Jim,
Thank you for the insightful and positive approach to members treating other members with fairness and consideration in buying and selling on the site. I, for one, would not consider mileage and per diem to profit from an item for a fellow member who has an earnest need for a Sako item that I happened to come across at a gun show, or any other place for that matter, that I was going to attend anyway. I would like to think another member would do that for me as well. Unless that seller states he/she is actually operating a business to do this for a living.
I think it all boils down to the item at hand. Those who need things that are posted should go into it as well informed as they can. There are enough people on the site to PM for opinions. In kind, the seller will reveal his/her true colors and his/her item may not be bought by a member; and ultimately go to Gun Broker, or eBay, etc., where it belongs.
Further, as an example, I would sell any of my guns to (almost) any member for what I paid for them originally, plus postage to FFL. However, I am not ready to sell any of my guns. I think most people are happy to get what they paid for some of the things they have and not take a loss. By the same token.if you make a purchase and have to figure out what its worth afterwords, its likely you paid too much to begin with. Never mind thinking you're doing a favor for someone.
Lastly, I do not participate in this forum to buy things. However, if I do see something, I would consider that a member with knowledge of his sale item would be better to buy from because you would assume they have taken as good care of whatever they have as possible and would exercise reasonableness to other members. We all have a "silent" reputation here on the site. It's easy to spot the frauds, and a few of them have been already banned.
The applicable phrase here is: "Caveat Emptor" (Latin) "Let the buyer beware". Sellers, please don't be overly aggressive about what you are selling. A lot of members don't post anything on the site, but look over our shoulders for information in the things we post. That includes "good deals" in the applicable threads. Some things reflect negatively by association on all of us. And yes, I include myself in the group. However, there is more good being done here, and as we grow we all need to strive to keep it that way.
Regards,
S-A
