TRADING ETIQUETTE

This information is important for the traders out there. I traded for a while and got things down pretty well. I was also able to increase my collection to include some rare, hard to locate material. Whether or not you use this information is your business. It is just here for advice. Be honest and work fast. Quick traders trade more, and get good reputations.

  • Always feel free to do a trader check in the newsgroups about someone before dealing with them. If anyone gets upset because you want to do one, then don't' do business with them.

  • Do a small one or two tape trade with them first to feel them out. You can check the quality of tapes they use, quality of material (and how accurate they were with what they told you), and how long it takes them to get the tape to you. Make sure you pick what you want rather than letting the seller pick. You will likely get his or her best quality stuff rather than a random selection. 

  • DON'T use cheap VCRs to dub with.  Use good VHS Tapes too. 

  • Tell them the quality of what the dubbed copy will be and not the quality of your master. The other person isn't getting your master copy, are they? Didn't think so.

  • NEVER, use crappy quality VHS tapes for your masters or to dub to. Use only good quality brand tapes... like Maxell, TDK or Sony brands. No JVC, Polaroid, or off brand tapes. Quality tapes only run in the $1.50 or less range these days. Poor quality tapes will record fine to begin with. But over a short time the recording will deteriorate. 

  • NEVER dub to used tapes for someone you are trading with. New tapes only, UNLESS used tapes are agreed upon by both parties in the trade.  Using used tapes doesn't mean they're bad, but the other person has a right to new tapes. (new tapes are very dirty. A tape used once or twice may actually record better than a new one) 

  • Whomever initiates a trade should be willing to send first. It is the only fair way to do it. Doesn't matter if its money or tapes. If you start the trade, be willing to send first. 

  • NEVER send cash unless you send the money return receipt so that you can verify it has been received. If the person won't take a check, money order or cashiers check don't do business with them.

  • Make sure both parties agree to everything first. tapes to be used. Speed of the recordings, shipping methods, quality, etc. NOTE: Make sure you know what the master quality and recorded speed is before you make the deal. Some will record from EP to SP without telling you that is what they are doing.  EP recorded to SP does NOT always come with the same quality.

  • Shipping... Within the US... use priority mail. Worth the money. For only 35 cents you can get delivery confirmation. the video boxes are free in single tape, double tape and Larger boxes are free from the post office.

  • Overseas shipping. I recommend global priority mail from the US anywhere. Costs about $6 for one tape but well worth it. Takes about one week to get there. Don't ship ground. It takes to long, and could easily get lost.

  • NOTE: It is the responsibility of BOTH parties in the trade to ensure their items get to the other person. If they don't you should dub another set and mail them out again. Getting lost in the mail is NO EXCUSE at all. You can, within the US, send large trades/orders return receipt so that they must be signed for when received. A trade is not complete until both parties have gotten their stuff. This is so important. This is why you should always, when possible, send tapes return receipt. 

  • NOTE: If the person you sold a series, or episode to isn't happy, take the videos back and return the money. It is your reputation you are screwing with. After a bad trade or two, you will be posted as a bad trader and eventually no one will trade or deal with you. A bad mark is nearly impossible to remove.

     Trading is work. It can be fun work, but it is still work. And it takes effort to do quality work and do it fast. Don't screw anyone over to get what you want. It isn't worth it. Trading should be fun. It is great to get in a series or episode you have been looking everywhere for. A great way to meet people from all over the world. Fun being the Key work here.

scifi

 

BACK TO THE VIDEO HEADQUARTERS MAIN PAGE

 
 

 

..