~What is a Bad Trader? Basically, when you send an item(s) or money to someone, and they do not send you anything back. This is usually followed by the usual "I'll do it tomorrow," or just ignoring of emails/IMs.

~The selling of Bootleg items, esp. Crew Jerseys, could be considered being a Bad Trader, so we will accept complaints about that. However, to note, before you buy such an item, please do all your homework to make sure the item is real. Ask for the back story, ask other people, make sure the jersey was actually made and worn at a show, etc etc. This type of thing wouldn't happen as often if people did some research.

~Making a deal, then backing out of it is NOT considered being a Bad Trader in terms of being a "rip off." Your time may have been wasted, but no items were "stolen" from you. Other things, like making deals for stuff before someone has the items in their hands, saying you sent something (first) when you didn't, or asking for insane prices are not marks of Bad Traders. These are all annoying, and inconvenient, and maybe red-flags to not deal with the person in the future... but it's hard to label them as a "rip off" this way.

~Please wait an appropriate time to label someone a "Bad Trader," esp. if they are from far away or another country. Don't wait 2 days, then get angry, when some people have waited for months, even years for stuff. Give it at least... 2 full weeks before you start getting worried.



~When you encounter a "Bad Trader," post their Board Name/email addy/whatever in the Title of your post here. Then in the post, explain in detail what the deal was, and what went wrong. Keep it simple and to the point so it is easily read by everyone.

~If you see a post about someone being a Bad Trader, and you had a bad experience with them as well, tell your story in that post (unless you want to start your own, which is also fine.) Obviously, the more problems with one person, the quicker action will be taken.

~ *DO NOT reply to a post here saying, "I've never had problems with this person," then go on and make the post deviate from the topic. We realize that most people have some good refs under their belt. Even the worst traders have friends who will stick up for them. This isn't the place for that.

~If you post about someone, PLEASE check back to make sure no one deleted your post. This has been known to happen, so if it does, contact me personally me with your problem. Also, if you comment about someone and get banned, same deal, contact me and I will fix everything.

~Please DO NOT post people's home/work addys and/or telephone numbers. We do NOT need that. If you are talking with someone else who may have gotten ripped off by the same person, you can say something like "Did you send it to this city?" or whatever... not do not up and post someone info

When you make a post about a Bad Trader, numerous things can, and may, happen to that person:

--They may get banned from the Board, if there are enough complaints or if it is deemed it is best if they are no longer around. Realize that if this happens, you will probably never get your money/items. Maybe you realize you never would have gotten them anyways, so it's best to warn others before they rip someone else off.

--Nothing may happen. This may occur if the Mods feel the person has a good enough track record where they will pull out their end of the deal. Perhaps the story is unclear, or it is possible that there was a lost item, or what have you. Deals go bad, so we try not to ban people on a One Strike Offense.



What exactly will we do? That I am unsure of right now. Perhaps a warning that deals need to be completed, or else they will get banned. That's about all we can do. Getting banned from this Board isn't exactly a death sentence, so I am sure those who will be banned won't care... but it's something, rather than nothing.



We hold the right to change these rules when we see fit, ban people for breaking them, and all of that. If you have any problems with these, feel free to contact me.

~Pete

*edit*

* = This goes for any and everyone. Seriously, no one cares that you share a last name with someone. Gay jokes are all in good fun (!), but not in here. This place is going to have to remain strictly business. I don't mind cleaning the place up every now & then, but come on, work with me. Temporary bannings may have to come if you cats can't follow the rules.

-- MMurdock/Whatever I Change My Username To In The Future But My Av Will Remain The Same/etc.