Let me start by saying that the bottom line is this: This service has a potential to offer MASSIVE deals on video cards. I have thought a lot about pros/cons of such a service and decided that ultimately it would be a shame to not try to improve the current trading "status quo". I have decided that few potential "rotten apples" (bad traders) should not be a deternet again at least trying to come up with something better....
Why would people suddenly start selling their videocards at massive deal prices when they seem to have no problems using various forums or ebay for maximum profit? The people that list their parts at obscene prices (anandtech fs forum included) seem to not care whether it sells or not. They just bump it repeatedly for months on end.
* To address your concerns, my site features a fully developed feedback system comparable to the one featured on other sites - such us heatware.
How is it any more safer, effective or different than how its done right now?
* Also, public profiles of users feature references to the heatware ID and EBay ID. When trading exercise caution and common sense. Deal only with those buyers and sellers that have well established trading credentials.
So far, this sound identical to the system already in place at various forums, ebay, craigslist etc so what is the allure of using a unknown startup site to sell/buy items?
* One of the main trading rules on the site states this:
WARNING. VGATrader.com is NOT A JUNKYARD. Do not sell damaged or not working video cards through our site. All items listed through our service are assumed to be functional. Violation of that policy will lead to a prompt removal of the offending seller?s account.
Hence sellers have to provide for at least a DOA warranty.
So its tough noogie for both sellers or buyers that get scammed. How would a new buyer be protected from a well established seller that sold a defective card whether they had knowledge of it or not? Members with higher feedback ala post count would yield benefit of the doubt more so than to a newer person.
How would an honest seller be protected from a buyer that damaged the product by their own accord? I dont see how this is any different than how its done currently in the forums and sites such as ebay. A don't steal sign doesnt make thieves any less willing to steal.
* I am not really sure what will happen after a year or so. What can I say, the risk is always there. For example, you can buy an item from the regular store and if it has only 1-yr warranty and it dies after a year and a half...That is your risk. So, while trading on my site, buy only those items that have warranty. For example I as a seller "adlep" will offer 3 months of warranty on my cards. Unofficially of course if the card features a lifetime warranty and it is registered under MY name, I won't leave you hanging... I am sure that there will be a lot of sellers with who will offer similar policies...
How would this policy be enforced? What incentive does a seller have for providing a personal warranty for a videocard they sold to a stranger? Was it abused or mishandled? Would the seller be compensated for return and associated shipping costs and the time they take to RMA the card they sold at a discount price? In the end, any sort of problem sounds very costly and would negate any potential savings.
The card couldve been functioning perfectly but in the hands of a newbie after a few days to mere hours in a dusty computer case with no fans to dangerous handling of hardware... Paypal protection has a finite timeframe before the matter is considered closed and videocard manufacturers can potentially void a warranty/RMA for whatever reason.
My site is free and it has similar legal disclaimers as the one featured on the forums and the craigslist. Enter at your own risk. We can not be held liable for action of other people that use our platform.
However, through the use of the feedback system, intelligent and clear trading procedures, and smart moderation, it will be a good option of trading that is at least bit safer than the Craigslist.
Craigslist would be more ideal to many people than trusting a total stranger thousand of miles away to honor a deal. Especially so compared to a small startup site that disclaims any liability. We have that already and its called Buy/Sell forums. How is your feedback system, intelligent and clear trading procedures and moderation any different than current systems? What is the main element or attraction to use this service? Is it no fees only?
As we grow, I am sure that we will develop extra safety mechanisms. On the other hand, what can you do? EBay for example, is a giant. It is a multibillion dollar company with a lot of resources. In spite of all that, EBay scams happen all the time...Risk is always there but it can be managed.
So it's filled with unproven promises and offers no additional incentive other than no fees as such from ebay? Paypal fees would still be inccured for most people. An established community like the forums where people tend to be more closer and reactive to each other or ebay which has credit cards and bank accounts linked to each seller would appear safer to most people. Of course nothing is guarenteed.
I genuinely hope your site succeeds and the work and courage to create something like this is never easy. I hope my repetitive and generic questions will give you some insight on what you will write on your disclaimers and policies. Especially since I assume many people will tend to repeatedly ask the same questions I just did.
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