Silk Road forums
Market => Product offers => Topic started by: only on April 07, 2012, 11:46 pm
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I'm new to Silkroad and it looks like a nice community and all, so I have decided to give it a shot!
I run a web-shop [ www.cigs.eu (clearnet) ] offering cheap cigarettes shipped worldwide all way from Eastern Europe. I like the reputation system in place, I'm even okay with the somewhat big sign-up fee but I've got this huge problem with the mandatory escrow service, giving sellers only 22 days to ship! My USA orders are taking a very long time to reach people, despite arriving in the USA in good time: it can take up to 30 working days to arrive! Can somebody on this forum explain what could I do? Can I disable the escrow service somehow, and let customers rely solely on the reputation I have both on SR and beyond (I've got some positive feedback here and on bitcointalk.org)? I have no problem re-shipping seized orders because I'm here to sell and not scam people out of their money! Is requesting finalization before shipping permitted here?
Also, I would like to question the whole idea of registering myself as a seller. Will there be enough demand do you think? Here are some pics:
Marlboro Red / Gold
Photo 1: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=3f61a2283a06957b4fb09eaade15948a.jpg
Photo 2: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=45227a15c1cb233da085ffa55e60d9c0.jpg
Lucky Strike Red / Silver
Photo 1: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=e812817c35b4db3e5e8603a8f8e9c6d9.jpg
Photo 2: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=3d469f4bcb0fca9304b31a398212c707.jpg
Gauloises Red / Blue
Photo 1: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=1375e3cbd34af43e290347dc5800187a.jpg
Photo 2: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=2c5db2506ec5be12811bb83fba9c05b2.jpg
Doina Filters
Photo: http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=70bb2b9a8b74524ea189a2dbe45fabb7.jpg
Well you got the point.. I am not going to bore you with the pics. I offer a good variety of brands (www.cigs.eu/brands) and am thinking of putting it all up!
So the bottom-line is, do you think it will go? Do you guys want me on Silk Road? :)
I really need your feedback on the "escrow problem" as well! Thanks a lot!
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I've seen a few positive recommendations for your site recently, and your prices are good, especially for us heavily taxed UK people. Also, the fact that you accept bitcoins is fantastic. ;D
If you were to set up an account here, i'm wondering what would be the advantage, if any, from ordering here, as opposed to your site. It seems like the customer would end up paying more that way? Would the SR side of your business be any more anonymous than the clearweb site? Are you forced to keep customer records or anything of that nature on the main site?
Anyway, welcome to the site. I'm new to this whole thing myself, so I can't give too much input on the ins and outs of the escrow system, but this is my understanding of things: You can't cut out escrow entirely, as this is the point where SR takes it's cut. However, I believe that you can ask for early finalization. Some people will bitch about it, but it's not against the rules for established vendors.
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Thanks for the reply!
I know, it doesn't make much sense setting up a seller account, but increased presence should normally mean increased sales, right? :-\
Well, I do not care about anonymity as I am essentially not breaking any law! Tobacco is still a legal drug, lol.
I want to simply increase my visibility for the Bitcoin users, that's all! What would you do in my place?
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Thanks for the reply!
I know, it doesn't make much sense setting up a seller account, but increased presence should normally mean increased sales, right? :-\
Well, I do not care about anonymity as I am essentially not breaking any law! Tobacco is still a legal drug, lol.
I want to simply increase my visibility for the Bitcoin users, that's all! What would you do in my place?
How long did your packages last to Germany. Any Idea?
And yes, you are welcome on SR!
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Indeed, I think you are making the right move setting up here, and I'm sure you will get plenty of sales and, as you said, increased visibility for your product.
I can see a few advantages in people ordering directly from you here, now that I think about it. Especially if their bitcoins are in the SR system already, and they want a convenient way to turn them into a high-value product, for local resale or whatever. It seems like cashing out bitcoins can be tricky, so products like yours help provide some alternatives.
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How long did your packages last to Germany. Any Idea?
And yes, you are welcome on SR!
Thanks! Shouldn't take longer than 15 working days.
Indeed, I think you are making the right move setting up here, and I'm sure you will get plenty of sales and, as you said, increased visibility for your product.
I can see a few advantages in people ordering directly from you here, now that I think about it. Especially if their bitcoins are in the SR system already, and they want a convenient way to turn them into a high-value product, for local resale or whatever. It seems like cashing out bitcoins can be tricky, so products like yours help provide some alternatives.
What should I do with the escrow hold then? Do you think the mods will let me ask for a escrow fund release early on all orders? I've got the impression that you can lose your seller's privileges if you do so!
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You may have to contact one of the mods for clarification on the Escrow thing, but I'm 99% sure you can ask for early release before shipping, at least once you are considered an "established vendor", whatever that may mean.
Well, I do not care about anonymity as I am essentially not breaking any law! Tobacco is still a legal drug, lol.
Just to touch on this one point. I appreciate that your own anonymity is not important to your business, but would you still be following the SR protocol of removing address details from your records as soon as the package is shipped? I know the product you send is essentially legal, but some customers may wish to use your business as a method of "cashing in" bitcoins, and as such, probably wouldn't want their address linked with the transaction if you were ever approached by law enforcement.
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To reformulate, if I stipulate in my terms that I refund/re-ship only if the package gets seized by the customs and only if the customer can back his claim with a scan of the letter informing him of the seizure, will this hold? Or the SR Dispute Center plays by it's own rules? I'm a bit confused, how does it work? How am I protected from "friendly fraud", as a seller? Why not build sales purely on ratings? I don't get the purpose of this escrow service, if it ignores the seller's terms! Or it doesn't? Can a Mod please shed some light on this?
Just to touch on this one point. I appreciate that your own anonymity is not important to your business, but would you still be following the SR protocol of removing address details from your records as soon as the package is shipped? I know the product you send is essentially legal, but some customers may wish to use your business as a method of "cashing in" bitcoins, and as such, probably wouldn't want their address linked with the transaction if you were ever approached by law enforcement.
Yes, of course, why would I need to store them? I don't mind removing sensitive data and using PGP at all times. I will do anything just to increase my sales :)
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I'm still new here myself, and I haven't made any transactions either way, but I've done a bit of research for my own business ideas. The closest i've found to a policy statement is the following:
The new policy regarding out of escrow transactions stated in this address does not affect a vendor's ability to ask their customers to finalize their orders and release payment before shipment. We still strongly recommend that buyers avoid doing this at all costs because we will be unable to protect you in case of fraud.
It sounds to me like you, as a vendor, can set the terms. As long as the payment hits escrow first, you can ask for finalization straight away, at which point it is out of SR's hands. If your business is good, you should be able to succeed by reputation alone, as long as you don't mind most of your feedback comments just saying "finalising early".
I'm sure if you stick to your own terms regarding reshipping, you won't have any problems, and word will get around that you are legit.
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I'm still new here myself, and I haven't made any transactions either way, but I've done a bit of research for my own business ideas. The closest i've found to a policy statement is the following:
The new policy regarding out of escrow transactions stated in this address does not affect a vendor's ability to ask their customers to finalize their orders and release payment before shipment. We still strongly recommend that buyers avoid doing this at all costs because we will be unable to protect you in case of fraud.
It sounds to me like you, as a vendor, can set the terms. As long as the payment hits escrow first, you can ask for finalization straight away, at which point it is out of SR's hands. If your business is good, you should be able to succeed by reputation alone, as long as you don't mind most of your feedback comments just saying "finalising early".
I'm sure if you stick to your own terms regarding reshipping, you won't have any problems, and word will get around that you are legit.
Massive kudos to the Silk Road if this is true! :) I will double-check with a Mod and will let you know as well.
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Thanks, I'd appreciate it. Good luck with your business. I'm sure you'll do well here. :D
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I'd be down for 5-10 cartons of those malboros..
just tossing that out there.
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Just bought one on your site but I bet you'd get a lot of orders on SR. I don't mind paying $10 shipping on a carton, but does the rate go down if you buy several? $50 on shipping 5 cartons seems a bit expensive...not complaining because it's still an awesome deal compared to what I'd have to pay here though!
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How long did your packages last to Germany. Any Idea?
And yes, you are welcome on SR!
Thanks! Shouldn't take longer than 15 working days.
Indeed, I think you are making the right move setting up here, and I'm sure you will get plenty of sales and, as you said, increased visibility for your product.
I can see a few advantages in people ordering directly from you here, now that I think about it. Especially if their bitcoins are in the SR system already, and they want a convenient way to turn them into a high-value product, for local resale or whatever. It seems like cashing out bitcoins can be tricky, so products like yours help provide some alternatives.
What should I do with the escrow hold then? Do you think the mods will let me ask for a escrow fund release early on all orders? I've got the impression that you can lose your seller's privileges if you do so!
I personally, you should either get people from USA to finalize early, or just get them to wait, with the money in escrow in which it stays for 17 days I believe, then pm the peoplez.
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I put an order in to your site yesterday :)
will you do tobacco as well as cigs? theres a massive demand in uk for both.
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Thanks, I'd appreciate it. Good luck with your business. I'm sure you'll do well here. :D
Looks like vendor's terms should hold and "new vendors can not ask people to finalize early until they have 30 successful sales".
Just bought one on your site but I bet you'd get a lot of orders on SR. I don't mind paying $10 shipping on a carton, but does the rate go down if you buy several? $50 on shipping 5 cartons seems a bit expensive...not complaining because it's still an awesome deal compared to what I'd have to pay here though!
Thanks man! Shipping is 10 bucks because it includes some additional costs to make sure the parcels are not stolen before they even leave the country :(
Should go down with the volume, naturally.
I put an order in to your site yesterday :)
will you do tobacco as well as cigs? theres a massive demand in uk for both.
Thanks, but please make sure you choose "Bitcoin" from the currency drop-down list. Order canceled, place it again!
Also, feel free to use PGP if you PM me.
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Alright, am in the process of becoming a vendor on SR ;) Same username, only.
People who already bought from me, please help me with the first feedback. Let's get it started!
will you do tobacco as well as cigs? theres a massive demand in uk for both.
No tobacco just yet. I'll put it up as soon as I can source it!
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Really interested in Lucky Strike tried these once and they taste very unique toasted tobacco, very nice smokes, would love to shove some of it in a joint and see if what it tastes like (1/4 - 1/2 cig)
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Hi,
can you offer discount if I ordered 5000 cartons of marlboro light ?
Feel free to pm me with details.
regards/
Fred
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Really interested in Lucky Strike tried these once and they taste very unique toasted tobacco, very nice smokes, would love to shove some of it in a joint and see if what it tastes like (1/4 - 1/2 cig)
Yummy :)
can you offer discount if I ordered 5000 cartons of marlboro light ?
Don't know how practical that would be! PM sent.
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I'd be down for 5-10 cartons of those malboros..
just tossing that out there.
Really interested in Lucky Strike tried these once and they taste very unique toasted tobacco, very nice smokes, would love to shove some of it in a joint and see if what it tastes like (1/4 - 1/2 cig)
Feel free to order guys, we're live! :)
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=18697.0
http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/user/0c4e5b2a71
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I know I've harped on about these guys a bit in the cigarette threads recently but I just want to reiterate here that they're absolutely 100% legit. :D Their prices are excellent, and their re-send / refund policy just can't be beat!
I've had a couple of orders to Ireland and am recommending them to everyone I know IRL. Shipping time has varied but they do make it through without issue.
Welcome to SR cigs.eu! :)
- grahamgreene
(Just a quick edit: might I recommend you open up an official "only (cigs.eu) Official Review Thread" over in the Rumor Mill for reviews etc.? It goes a long way to helping potential new customers vet their vendors. ;))
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I am very happy about this new vendor, too.
Just ordered the first time and will be a repeating customer for sure..... :)
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I know I've harped on about these guys a bit in the cigarette threads recently but I just want to reiterate here that they're absolutely 100% legit. :D Their prices are excellent, and their re-send / refund policy just can't be beat!
I've had a couple of orders to Ireland and am recommending them to everyone I know IRL. Shipping time has varied but they do make it through without issue.
Welcome to SR cigs.eu! :)
- grahamgreene
(Just a quick edit: might I recommend you open up an official "only (cigs.eu) Official Review Thread" over in the Rumor Mill for reviews etc.? It goes a long way to helping potential new customers vet their vendors. ;))
You've made us blush! :) Thanks a lot!
I am very happy about this new vendor, too.
Just ordered the first time and will be a repeating customer for sure..... :)
Order received, thank you! We will try hard not to disappoint your high expectations :)
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I know I've harped on about these guys a bit in the cigarette threads recently but I just want to reiterate here that they're absolutely 100% legit. :D Their prices are excellent, and their re-send / refund policy just can't be beat!
I've had a couple of orders to Ireland and am recommending them to everyone I know IRL. Shipping time has varied but they do make it through without issue.
Welcome to SR cigs.eu! :)
- grahamgreene
(Just a quick edit: might I recommend you open up an official "only (cigs.eu) Official Review Thread" over in the Rumor Mill for reviews etc.? It goes a long way to helping potential new customers vet their vendors. ;))
You've made us blush, thanks! :)
Thanks for the suggestion, here it is: http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=18734.0
I am very happy about this new vendor, too.
Just ordered the first time and will be a repeating customer for sure..... :)
Order received, thank you! We will try hard not to disappoint your high expectations :)