Got screwed by a member

I sell parts on a couple of 4x4 web boards. I hoard Mopar stuff generally so I don't sell much there.

However I do have some insight here if you want to read it.

It is a strange business selling parts. It always comes down to basic trust and communication. I sell some 4x4 parts on occasion, to the tune of a couple of hundred bucks a month.

If I were inclined to be dishonest, it would be hard to be so. For instance, a guy that I am selling a Ford part to right now is also on a Toyota board. I had no idea he was into multiple makes. Small, small world the net is.........I think the Mopar world is smaller.

A few ideas to protect yourself would include:

1. Ease of communication-can you reach the seller?
2. Will they allow a phone call? Do they seem honest?
3. Pictures? How many and quality of them?
4. Using Paypal-extremely friendly for buyers, not as much for sellers.
5. Pay via USPS MO - you have some recourse as a buyer.

Just a thought from the other side. I like helping others and it helps me as well. I will likely fund this years Duster build-up with my students via parts sales. It is kind of fun after awhile once you get things set up.

Thanks, ROB