Unbelievable Classifieds

[30378]

It just makes no sense to me to place an add trying to sell something for say $2500+ and have no pictures, minimal descriptions or location. I know we are responsible as buyers for where and how we spend our money but there needs to be some rules about placing high end, high priced items in the classifieds before someone gets hurt really bad. There is not a good shooter alive that wants to see someone else in the sport get burned but in this day and time it really gets me how someone expects a guy to lay down that much hard earned cash and not give a proper description of what he is selling. It is simply bad business. If you're going to step up to the plate, bring a bat!

Moderators, what do you think?

 

[zullo74]

All the shooters I know would not buy a 'pig in a poke', so an ad,for almost anything) is not likely to get much serious attention, so the point you make is self-solving. No bites>No burns.

 

[spclark]

Caveat emptor is as good a motto as any when dealing with offerings from unknown sellers.

We're adults here. We ought to know where our bests interests are when it comes to judging the risk of getting burned.

Considering the state of the economy right now, there's a great chance legitimate sales are being attempted by folks who find themselves hard up for cash to survive.

At the same time the anonymous connectivity the Internet provides gives ample opportunity for scammers amongst us to lure in unsuspecting fish.

 

[lawrence97]

I agree, in order to post in the classifieds, a location,city and state), valid email, pictures and maybe even a minimum post count should be established....

I personally will not deal if anyone fails to give any of the above or not have any solid references, but there are some who just jump at the deals without taking any precautions and that is were the risk is at !!!

 

[Dirtball]

You CAN'T legislate against stupidity, no more than adding rules can prevent rip-offs. If the guy is trying to rip some one off he does not mind putting in what ever info you ask for.
That being said, a lot of sites require city, state, and a valid e-mail be in your public profile in order to post 'for sale, for trade'.
The best defense is if it don't feel right DON'T do it.
Use USPS money orders, if you pay with them and you are defrauded, notify the USPS as they tend to take this seriously.
Dave

 

[spclark]

'... notify the USPS as they tend to take this seriously.'

Indeed they do; many of the Postal Inspectors are authorized to keep an MP5 handy....