip code.

#6) Have fun!!
If this deal falls through there will be more, after all this is fun(Remember ;) a Hobby, and a chance to better your collection, as well as someone else's'
* Note to self: You have a very busy life, be careful what you respond to. Did this as a reminder...lol. Because I have replied to a post, and TOTALLY dropped the ball, simply got busy and forgot(but it can, and did seem like ignoring) so don't get trigger happy with the replies ;).

well I didn't proof read, but i think this is a good start to keeping SCF moving forward....We can greatly cut down the mis-understandings with a few simple PM's, questions and review guidelines.

hey did I mention have fun ;)

here's a nice shipping guide by Soxfan

Shipping Recap/Cliff notes:

1) Make sure the cards you've traded get to their destination in the condition described. The main objective is to prevent damage via being bent, or shifting-movement which can cause a damaged corner, scuffing/scratching of surface and/or edges.

How to Greatly reduce chances of shipping damage:
Best protection is the card into a penny sleeve > hard sleeve/toploader >Team Bag(better than tape)> wrapped in paper, or put inside a standard envelope, then into a bubble mailer. I have used card savers(v/s toploaders) which are semi-rigid card holders but these need to be "sandwiched" in between cardboard for proper rigidity, protection.
I personally use DC as the .55cents offers a nice peace of mind, and proof of shipping, although a postal receipt showing destination zip code works well too for lesser valued trades. Anything I can't easily replace gets Insurance, period...The $2.00 again not only offers proof of shipment, which will also help keep my record clean :) but can protect my pocket against an unforseen accident, loss, theft or damage.

Bottom line... if in doubt about anything wrote above or exactly how to ship something, simply use the available safeguards, if you can't find a help section or are unsure in a trade arrangement simply ask a staff or tenured member.
A little time & $1 or $2 can be worth it's weight in gold, or advil as it will help alleviate unnecessary headaches.
Happy Trading

[IggyWH]

Iggy likie... Iggy give 100CC

Nice post big guy and SHOULD open things up to a great discussion. This could have been the starting centerpiece to a members written article section though!

[Sexpos2003]

Awesome job. It's got everything newbies and the experienced alike can use as a basic building block for their future trading endeavors.

[Bonds_25]

Great post meu but I would like to add to it.

Always try your best to patient when it comes to receiving your cash, cards, or other items. The mail is not always the most reliable thing on earth. Mistakes happen, things can get mixed up in the post office. A friendly pm asking if the item was sent is fine but don't harass somebody after just a few days late delivery.

[meuandthelot]

Great point Bonds!!!!!!!!!!!!! & duly noted

that was kinda why i put the note to self

[meuandthelot]

Kinda updated it bbonds, I think most will get the underlying message!!After all the mis-understandings I'd been reading about............I'm kinda suprised there wasn't any more input.

Although, Chit Chat has bogged as of late.

With 1,500 STRONG, we should be able to dial in a great guideline. we need more opinions, and views.

Come on members lets make a super SCF standard/reference type list!!

[Blazin Pyro]

Great ideas and I agree they are tips for everyone alike.

[pr0phet]

Great Post meu.. that wouldnt be something bad to put up towards signup.. require them to read that before they sign up or something..

Traders should also keep in mind the idea that some people get better hobby recgonition then others.. I may have missed that idea before when i read that and just spaced which i sure hope i didnt to make me look like a moron.. but some people like favre, manning, moss get huge hobby recgonition.. Others like bettis, hugh duglas(ive pulled plenty of jersey cards of him sad to say) get didly squat.. to take bv on trades into hand is something that should be watched unless its really needed

Jay

[NolanRyanExpress]

I think this site should be listed in the guidlines for trading. It is the official internet fraud complaint center, its run by the governmanet, I will put it in my sig too. Hope this helps someone

http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/cf1.asp

[Rippaflow]

Another tip, an expansion to the toploader. If your going to send a thick card, make sure it is in a case thick enough for it. Don't send a 75pt card in a 25pt toploader. Hope that helps.