Possible Change to Optics Sale AREA -- Members ONLY?

[Forum Boss]

Folks,
We have seen cases of bad sellers in the classifieds, particularly in the Optics area. A few actual scammers, but other sellers who are exploiting the system in various ways.

Unfortunately members crazed to score a bargain are not heeding what I have said over and over and over again.

NEVER buy an expensive scope without talking to the seller live, by voice, on the telephone. And INSIST on custom photos (that cannot be grabbed off another site). Ask seller to take a photo with a bow on the scope, or masking tape with specific words.

Apparently people are still not getting the message. So let me try this -- if you shell out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an optic without talking to the seller live, by Voice (not TEXT or Private message), you're a g-damned FOOL!

In any case, I am thinking of restricting Optics selling rights to Silver and Gold members only. Non-members could still read and purchase, but not sell. This is not a guarantee of security, but it will help a lot.

I hate to go this route, but I can't seem to get members to follow my instructions and protect themselves. Maybe these graphics will help hammer this home:

 

[Forum Boss]

I will also say that it may not be wise to buy used just to save a couple hundred on an $1800 scope, even with transferable warranties.

In fairness there have been thousands of legitimate scope sales through this site that have resulted in happy buyers. But folks, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

We are already background checking EVERY new sign-up. But the scammers are getting more sophisticated.

The recommended strategy is to deal with trusted long-term members who have positive Feedback in their Trader History.

When dealing with new members, with no trade history, be VERY WARY!

About the phone call. In EVERY case I recall of a scam scope sale here, I believe the buyer did NOT talk to the seller! I cannot remember a single exception. That voice phone call is your first and best line of defense.

If you are too darn lazy to pick up the phone...

 

[R.Morehouse]

Thankyou Sir............

 

[ahusted1978]

Well said!

 

[garandman]

Good advice. I just had a scope deal go bad... what is it with scope deals ?

 

[300_whisper]

I am against that idea. Everyone has their own freewill and if they are stupid and get scammed it’s no ones fault but their own. I will admit that you, forum boss, have saved me on a transaction by blocking the PM of a scammer in my inbox. So I fall into the stupid category too.

I know there are clever scammers out there and some guys get legitimately fooled, but 99% of the time the posts are out of place.

I wouldn’t punish non donating members for the stupidity and greediness of the few. That’s just my opinion.

 

[JFrank]

I’m in total agreement with ya Boss Man.

I recently recommended a seller include a picture with today’s newspaper to help sell his scope.

Not a problem” within a few minutes the seller got er posted and started get replies

 

[JFrank]

I am against that idea. Everyone has their own freewill and if they are stupid and get scammed it’s no ones fault but their own. I will admit that you, forum boss, have saved me on a transaction by blocking the PM of a scammer in my inbox. So I fall into the stupid category too.

I know there are clever scammers out there and some guys get legitimately fooled, but 99% of the time the posts are out of place.

I wouldn’t punish non donating members for the stupidity and greediness of the few. That’s just my opinion.

Let them pay to play I say”

 

[misfire]

+1^

 

[garandman]

I wouldn’t punish non donating members for the stupidity and greediness of the few. That’s just my opinion.

Humbly... just donate. Its a $25 min... worth all we get here. The site doesnt run for free.

Not wanting to insult at all. Just a perspective...

 

[300_whisper]

Let them pay to play I say”

I’m a poet and didn’t even know it

 

[300_whisper]

Humbly... just donate. Its a $25 min... worth all we get here. The site doesnt run for free.

Not wanting to insult at all. Just a perspective...

It’s hurting contributing members too. There’s less stuff for sale and less deals available if it’s contributing guys only. Guys don’t get money they need and others don’t get their scopes.

 

[garandman]

It’s hurting contributing members too. There’s less stuff for sale and less deals available if it’s contributing guys only. Guys don’t get money they need and others don’t get their scopes.

I *just* had a scope deal go bad by a non-donater.

I'm OK with there being less bogus buyers and sellers who are going to back out of/scam other forum members.

No it's not fair that legal gun owners suffer for the bad acts of scummy gang Banger gun users.

Life isn't fair.

Its a whole Twinny 5er bux, homie....

 

[DngBat7]

Good advice. I just had a scope deal go bad... what is it with scope deals ?

Because it’s the most expensive item in the gun realm that you don’t ffl to buy or sell. A scammer can grab some pictures online and a tiny bit of knowledge and post it for sale

 

[topclass2017]

I’m in total agreement with ya Boss Man.

I recently recommended a seller include a picture with today’s newspaper to help sell his scope.

Not a problem” within a few minutes the seller got er posted and started get replies

I've asked for specific pics with things like a note card with my name from sellers with no feedback. Those that do get the sale...and then I make sure I leave appropriate feedback. I haven't been a buyer/seller on the forum for all that long, and that or something similar was asked of me for awhile by some. It's a legitimate request IMO.

 

[garandman]

Because it’s the most expensive item in the gun realm that you don’t ffl to buy or sell. A scammer can grab some pictures online and a tiny bit of knowledge and post it for sale

This one was a buyer. He makes a reduced price offer to purchase.... I accept 34 minutes later. 3 hours after that he backs out of the deal.

It's something about scope transactions.

 

[jghoghunter]

All the more it cost to be a member here, go for it forum boss. People are getting scammed on high end scopes and if it is legit they can afford to be a paying member. $25/$50 in the big scheme of things doesn't mean shit especially in this game we are playing in. But it means a lot to the Boss towards keeping this forum going.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I think it ( the optics section) should stay open for all to view, but not to purchase or sell. If I was a non-member and viewed an optic I wanted to buy I personally wouldn't think twice about joining the site to purchase it..........But I am kind of a scope snob so an extra $25. on a $2K scope isn't really much. So in a small way site membership may grow. It may be a good idea to extend it to the other classifieds as well. With all the great deals to be had here on the small items, it would be smart to join the site for that alone..............

Regards
Rick

 

[nmkid]

Yes, you should be a paying member to purchase or sell.

Forum Boss: To clarify, we are thinking that Only Paying members could SELL but all persons could still read and purchase. This would be done by restricting Thread starting privileges to Silver and Gold members.

 

[300_whisper]

...or just get rid of classifieds. Boom, 100% guarantee that no one will get scammed. Problem solved, problem stays solved. Sappers lead the way.