Trader Etiquette on TappedOut
TappedOut forum
Posted on Nov. 12, 2014, 2:14 p.m. by failurechild88
I apologize to Epochalyptik if this is in the wrong forum, but I couldn't find any stickies of the posting rules.
My question:
- How long should someone delay sending out cards in the mail once a trade is finalized? I understand that the nature of trading online means there will be more freedom in negotiating the particulars of the trade, but when does a delay become unacceptable? 1 week? 2 weeks? Thoughts.
mathimus55 says... #3
Most people are good about getting stuff sent in a reasonable time, but mail can be slow sometimes. I had a trade go south and I started getting concerned around 2 weeks. After that it was every 3-4 days asking to get a response again. It finally got sorted out after waiting for almost 2 months but I'd say 2 weeks before you should get concerned.
November 12, 2014 2:21 p.m.
TheGodofNight says... #4
Typically when I mail out my end of a trade, no matter what the value, I add tracking. I'd rather that the person I'm trading with know that it is on its way and they can track the package's progress. Additionally, if I am going to be delayed in getting the packaged mailed out, I would let the person I am trading with know. Barring the unforeseen though (my car explodes on the way to the post office ,hopefully it doesn't do that now), I know roughly when I will be dropping my end of a trade in the mail.
November 12, 2014 2:25 p.m.
While I haven't done any trading of Magic stuff over the mail, I used to trade Warhammer figures and all of that good stuff. Generally I would say a week is acceptable but with a little note that you'd expect to send the cards out by then end of whenever (a date you'd likely agree to when the agreement is finalized), otherwise it does seem to step into the realm of fishy. At the end of two weeks without any real explanation for the delay is well past the point of being reasonable in my book.
I always asked (and would reimburse people for) a tracking number for all packages sent and provided one for everything I shipped out - always was nice to have and it makes sure that things are actually on their way.
November 12, 2014 2:30 p.m.
when I trade, I usually agree a time with the other person and we send at similar times. Stuff comes up occasionally where stuff is a little delayed, but I only trade with well established traders, unless newbies send first, so if they are established, its pretty good odds, its just a one off late send.
November 12, 2014 2:31 p.m.
tracking is always a good idea; at least delivery confirmation
i was happily trading for months, until Magiclover318 ripped me off $40 in cards. i had delivery confirmation on my end and could see that the cards arrived at his house, but his 99cent shipping method got "lost" and I drew the short straw :/
it does cost extra, so most people try to only trade $20+ in cards if they're spending the $2-6 in tracking
i would say that in regards to your question, definitely discuss that with the other party. i would usually start the trade process on here, go to personal emails to exchange photos of the cards to confirm condition and existence (and to create a paper trail), exchange mailing addresses, then finalize back on tappedout. once you exchange photos, what's stopping someone from immediately putting those cards in to an envelope on the spot? the cards are out and ready.
if you finalize a trade then wait 2 weeks to ship... that's lame. definitely within 5 days they should be out the door. i've even tracked people down on Facebook to make sure they exist before shipping cards. you have their name and address so it's pretty easy
November 12, 2014 2:41 p.m.
mathimus55 says... #8
greyninja I remember when that kid was still trying to do his thing. He sent me an email asking to trade close to $100 bucks right around when everything started falling apart for him. I asked him about why everyone was accusing him and he started bashing everyone including epoch, yeago and spooty.
November 12, 2014 3:18 p.m.
julianjmoss says... #9
Ugh that guy. I lost trade value worth a play set of goyfs on that trade. As for your question, communication is important, for example if I am going away over the weekend and won't be able to mail, I tell the trader to hold off on their end until I can actually send mine back. I feel like a week is a little excessive unless discussed before hand.
November 12, 2014 3:25 p.m.
Yeah, It's just all in conversation. Make sure that when you do send your cards out, Be proactive and let them know right after they've left your hands.
I do warn, Shipping internationally CAN take some time, coming from personal experience i've had a trade take quite longer than usual. This made for some aggressive tension on the other traders part and he actually started to accuse me of ripping him off (Due to his end taking so long to arrive) and he actually thought I had already received the cards and was trying to get another set outta him. So for this reason I do recommend tracking on all international shipments.
BUT the positive side to trading is meeting some awesome people.
I have done many trades with PreZchoICE1 and slovakattack to the point that I talk to them almost daily via text now, totally awesome dudes.
Just be patient and things will definitely work out
November 12, 2014 3:36 p.m.
Lol I love how I got bashed when I've never seen the guy on here ever...Ah people.
November 12, 2014 4:25 p.m.
failurechild88 says... #14
Yar.. agreed, patience is the name of the game I suppose. I was just wondering because I had an issue with a tappedout trade in the past in which the seller did not even begin to send out his end until more than a week after agreements were finalized. I am more than understanding if there are outside issues that prevent you from making it to the post office one or two days in a row, and even more understanding if the package is lost or delayed in post (since that is the fault of the mail carrier, not the trader right? - This is why I include tracking).
It always sucks to hear about that kind of thievery Spootyone, julianjmoss, and mathimus55.. I hope you guys didn't lose too much faith in the rest of the magic community
November 12, 2014 4:51 p.m.
mathimus55 says... #15
Nah, my faith in the Magic community was restored when I was at a tourney where they had a Vintage side event and a guy lost his entire $6k deck. It was found in the bathroom and returned w/ everything in there, moxen and all. All the faith's restored. Sure there are some bad apples now and then but I think overall people are pretty good about that stuff.
November 12, 2014 5:05 p.m.
julianjmoss says... #16
nah i mean it made me a little apprehensive to trade online but for the most part i really like the community.
Honestly I'm just offended that magiclover didnt talk shit about me though considering I was the one who went to epoch. Like what do I need to do around here to gain some attention!?
November 12, 2014 5:35 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #17
It would be fine either here or in Social.
As most others said, it's all part of the negotiation. If you go over a week without any contact from the other individual, though, it's time to start asking some questions.
November 12, 2014 5:38 p.m.
mathimus55 says... #18
julianjmoss start flipping some tables, breaking some windows. General mayhem and such. Maybe that will work?
November 12, 2014 5:54 p.m.
julianjmoss says... #19
mathimus55 what if i challenge YeaGO to a fight? will that work?
November 12, 2014 5:59 p.m.
BreadManDan says... #20
I've never traded here on this site but when i do trade online i send out my end no more than 2 days after an agreement and always with tracking to protect both parties.
cosmokai2000 says... #2
That should probably be discussed prior to the trade being finalized. Personally, I believe that the cards should be mailed within a week of the trade being personalized. I understand someone may need a check to clear before they have room for stamps in their budget. Fuckers are expensive
November 12, 2014 2:20 p.m.