Since I'm forced to use the after-market to score any Busse Kin I have a small concern. How often do you get scammed where you sent PP for an item and you never received the goods? What do I do to CMA?

So far so good for me, but I'm cautious with people with minimum posting's and not a Gold member at least.

Not sure want you can do. Maybe e-mail a mod/owner.

Personally? Never. Because I always verify the person I'm dealing with is trust worthy.

If they have no history and no one to vouch for them youre taking a risk, but (on bladeforums exchange for instance) there are a lot of trustworthy regulars who do a lot of dealing

When you say verify, what do you mean? Are you going by the feedback page?

Hmmm, are you on bladeforums? Most the guys on there with a decent amount of posts are legit, I haven't heard of anyone getting scammed lately. The Busse kin group is pretty tight and unless they've had a history of problems, I wouldn't worry to much. I think PP is pretty good on getting your money back if something does happen, but it might take a while.

I have been a member over on Bladeforums for quite a while, and while I don't like the atmosphere of the general forums there as much as I do here or other forums, I have had good luck doing business there. Only Gold Members are allowed to sell, and I always check feedback of an individual before buying from them. In the trade section anyone can do business regardless of membership level. I hate doing trades with someone i do not know from previous dealings, or someone who does not have a proven track record. As a matter of fact, I just don't any more.

One thing I would suggest is to always have the person that you are buying from put delivery confirmation on whatever they are shipping you. It only costs .65-.75 cents and it gives you a way to track the package and make sure it was sent. Ask for good quality pictures of the item you are buying/trading for, and a detailed description.

Also, when I was a new member over there and had no reputation, I did everything I could to make the buyer comfortable. When I sold an item I would take a picture of the item packaged up with postage and delivery confirmation affixed at the counter in the Post Office as I handed it over. When I got home I would then send the picture along with the delivery confirmation number to the buyer to assure them it was on the way. I would also do the same thing whenever I bought something. I would take a picture or scan of the Postal Money order before I sent it and e-mail it to the seller. I know some of those things seem silly, but everyone appreciated it a lot.

For the most part the established members over there are good guys to deal with.

I don't know if that's what you were asking for, but I hope it helps.

I think I have a gold member...seriously folks ;-)

I just bought my first fixed blade (after bagging the Dog Bowl #1 MPLE) and it was from a BF Gold Member, now that I looked! It's a virgin Ratmandu.

How do you check for feedback on an individual seller?

I try to avoid the 2nd market, sending away my hard earned money with the "am I going to get ripped off" feeling doesnt tempt me.

Go to their profile and click on view feedback, or something like that.

i've got about 30+ transactions on bladeforums & have'nt had a single issue. i always check out the other party in the GB&U & their feedback if it's someone i have never dealt with.

good luck to you