Buyers Beware

[shredzilla]

Stitchers: If you cannot fufill an order, do not take it. This goes for trading as well.

EDIT: One of the two situations I posted about seemed to have resolved itself without my knowledge, and to no apparent fault of the stitcher. Still, this is a message to buyers as well.

Buyers: Here are some tips for buying online here, or anywhere else.

If you buy or trade from one of the stitchers, don't be afraid to ask when the bag will arrive. If they are shipping internationally, they should still have a decent estimate. If the bag does not show up by the date mentioned, feel free to PM that person and follow up with them.

Keep the Record of Sale. If you have a record, there can be no dispute whether the money was sent/recieved. Paypal is the easiest way to keep track, but money orders and checks can be tracked via tracking numbers.

If a stitcher has not followed through with an explanation or at least tried to come up with a solution, PM a moderator or admin for help.

Offer to pay a little extra for a mail confirmation number, or ask if that is included in the shipping cost. That way the Post Office themselves are responsible if anything should happen with the mail. We all know the USPS is not as reliable as it once was.

I know I was a bit harsh in my previous draft of this post, but I didn't appreciate the somewhat callous attitude that was given by the stitchers according to the complaintants. There really doesn't seem to be a huge problem in the community, but still if buyers do these few simple things, both stitchers and buyers can go a long way toward minimizing error.

[hackeysnacker]

paypal is definitely the easiest way to get a tight grasp on any thieves balls - in other words, use paypal - it helps avoid complications, and will get bags sent out faster so that no one's patience is tried with slow mail

[Pengu]

Tom and I have an email system set up so that when orders come in, they get added to the queue and we try to reply back in email and tell them the pertinent information they need to know.

I know from experience that the PM system of ordering bags is sometimes sketchy. I get so many PMs that my inbox gets full and things just get deleted and orders and stuff get lost in that fashion. That's one of the reasons why I created the website so I can keep track of everything and not lose any orders.

There are instances where things get lost in the mail though. I know a trade of mine took over 2 months to get there. It's one of the follies of the mail system. You can't blame the stitcher only. I've not gotten paid for a bag or two that I've sold. It happens on the other end too.

Inevitably, Paypal works best. It''s great for both the buyer and the stitcher to keep track of the transactions.

Also, mods are not babysitters.

[Wasabi]

I've definitely taken all of the steps you mentioned into account whenever I'm buying/selling/trading goods over to other people, Chris. I mean, it would only be reckless of me to not keep things organized and have to rely on the postoffice for everything that I do. I always buy insurance on goods I send, and if things go wrong I always attempt to refund people with their money. And, I always ask within a week if there are any complications with the order, and stay punctual about them.

And most importantly, I always rely on Paypal first before regular money order to keep track of my cash flow.

Also, I doubt there's little the moderators can do about these things. Of course as a community problems should be noted, but likely those involved are you, the other person, and the postoffice.

[shredzilla]

Also, I doubt there's little the moderators can do about these things. Of course as a community problems should be noted, but likely those involved are you, the other person, and the postoffice.

Bringing attention to it is involvment enough as far as I'm concerned. It was an isolated incident, and therefore I have toned it down a little. Still, I repeat the attitude of both in question was not as professional and helpful as possible in my opinion, otherwise I would've felt no need to post.

Also, mods are not babysitters.

Yeah, you're right. I think from now on I'll just say who the actual stitcher was instead. That way I don't have to involve a mod/admin.