We have not established a system as yet but will be following the ref rule.
Refferal rule:
Once a party has successfully recieved a package the other party involved will request for them to be reffed.
If you are familiar with the system that pojo uses, it is exactly the same.
Once you have decided to ref another user, you will have to mail me in order to ref that user.
Any queries, do not hesitate to contact the administration staff(moderators and admin).
Just some basics:
1) One Person, One User:
A user profile is unique to the person who made it. One person is only allowed 1 profile ever! This means you can not at any time have more than one account (This includes if a previous one is banned). In addition to that, no other person may access your account at any time (This even includes people you trust). "Sharing/Selling" of your account is not acceptable and will lead to automatic banning.
If you ever get tired of your name and want a new one, DON'T MAKE A NEW ACCOUNT, simply ask Dispised for a new one. However, you are only allowed a name change once per year (So stick with one you'll like looking at for a while).
Not following this rule will result in all additional accounts being banned and the original account being heavily punished.
2) The Basics
So what is online trading exactly? Well to put it simply, it's a method of exchange that involves 2 parties sending item of value THROUGH THE MAIL. In order to decide who sends first, the person with the least "References" (Also referred to as refs) at time of confirmation (Which will be explained later) is the one who sends first.
Types of References
Positive Ref
Trade went smoothly, there may have been a few complications along the way but in the end everything work out fine. This one adds a +1 to a user's iTrader rating.
Neutral Ref
Complications arose and the trade did not go as planned however you feel it is not destroying a reputation over (With a negative). Misinformed conditions, and incomplete ends (With or without compensation) may all classify this ref. This adds nothing to a user's iTrader rating.
Negative Ref
Horrible trading experience, nothing was accomplished and time/money was wasted. Backing out after trade confirmation, not sending, taking too long to send out, horribly misinformed conditions and very incomplete ends (Without any compensation) all classify this ref. This adds a -1 to a user's iTrader rating. IF A USER OBTAINS 4 OF THESE DURING THEIR TRADING CAREER, THEY WILL BE PERMANENTLY BANNED FROM TRADING.
No Refs
If you decide not to ref a user, that usually mean that a trade was not to your standards, however you do not wish to ruin a traders reputation over it (With a neutral or negative ref). End not arriving (And you didn't send first), backing out (If you believe that it really wasn't their fault), or misinformation all classify for this.
Appealing a ref
If you believe that you received an unjust ref, the Moderators will look into the situation if you have evidence to back up your claim (This is where saving PM's and having photo evidence comes in handy). To do so, you'll have to make a thread on the Q&A forum (Make sure to read the rules before doing so).
How does one get a reference:
A positive reference can only be obtained when ALL the following criteria is met in a successful trade:
A) All trade negotiations and confirmation must have been done on the SAFORUMS either through posts on threads or the PM system (Arrangements over Instant Messagers providers will not be acceptable, nor will other forms of communication).
B) Both users have sent their items through the mail (Buying would constitute a ref ONLY to the person who sent something in the mail).
C) Both users must not know each other/share a connection with one another (So no siblings or close friends, trust must be established through the trading process not prior).
D) Both users must live a substantial distance apart (Being a few blocks away doesn't count).
E) Both users must have sent something of value in the trade (So a common for a common will not be valid for a reference, nor is giving a stamp for a card).
Obtaining a reference while not fully adhering to this criteria will result in A REF SCAMMING PUNISHMENT!!! (See Ref Scamming)
If a Neutral or Negative is to be given, then this criteria does not apply.
Ref Scamming:
So what is ref scamming? Well, it can take the shape of may forms however it ultimately leads to a devastating consequence. Such things that are considered ref scamming are the following:
- Obtaining a ref while not following any one of the listed items in the above section "How does one get a reference"
- Making multiple accounts in order to give references to one account to increase your trader rating.
Ignorance of the rules is no excuse. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT REF SCAMMING, ALL OF YOUR POSITIVE REFERENCES WILL BE DELETED AND YOU WILL BE FORCE TO SEND FIRST ON ALL TRADES FOR A WHILE. Even after your sentence is up, the Ref will stay on your profile as a constant reminder for what you have done.
Also, pointless trades ARE considered to be ref-scamming. You are NOT allowed to just trade meaninglessly just to exchange refs. Therefore, the rule is that any trade made to be deemed eligible for a ref, has to be at least R30 in monetary value. Trading for junk holos, a few stamps, a few commons, etc....are NOT eligible to be ref'd.
There may be a time where proof of a trade may be requested, so make sure to save all PM's in regards to the trade until it is fully completed (And maybe until a month after for good measure).
Checking References:
In order to see a person's current iTrader rating, all you need to do is look at their iTrader rating on their profile (On the left side of any post they make, under their total posts).
If you want to see what other people had to say about their trades with the user, all you need to do is click on the number.
Reference Exceptions:
The only time the ref rule does not apply is if the following ref is posted on a user's iTrader by a Mod:
Sends first for XX days and XX trades for ref scamming.
So if it's still within the time/trade limit since the ref was given, the user with that ref would automatically send first (Even if they have more refs than you at that give moment).
In order to determine who sends first you determine who has more refs. once that is decided the person with the least amount of refs will send first.
But what if you believe that a user might be taking advantage of you sending first (Like they won't send out their end)? Don't worry, there is an alternative.
Middleman Trading:
So what is a Middleman trade? It's when both people send to an impartial "Middleman" (Which both people trust) who checks that both ends of the deal are there and then sends them out to their respective locations (The other trader). Though this will cost a bit (Depending on who you use), it's the best way to guarantee that you will not be taken advantage of. Here is the actual definition :
I'm just going to clarify this so people understand better how a moderator trade exactly works.
*User A and User B both decide to do a mod trade since they're new to the site or it's a high-value trade.
*User A + User B each send their end of the deals to the moderator.
*Once both ends have been received by the moderator, he/she sends the cards where they need to go. (User B's cards go to User A and vice versa.)
*If one end is received but not the other, that end is sent back to its original owner.
However, keep in mind that not only Moderator's can be Middlemen. Some people with a lot of experience on this site may offer what is called "Third Party Escrowing". People that are "Third Party Escrows" are people who are willing to act as a Middleman for a trade, however they are not a Moderator :
Q: What is the official rule on escrow or mod trades
A: There really is no official rule. If you want an official Escrow trade, with the best guarantee that you'll get your cards, do it with a moderator. If you escrow with anyone else on the board, that's entirely up to you, but don't come whining to us if you get ripped. There is now a thread in the Q&A forum for moderators who are willing to take an escrow trade, and for users to request one.
Using a Moderator is highly recommended we requesting a middleman (Due to their creditability and service to the boards). However, if you decide on using someone else the MAKE SURE YOU CAN FULLY TRUST THE PERSON YOU SELECT TO BE YOUR MIDDLEMAN
If you would like to request for a Mod to be your middleman, contact them in the trade forum.
3. Posting
So now that you know the basics of trading, it's time to make a list. First off, you must find the forum you want to create a list for. Next, you must find the "Trading Forum". Once you are in the correct forum, it's time to begin.
Then you just need to post e new thread.
4. Making a trade
Once you and another user have come to an agreement in terms of a trade, it's now time to confirm it.
Confirming a trade
Because trades contain sensitive information, all confirmation must be done over the PM system. A standard confirmation must contain the following:
1. The trade outline (Who is giving up what).
2. Conditions of the items involved (If applicable).
3. Any questions regarding the trade (When will you send out, how will you send out, etc.)
4. Who is sending first (Based on the current amount of refs).
Once that is all done (Both users make sure the information is accurate and that all questions have been answer) you both then must exchange addresses. ONCE ONE TRADER SENDS AN ADDRESS, THE OTHER TRADER HAS A MAXIMUM OF 3 DAYS TO SEND THE OTHER ADDRESS TO COMPLETE CONFIRMATION. If Trader A sends an address, and Trader B does not send an address within 3 days, Trader A is allowed to void the deal, canceling obligation to send out. No refs are left under this scenario. ONCE ADDRESSES HAVE BEEN EXCHANGED ON BOTH ENDS, THE TRADE IS NOW CONFIRMED AND YOU CAN NOW GET NEGATIVELY REFFED FOR BACKING OUT, also it becomes a legal binding contract. If you have any intent do back out of a trade, do so before both addresses are exchanged. If you don't then you can get negatively reffed for breach of contract.
Saving your PM's
Make sure to save your PM's until a trade has been fully completed and both ends are satisfied (You might be needing them in the future).
6. Sending out your end
Here are some key pointers when sending your end out to prevent any complications:
- Make sure you end is protected (Toploaders for cards, Bubblewrap for breakables/bendables, etc.).
- Use an envelope that will withstand your contents. Don't try and stuff 13 toploaders into a single white envelope, instead spend a bit more money and get a Kraft Bubble Envelope. It will cost a bit more, but it will ensure your end will arrive protected and in one piece.
- Print their address clearly and in either permanent marker or Black/Blue Ink. Make sure to include you return address incase the mail is undeliverable.
- Make sure their address is correct and it's written in the correct format (Often shown when giving it to you in the confirming PM).
- Tape over any seals to ensure nothing falls out. It's better to be safe than sorry.
- Be sure to include your name and address somewhere in the envelope in case it gets misdelivered. Also include the correct destination of the package (Should be the same as the address on the envelope itself).
8. Helpful tips to prevent getting ripped off and other useful information
There are some things a user must know while trading online, I hope you can commit these to memory (Or have this section accessible at all times).
Tips
1. If a trade looks too good to be true, it probably is - Countless people get suckered into sending expensive items without getting anything in return, use your discretion when getting these types of offers.
2. For all expensive trades, there's middlemen - Every user has the right to a Mod trade. If you are sending items that you don't want to loose, asking for a middleman is a sure fire way to make sure that doesn't happen. No matter how many refs the other user may have, a middleman is recommended for high end trades.
3. Go with your gut feeling - If you feel uneasy about a user, then don't do a trade. You are not obligated to trade, so feel free not to.
4. Check out refs often - Though a user may have more refs than you, make sure they don't have a Punishment Ref on them or that they are not allowed to trade for some time.
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