newcomers posting classified ads

[MALAM]

Does anyone else think that there should be a rule against newcomers placing ads in the classified section? A fair few I have contacted seem to be fraudulent. Although this may not be the case I feel newcomers should be given time to prove themselves before any of us gets ripped off.

[jemsite]

(thread moved...)

I hesitate for several reasons, mostly being it won't prevent fraud.

A scammer can simply join a few weeks ahead (in preparation), make a few posts then continue as a con artist posting ads.

Also there are legitimate people who don't hang out on forums and want to sell on jemsite and not auction. To keep them at the curb doesn't benefit members either.

Everyone needs to use due diligence when buying, regardless of when a member has joined, how many times they've posted, etc. No classified screening would change that fact... glen

[darren wilson]

One new user recently answered (and posted in) over 100 polls in a day or two, then posted ads in the classifieds.

I think many people associate higher post counts with a user/seller being more "legit". I think a lot of people post far more frequently than they normally would, just to inflate their post count and move up in the rankings.

Use caution with any online sales with individuals. Sales from established businesses are a bit more trustworthy, mainly because a legitimate business is registered and regulated and generally has more ways to be contacted. But even in those cases, do your research and get references if possible. How well do you really "know" anyone just by text on a screen?

[disassociative1]

ive seen this on a few forums and i never think its a good idea, most people are wary of a newcomers classified adds anyhow and as glen stated it wouldnt realy stop any cons.

also if you do it as many forums do and have a set amount of posts before you can use the classifieds to sell then you get people just spamming the forum to build up there posts, which is very anoying to me anyhow.

[jono]

My personal view on this is that common sense is the way to prevent fraud.

If you talk to the guys online you can get to know them better. If you don't trust them, don't buy from them.

I'd buy a guitar of many of the folks on this site, and there are those I wouldn't do business with (naming no names). Some are from the other side of the planet, others are a lot closer to home.

My advice would be that being new shouldn't stop you from posting an advert. It might however stop you from selling a guitar!