GBB Trading Etiquette

Personally, the only thing that bothers me is people getting angry I may not be interested in their trade and immediately assuming I would want to trade with them. This seldom happens, but it can. Also, people who constantly can’t give you a straight answer and/or back out of a trade once it is in process is something you sort of have to get used to. However, the key to any successful trade is clear and honest communication! I know people try to be polite and say things like “well… maybe… I’m not sure, I’ll get back to you” because they are waiting to see what else is coming along and may be available for trade in the future. That is perfectly reasonable, I just think it is nice to say that and not leave people on the back burner who may be waiting for an answer on a trade and holding back in the meantime.

Truthfully, it can be very frustrating to trade. Sometimes you have to trade, to trade, to trade for what you really want in trade. It’s partly fun, and partly nerve wracking. Personally, I find you don’t want to trade too soon, but you also don’t want to wait too long either. The first few times, it seems very crazy, but it gets easier with practice! Understanding, clear communication, and patience is key in this business and as long as everyone involved is always (in the worst case scenario) prepared to be possibly disappointed then it’s not all that difficult.

I think drag0n covered it best…
If I’m after a piece I *really* want, I’m not afraid to ask that person what they would trade theirs for, if they’re not interested in mine.. and I’ll go looking for what they’d like (This is how I end up with 4-5 way trades, lol, most people who I’ve worked large trades with have been confused as can be by my methods, but I’ve never once had someone complain about the outcome of these trades!)

I also like to ship on the same day as the others in my trade, and *always* track (for the comfort of both parties) – If you’re trading uni for uni, I just ask that people ship USPS (within the states) and track and insure, then all our shipping comes out to be the same, if it’s a trade for a larger item, I split the total cost of shipping both pieces 50/50…
If you’re trading with someone that doesn’t have references, but you do, then I think it’s perfectly ok to ask them to ship first and once theirs starts tracking, you’ll then ship yours (I’ve never had to do this, but I know someone who has done it)

The most important part is have fun! and let negative stuff roll off your back! I have only ever gotten into one really bad situation (a trade plan blew up in my face HARD) and as soon as it started to get ugly, I stopped trying and moved on! – I’ve had people not willing to wait for me to hear back from other parties, ‘n I was perfectly ok with that, as it was their right to do so!
Communication is a big thing! It’s always best if everyone involved know precisely what is going on, including “I’m keeping yours in very serious thought but I have a few more options I’m wanting to check out and weigh my options, if this is alright with you, I will let you know what is happening as soon as I do!” I also make sure people know that if I’m making up my mind, that they are by no means obligated to wait for me if they find a trade they want before I get back to them!
I really go at it with a no pressure, no worries mood and it makes it a lot more fun for me and hopefully whoever else I’ve talked to about trading 🙂

It’s also always useful to specify where you’re willing to ship: USA only, North America, Worldwide…

And, just because a lot of people still don’t know this: Yes, you can track USPS packages worldwide, depending on the service used.

I have a question! I have seen both my favorites come out in the thread….is it okay to send the person a PM saying that you love it and would love to trade/buy?? I don’t want to be seen to be “harassing” someone…..

I have a question! I have seen both my favorites come out in the thread….is it okay to send the person a PM saying that you love it and would love to trade/buy?? I don’t want to be seen to be “harassing” someone…..

NO, that is not harassing. We have all done that. You may not get the piece right then but later down the line you could and for alot less than you would pay right after a GB drop.

– Respond to PMs. Even if it’s just to say “I got your PM, I need a little time to think about it.” Even if it’s just to say “No thank you.” Especially if so! It’s irritating to not get an answer about something.

– If someone’s given you a firm ‘no’ about a trade, leave it be.

– Once a trade is made, SHIP PROMPTLY. Nothing is worse than shipping your half with a tracking number, and then the other person waits days or even weeks to bother sending their part of the trade. We’ve all known of trades that go sour or people who get ripped off, and waiting too long to ship half of a trade makes the other party feel like they might be the next cautionary tale. It’s stressful. Don’t do it to people.

– Probably one of the biggest faux pas– don’t back out on trades. Don’t commit to something until you REALLY know for sure. A change of heart is frustrating for the other party. If a backout happens, try to make it up to that person asap. (Coming from directly doing it myself, which was poopy, trust me. I still feel sad about it.)

– Lastly, remember that nothing is certain till the piece you wanted is on your shelf. I’ve had all kinds of trades not work out. It’s disappointing, but remembering this has helped me have a great time trading GB Unis.

🙂

– Respond to PMs. Even if it’s just to say “I got your PM, I need a little time to think about it.” Even if it’s just to say “No thank you.” Especially if so! It’s irritating to not get an answer about something.
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THIS!!!

All the rest is also very true, but this is a particular pet peeve of mine. 😉