Trusting first time posters/sellers

[liberty47]

Would you trust buying a gun from someone who only has 1 post here on CG, and it's a listing in the private firearms section?

Please advise.

[gatesbox]

Face to face transfer. I would not send money, or my bank and pin number. And I wouldn't agree to help transfer money from an international account so that they can flee political persecution.

But even a 1 poster can meet me at a local FFL and show me what they got....

[Ziggy91]

Depends if they have prior membership on other forums. When I was trying to sell AR stuff I went to that other forum that is specifically for.... ARs... so i just posted in each sale that I was also a Calguns member.

I always did the same on my automotive forums too since people are just as bad at trust on those.

[Apec]

I did a deal with someone who emailed me and I didn't even get to see what his CGN name was. Turns out his friend was a calgunner and forwarded the ad to him. It turned out good. I would trust a first timer, but just make sure you confirm with them multiple times - when they accept your offer, and the day before & the day you are going to meet them.

It's all about good faith. Even some folks with feedback on here seem to have fallen through on deals.

[Press Check]

FTF / PPT, sure, why not?

[berto]

Bought from just registered first time posters on two occasions. They signed up just to sell. Got great deals both times. Little risk FTF for a PPT. The info on the DROS cuts the risk. We were all newbs once and somebody took a chance on us. I'd be wary of sending money.

[AK47American]

Are you afraid they will rob you or something? I dont know about you, but I wouldn't try to personally rip somone off from a gun forum... thats just me though. Ask to meet at a gun store or some place that isn't your house or their house or an alley.

Other than that, just use common sense. Know what your buying/selling. Make sure they know also. Exchange email or phone calls and try to feel out their personallity and knowledge of what they're trying to sell or obtain. If its a kid saying "awesome! so this will just kill a guy with one shot??" You might want to try to find out what their deal is before making a sale. Or if they're telling you "I'd rather just do a cash deal form you to me with no FLL involved" don't reply. Get out of that deal. And perhaps call the cops. Also don't wire them money in advance or anything dumb like that.

[ElDub1950]

Everyone has to be a first time buyer/seller once. No risk with a FTF & cash.

[bender152]

Face to face? Sure. Worst case scenario is that they no-show and I'm out a little gas and time.

Shipping? Probably not, but it depends on the value of the item. If it was less than $100 and I really wanted it, I may take the chance.

Does the seller have feedback on any other sites?

[geeknow]

FTF, no problem.

[dieselpower]

No, Not without identifying them. I seriously doubt you are talking about a FTF. You are talking about a "low post count" member in another firearm forum who is going to ship the firearm to your FFL AFTER payment is made.

I would ask them to ship the firearm first and I would send the money when the FFL received it. They would need to send a copy of their DL with the firearm.

I did this as a newb when selling my 1911...actually I traded it for gear. The other guy asked that I send the firearm to his FFL first due to my low post count and no seller/trader points.

[Fishslayer]

Face to face transfer. I would not send money, or my bank and pin number. And I wouldn't agree to help transfer money from an international account so that they can flee political persecution.

But even a 1 poster can meet me at a local FFL and show me what they got....

This...

As for sending $$$ for an accessory or whatever... a little leery. No. I like to see some itrader or do a FTF.

[CK_32]

No... I wouldn't not do the deal if its right and FTF but I would definintly be very skeptical through out the whole deal. I've seen way to many drive by single posts and usually they post and no one can ever get their reply to make the deal because they never come back...


Another major factor is the risk to them because if they aren't a regular and plan on taking off after the deal what is a negative rating good for if they won't come back.. So if they screw you and you retaliate then its like screaming in the woods.. Too much risk I am very doubtful with anyone under 500 posts or at least a 2 year membership with at least 100 posts...

But usually if its not a screaming deal ill walk away to a more frequent user if possible.

[asm777]

FTF PPT, yes. I first found Calguns when I was trying to sell my first gun. I had 0 feedback and 1 post (the WTS ad). Someone trusted me to drive out to meet them and we had a smooth transaction. I've since bought from posters with no feedback and 1 post as well. Everyone has to start somewhere!

However, I have passed on buying anything that needed payment up front and wait for shipping with those that have no feedback.

[paul0660]

Everyone has to be a first time buyer/seller once. No risk with a FTF & cash.

There is time and gas. Mine worked out.