What tips do you have for new SCF members?

[mikesilvia]

I would like to come up with a nice archive of tips for new SCF members. Please respond with some nice tips for new SCF members and I will take the best ones and put out an official list that new members will be recommended to review when they sign up. I want this to be from the members to the members. I will reward some CC to the best tips.

For example:

"Take 10 minutes to read the rules. Be familiar with them and feel free to ask a SCF staff member questions if you don't understand."

[jdio13]

Hey Mike, here is mine:

Keep your word. If you commit to a trade, then follow through on that trade.

I have seen alot of established members getting upset about new members backing out of trades so I thought this tip would be a good one. Thanks alot!!

Jason

[gladdyontherise]

Mike, you should know i have alot. but i'll list a few

"Please send the cards in the appropriate manner, Bubble mailers unless both traders agree on a different method"

"Please ship in a timely manner, so trades can get done in a fasionable manner"

Please make sure your cards are in good condition before making trades"

Dan

[Bondsaway]

As a new member try to trade with established traders (20 or more feedback). Too many new members blindly enter into agreements with other unestablished traders only to lose cards then complain. That is why we have the rankings and MUST SEND FIRST rules. You know who can be trusted and those you should think twice about trading with especially bigger dollar trades.

1a) Don't be pushed or bullied into trades or sending first. If unsure ask any staffer before confirming any trade agreement!

[Hamels35]

Game used cards are to NEVER be sent in a plain white envelope. I cannot tell you how many time I had them show up badly creased because of this.

[Phathugo2467]

I would Say:
Respect the collections of other members on the boards. Respect the tradelist of other members on the boards. Just because someone does not collect a player you like or does not have something you need on their tradelist is no reason to be rude or hostile. Also, patience is a virtue. It may seem like nobody has any of you needs but they will eventually show up. Dont be abnoxious and annoying. Wait it out and you will find what you are looking for.

[etmill01]

I also have one which I feel is very important..When you go to the post office to send cards out for trades, make sure you get a receipt if not sending with confirmation or insurance..

With a receipt from the post office you will be protected incase a dispute would come up with the member you are trading with if they would file a dispute saying they never received ..

Hang on to all confirmation receipts or postal receipts until the trade/sale is completed in the trade manager by both parties involved..Thanks Ed

[DAVE30]

Follow the must send first rule. It's real easy

[dallascisco]

1. When using delivery confirmation on a bubble mailer make sure it is 3/4 inch thick as this is a requirement for DC. Failure to do this may result in the Post Office at the other end of your trade to mark up the package from first class to priority and cause the package to arrive postage due. Newspaper, empty top loaders, and dummy cards are great ways to increase the thickness of a bubble mailer.

2. Invest in a scanner or high resolution camera. Traders are more likely to trade with you if they can clearly see what they are getting.

3. Use a feewebs or photobucket site to showcase your available cards.

4. Post a link to your trade site in your signature.

5. Use the scf inventory manager to keep track of what cards you have and what you have traded.

6. When taping multiple rigid holders together or sealing a snap-tite case fold over one end of the tape to create a tab which the other person can use to easily open the itmes.

7. Don't apply tape to a card(s) that are not inside a case or rigid holder.

8. The USPS provides some supplies free of charge here:

http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stor...&top_category=

9. Keep commonly used shipping slips such as delivery confirmation, customs, and signature comfirmation at home. The post office doesn't mind if you take a handful with you.

10. Cover the external bubble mailer or box seal with a line of tape as to avoid potential tampering or loss.

[etmill01]

If sending cards in top loaders, do not put a card that is too thick in a thin top loader, this may cause for the card to get damaged when trying to remove it from the top loader..

Thanks Ed