Quote from: wsg on September 15, 2012, 01:27 pmOK as a new buyer I understood the risks of FE. I do like the escrow system and do think it is the safest way for a buyer to protect them selves. But as I start out I can see why some sellers would want me to FE as alot of new buyers have to prove them selves as well. The products that I wanted were for sale from trusted vendors( and I mean vendors selling for over 6 months with 95%+ feedback). So i placed orders after researching the forums to make sure that they feedback was still current and nobody seemed to have any current problems with them.During my vendor search i did come across different vendors that would allow me to stay within the escrow system and I had also made some purchases thru them. There were others that would allow me to stay in escrow but didn't use PGP so I passed on using them.To me it is all about risk/reward. As a buyer I understand that we are using shipping methods that are not 100% if I failed to get a shipment( which I have not so far) I would feel confidant that my research of the vendor was solid and that I just got unlucky. My system makes it very hard to purchase from new vendors as they would not meet my high standards. If they wanted to attract my business they would have to have something very special for a fairly good savings. If a newer Vendor asked me to FE early I would hesitate as trust goes both ways. I considerPrice, Quality, Communication, Stealth of shipping, Forum activity (direct or indirect), Escrow,feedback,transaction history, size of transactions time as vendor.PGP usageIf asked to FE I look at all of the above factor(even for escrow purchases)and then make up my mind because I can`t be forced to FE just askedIf I were a seller I would want to protect my feedback from some noob that just opened an account wants bitcoins instantly and there product in 2-3 daysHope this makes sense as i am just typing from personal experience and am Grateful to have a place like SR to come to and discuss and make these purchases!You're coming at this in exactly the right way, wsg! +1 for you!