What's the protocol for a gear trade?

divamum

I may have found a possible trade for one of my lenses but, although I've bought and sold on the net, I have never done a trade and am wondering how you protect both sides? Obviously, I don't want to ship gear without payment/return gear, and I'm sure the other party doesn't either. (This is a transaction between strangers, not two known posters/friends/colleagues etc.)

Does one exchange paypal and then refund, or checks, or...? Just curious if there's a way around this that keeps both sides feeling a little more secure.

Thanks!

gecko0

I haven't done photo gear trades, but have for other items (mostly computer components). At a minimum, for high value items such as lenses, I would exchange contact information and definitely talk to the person on the phone. If they do not want to speak with you directly, then that's the sign to walk away immediately.

On top of that, always use a shipping method that allows tracking and signature for delivery. Fully insure the items as well, of course.

Other than that, I don't know of an escrow type service for actual items.

.02

divamum

Thanks Geck. I think this is moving ahead, and have taken your advice onboard - appreciate hearing from somebody who's done it! Once Ive spoken to the "other side", I'm sure I'll have a better feel for how to proceed (or not).

agphotography

I know I'm new here, but on Fred Miranda and POTN I have done numerous gear trades. I quite enjoy it actually!

I've swapped lenses, bodies, bags, you name it. Always a positive result. The key is to talk talk talk talk! I keep in constant contact with the other party, via email / phone / text message, whatever it may be. We always know where everything is at.

I personally haven't felt the need to do an escrow service or anything like that. I just find people that have good feedback like I do.

Go with your gut instinct, if it feels even the slightest bit shady, walk away! You will always find another deal.

hope that helps some!

- Abram

JohnnyNapalm

Exchange Paypal payments for equal amounts (market value) if it's an even trade.

Exchange paypal payments for market value of each product if it's not an even trade. The deficit will equal the "cash on top" amount, and both parties will be more covered thanks to a transaction on record.

divamum

Thanks guys. THe deal didn't happen in the end (nothing sinister, the other party just decided to buy a different focal length instead), but it's useful info for the future.

JohnnyNapalm wrote:

Exchange Paypal payments for equal amounts (market value) if it's an even trade.

Exchange paypal payments for market value of each product if it's not an even trade. The deficit will equal the "cash on top" amount, and both parties will be more covered thanks to a transaction on record.

You know I thought about that - and it is probably the safest way of doing it - but knowing I'd wind up paying the Paypal fees kinda bugged me But, realistically, I guess that's a relatively small amount for some peace of mind.............