Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Title very much says it all. Forums and such I've got a decent grasp on generally how to trade, however with Facebook I'm wondering if there are any known scams or things that might turn into a scam or issues that can arise which would be good to keep an eye out for. Since you can't check a users "history" (without friending) and since its no a community trading system like you get on a forum (where its not a guarantee, but someone who's been active for a long while likely wants to remain part of the community and thus has more chance to behave whilst someone with only 1 post is more "risk").

Plus all the standard warning signs like wanting to pay you more than you ask for etc...



Also if there's any general tips like best times/days to post or groups to use or avoid or anything else that would be greatly appreciated.

Golden rule - use PayPal (goods and services).

Most of the trade groups have pinned posts / announcements with their specific rules, as well as reputable trader lists. The group admins also talk to each other so known scammers don't last long.

Use common sense.

Don't pay by "friends and family" unless you can afford to lose that money. I've done it plenty of times, but I know I'm putting faith in that other person.

It's better to ask a few questions about condition before being unpleasantly surprised.

the blurrier the picture, and vaguer the description, the more risk, but the greater potential value.

Red the group rules. If you end up in trouble, the admins are going to ask if you followed the rules.

Keep an eye on local (or short trip) lots where shipping might eat into the price. I've gotten some amazing deals off local trade groups because I was willing to drive a little bit out of my way.

Have fun!

If you have a rapport with someone, 'friends and family' payment avoids them fees at the expense of your security. I have been known to offer that as a buyer in some circumstances, when it was likely safe, but I would not if asked or otherwise prompted.

I dont/wouldnt trade on Facebook though, only on forums. The community on a forum is generally safer, I would even say generally safe. I would jump though far more hoops for a Dakka regular on a trade than on a mass social media site.

Thanks all - and yeah forums do have a bit of added safety (even if its only the impression of it); however I'm not aware of a big UK focused wargaming forum. Which tends to mean forums take a VERY long time to sell some stuff.

Yup.

Always G&S. Makes it far harder for people to rip you off.

General question here - is there a general group anyone is aware of for selling wargaming/models without being part of any specific brand? UK focused if possible, but otherwise just a generic model place?

 Overread wrote:
General question here - is there a general group anyone is aware of for selling wargaming/models without being part of any specific brand? UK focused if possible, but otherwise just a generic model place?

Wargaming Trading.

Thanks Beast

Fortress Monestery is great group for trading.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/978975562159871/

I've purchased Forgeworld drop pods, Deathwatch, and 30k models from there. There are a lot of listings from people who built an army and ended up with some spares. The one time I had an issue with a trade I was able to sort it out quickly. It helps that everyone has a real profile, it's not anonymous.

The one thing I'd say about trading there is always check eBay first. There's a lot of specialist stuff and get excited to see it at a discount. In one case, I bought some Justaerian Terminators, it turned out I could have gotten them for a little less on eBay.

Been selling stuff through the mrs facebook(I don't do facebook) account for about 6 months and no problems so far. Couple of people have failed to turn up for items and this can be a pain in the arse.

One question, how long until the government starts trying to tax these transactions like fleabay ? So many people are now clearing trading on facebook and giving two fingers to the tax man.

 darkness screamer wrote:
One question, how long until the government starts trying to tax these transactions like fleabay ? So many people are now clearing trading on facebook and giving two fingers to the tax man.

It'll be a long time, for a couple of reasons. the first is that many sales on FB are local, and involve cash. that makes it highly impractical to charge sales tax. (do you pay or charge sales tax when you buy something at a garage sale?) Second, the rules for "occasional" sellers varies state by state, making implantation a PITA. Third, the states went after Amazon and then eBay because the value of the goods was so high, and mostly new goods, direct from retailers to consumers. FB marketplace and trading groups are generally peer to peer, although a few people are essentially running small businesses. Still, the size of the market is smaller, and it's tougher to measure. So States likely won't make it a priority.

Ok, so how long before facebook start charging ? Once it gets popular and its getting that way now it would be easy for facebook to charge a fee for each transaction if they so decided and I'm sure facebook market place did not just spawn to shine a light on the wonders of facebook. End game has got to be charging in some way for that company.

Call me pessimistic ,but I have worked for a number of large companies and they are all the same....driven my shareholders and profit

In the mean time I will make hay while the sun shines

 darkness screamer wrote:
Ok, so how long before facebook start charging ? Once it gets popular and its getting that way now it would be easy for facebook to charge a fee for each transaction if they so decided and I'm sure facebook market place did not just spawn to shine a light on the wonders of facebook. End game has got to be charging in some way for that company.

Call me pessimistic ,but I have worked for a number of large companies and they are all the same....driven my shareholders and profit

Facebook marketplace really doesn't compete with eBay, since it's mostly local. FB trade groups just moved from forums, so they're a very different animal from FB marketplace. the real competition for Marketplace is Cragslist, which remains stubbornly free for everything except for specific ads, such as job ads in major markets, ticket brokers, etc.