Silk Road forums
Discussion => Silk Road discussion => Topic started by: motek on January 12, 2013, 04:28 am
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hey folks as you can see I'm new here and after reading a number of threads I have a couple of noob questions to ask
How accurate are vendor ratings? Sure the older vendors with heaps of feedback are probably real, but what about the newer vendors?
Aside from searching for the vendor on these forums, to see what comments are floating about, what are some of the ways you long time silk roaders use to decide about a new vendor?
And on the other hand, although everyone says "DONT FE" . . . it appears easier said than done, with the old catcha-22....as a new buyer with no 'stats' ... most of the vendors I'd like to buy from insist on FE for buyers with less than 5-10 successful transactions ???
What to do? ???
Make a number of small buys with vendors who will accept a new members escrow?
the problem here is I may not want to buy many 'other' products.
And considering some vendors categorically state they will ONLY do business with a 'new' buyer, if they FE :P
Kind of stuck inbetween a rock and a hard place :-\
Has anyone ever considered a compromise? Maybe something like 'half FE and the balance on delivery'
idk After having spent a couple of days looking at the vendor 'feedback' and comments at SR around the forum, with most of the vendors I'd like to buy from insisting on FE, and in their comments many/most of their customers are leaving comments such as "FE for xxxx a trusted and reliable vendor" and the like.... ???
Keeping in mind "caveat emptor" aka "let the buyer beware" . . . I'm sure in a few more months and with a few purchases up my sleeve (arm ::)) I will bee able to answer my own questions
but for the moment....any pro tips from the accomplished buyers here, about things like communication (what to say-what do they want to hear?) payment, and is it considered bad form to ask a vendor how it will be packaged?
I understand a few of the myriad of ways shit could go wrong BUT I ALSO understand/know that if a reasonably 'sensible protocol' is used by all involved, IME, the likelehood of the purchase arriving are right up there in the high 90%'s 8)
I think I'm still a little (a lot :o) blown out by the SR having only just discovered it...and I'm kicking myself I didn't come a looking back in early '11 when I first heard about it :-[
I LOVE the thought that about the 'darknet' is the closest thing we have today to the Wild West :o . . . 8) . . . ;D
thanx EVERYONE here who are sharing the love.....and I hope any LE that may be lurking these fora....both learn some things AND maybe, just maybe, decide to open their own personal buyers account and get some good acid for all the good reasons folks take acid, to 'expand their consciousness's' :o
Now that would be cool. lol Hmmm get's one to thinking 'what if' a strongly laced food/drink was given to the police station 'for the officers to share with thanx and appreciation' :) yep!
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Buy NBOMe's. It's super cheap and thus many vendors are willing to send new buyers small amounts.
And it's fucking awesome.
Peace.
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thanx bro that's great advice, exactly the kind of info I'm after PLUS it is one of the things I'm interested in ;) 8)
Anymore anyone else? ???
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MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO STOP USING SMILEY FACES FIRST
then buy some digital products/books
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MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO STOP USING SMILEY FACES FIRST
er yeah ..... I only have two words to my defence . . . nice pot ;D
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MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO STOP USING SMILEY FACES FIRST
then buy some digital products/books
Buying digital goods won't help your stats, vendors can see the amount you've spent as well as the number of deals.
If established vendors won't let you stay in escrow look for a new vendor, they aren't allowed to demand FE and their prices are often lower than the big boys.
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If you are domestic the vendor is more likely to send to you when you have no stats, as there is no customs to go through. Ordering the smallest amount the vendor offers when you have no stats is more likely to be accepted than ordering a larger amount and saying it didn't arrive. If you want a larger amount, offering to pay for tracked shipping will usually result in a sale regardless of stats. If you PM the vendor and show interest in the product, this usually helps with them accepting your order even if you have low stats. I don't recommend ordering a bunch of really cheap things, as when I see someone who's stats say they ordered 10 times before and their total spent equals $1.50... it looks really really bad, like you were hoping I wouldn't investigate your stats further by seeing the high order number there, it screams potential "scammer" to me. After you build up trust with the vendor by doing a good first transaction, they will normally allow a larger second order.
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There are vendors who do not require early finalization. I do not require early finalization.
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No, thats a very silly idea, OP.
DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH FOOLS THAT MAKE YOU FE!
The vender will no longer have a reason to ship your product, as the profit from stealing from you would be well worth the risk. It would take many transactions to achieve that same net profit.
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MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO STOP USING SMILEY FACES FIRST
then buy some digital products/books
I don't know.
It IS dull outside and all those smiley faces make me feel like I'm basking in the sun :)
Just spent a few minutes staring at that post, it's good.
Some body needs to make a thread where you are only allowed to type using smileys.
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Ive noticed that a review I left, 3/5, did not show up on the vendors profile page. It seems if you delete the listing then you can remove the feedback from their profile page. There is probably other ways they manage it, but that is one that I've spotted.
However their score is still effected.
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Ive noticed that a review I left, 3/5, did not show up on the vendors profile page. It seems if you delete the listing then you can remove the feedback from their profile page. There is probably other ways they manage it, but that is one that I've spotted.
However their score is still effected.
Didn't know that was possible. But I don't think any vendor would want to delete a listing, they would lose their spot in ranking of best sellers on product pages.
And note to the noobs - don't FE. If the (domestic) vendor you are looking at doesn't want to deal with you unless you FE, find another vendor.
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As easy as taking a shit on your own toliet in your home.
X)
nomad
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Ive noticed that a review I left, 3/5, did not show up on the vendors profile page. It seems if you delete the listing then you can remove the feedback from their profile page. There is probably other ways they manage it, but that is one that I've spotted.
yes I noticed something similar, hence why I made this post!
I have read on the forums of people making reviews which I havent been able to find on the vendors page..
, they aren't allowed to demand FE
Well, they do! I don't understand how certain vendors demand FE for new buyers IF it is "against the rules"
and why do SO MANY folks write stuff like "FE for trusted seller" and the like in the reviews if that IS the case?
@nomad lol yeah I reckon so, maybe easier ;D
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Ive noticed that a review I left, 3/5, did not show up on the vendors profile page. It seems if you delete the listing then you can remove the feedback from their profile page. There is probably other ways they manage it, but that is one that I've spotted.
yes I noticed something similar, hence why I made this post!
I have read on the forums of people making reviews which I havent been able to find on the vendors page..
, they aren't allowed to demand FE
Well, they do! I don't understand how certain vendors demand FE for new buyers IF it is "against the rules"
and why do SO MANY folks write stuff like "FE for trusted seller" and the like in the reviews if that IS the case?
@nomad lol yeah I reckon so, maybe easier ;D
Stupidity + misinformation equals handing out free cash.
X)
nomad
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Stupidity + misinformation equals handing out free cash.
huh? This is going to sound logically stupid . . . but . . . if vendors rip off the folks who FE, then why wouldn't they go and change their feedback?
I know their are a lot of idiots in this world, surely it cant be 'smart' for vendors to rip off peeps who FE ???
Can someone explain, or link me to an explanation of some kind :P
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Just to clarify a couple of points made which are incorrect as stated by nomad.
, they aren't allowed to demand FE
Well, they do! I don't understand how certain vendors demand FE for new buyers IF it is "against the rules"
That's not the case at all. Below is a post made by the Administrator, Flush, stating that FE is currently not against the rules. Flush does point out that this is likely to change into the future.
Silk Road discussion / Re: What is doing Sr abiut the PHD1 Situation?
« on: January 01, 2013, 05:21 AM »
He's been demoted for blatant scamming. Thanks to the new report feature we were able to stop him. Granted, I wish it could have been earlier, but we do out best. I agree with Nomad. Please don't FE with anyone. For the moment its still not against the rules, I bet one day that will change. Its best to get into the habit of not FE and 99 percent of buyers issues will go away...
~Flush
Also, no vendor can demand that a buyer FE on an order. A simple solution would be to message a vendor prior to placing an order to clarify any issues you may have. Would save a buyer a lot of hassles as opposed to placing an order and then discovering the vendor wants you to FE for some reason, leading to delays in receiving anything.
Flush also posted this comment (below) to clarify what's required of a new vendor before they can request a buyer to FE.
What do you mean we dont do anything about FE? The rules are that a new vendor cannot ask anyone to FE unless they have 35 transactions and have vended for a month. If they violate that then it goes to 60 transactions and cant ask to FE for a couple months. We still let people chose what they want, but we have rules built in so that a vendor has to prove themselves first.
~Flush
The removal of a vendor's ability to request a buyer to FE can't come soon enough IMO. They could still ask the question I suppose but at least if they did and were judged to be guilty,they would face the consequences of their actions.
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thanx dozo that was also what I wanted to hear 8)
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The feedback system is flawed, somewhat.
A very common feedback I see is "Never arrived but got 50% refund. 5/5".
This suggests to me there is a real problem. Feedback should be separated into a general score, and a YES/NO rating for whether the product arrived or not.
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Stupidity + misinformation equals handing out free cash.
X)
nomad
In all walks of life. My first experience on the road was with WecookUK. his MdmA deal was too good to be true. So i ordered it. And of course he asked me f/E it being my first purchase, and of course me thinking that theres honor amongst thieves. DID.
Well u know how that story ended.
Other than that, its been nothing but awesome K holes, DMT, A little bit China, and good times.
I hope the good times last a good long time. What an age we live in.
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The feedback system is flawed, somewhat.
A very common feedback I see is "Never arrived but got 50% refund. 5/5".
This suggests to me there is a real problem. Feedback should be separated into a general score, and a YES/NO rating for whether the product arrived or not.
Yes, or so it appears to be, that's why I thought I'd ask all you good folk's opinions and advice.
In all walks of life. My first experience on the road was with WecookUK. his MdmA deal was too good to be true. So i ordered it. And of course he asked me f/E it being my first purchase, and of course me thinking that theres honor amongst thieves. DID.
Well u know how that story ended.
Other than that, its been nothing but awesome K holes, DMT, A little bit China, and good times.
I hope the good times last a good long time. What an age we live in.
ha ha! sam! nice thank you for sharing that....I have a feeling this will be my experience too! Luckily I have no funds until next week so I can't rush into anything ::)
hey thanx everyone for the replies much appreciated :) 8)
please any one, feel free to add more 8)
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Hello all, I was hoping to glean some advice from you astute seasoned SR'ders. I have set up my account, and have placed my first order, I know what I'm about to ask may have been addressed on numerous occasions, I have literally devoured anything and everything reading wise regarding starting and buying. I would like to ask what would be the best solution to the noob/no history or transactions when placing an order I think this vendor will request F/E, This vendor is the only one in my area with the product I require, That is a UK vendor as i don't want to start my first buy from abroad yet!!I have no choice but to EF. If he has set up fake feedback which I doubt ( if he has -he has a very wonderful imagination!) Is it possible the other UK vendors are invisible to me because of my noob status? As my choice is either FE or buy from abroad, and I don't want my pants pulled down on my first deal. Thanks in advance!
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I would like to ask what would be the best solution to the noob/no history or transactions when placing an order I think this vendor will request F/E, This vendor is the only one in my area with the product I require, That is a UK vendor as i don't want to start my first buy from abroad yet!!I have no choice but to EF. If he has set up fake feedback which I doubt
err . . . matey did you read any of this thread ??? that's pretty much what I asked too, and I think there have been some prettty good answers....
what 'troubles' me is the people who FE and then dont update their review to say whether or not they got their mail and what was the quality, were they happy?
I haven't been around long enough to have a very good idea here, but I think there are a few vendors with top ratings who aren't what they appear. It makes no sense for customers not to update their reviews UNLESS they aren't happy/got burnt and dont want to either admit this OR affect the noob rating with other vendors, and so leave their 5/5 rating and move on, but sadly this behaviour kinda defeats the purpose of the escrow AND raring system ..... idk if you can go and change/update your rating ..... but this stands to reason especially if the vendors know who it was that did the rating....unlike the buyers, who can't.
have another read of this thread mate, the advice clearly says DONT FE...there are vendors who wont require it and you'll be able to build your stats with them....fuck, what do you think this member sam meant here?
In all walks of life. My first experience on the road was with WecookUK. his MdmA deal was too good to be true. So i ordered it. And of course he asked me f/E it being my first purchase, and of course me thinking that theres honor amongst thieves. DID.
Well u know how that story ended.
Other than that, its been nothing but awesome K holes, DMT, A little bit China, and good times.
I hope the good times last a good long time. What an age we live in.
what don't you understand with this? ::)
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Like you said it's a catch 22 innit? I had no option but to FE and he/they turned out to be a genuine, Hours of research paid off. but it's either buy loads of silly transactions with porn or what ever costs the least, Or just take the plunge. Remember some people on here are hardcore grafters knocking out Kellogs ( kilo's) and they aren't going to scam your for 1-2 btc. The way I see it is, It's only 1.65 for a decent bag of class A's or whatever floats your boat. If you do FE and he stings you, then you only lose a £10-$20 depending where you're from. And that's jack is it? But it's your/my fault if you/we trust him without research/forum/recommendation. Then you/we deserve it!! and then you can always just wait a week tops try and resolve. If not then you can moan or flame him. The vendor worth his salt like TopNotch,would already have good feedback. If you suspect it's fake ask on forum. I certainly had a good first buy/experience hope you do too buddy!! PM me if you want.Look around today. Some Newb got roasted for waiting an hour asking for a refund and taking the piss with this Vendor who has been here ten years, the Newb is finished on here now, all because he didn't read the vendor page or understand the commision of SR, and starts shouting his mouth off and on his first post ha!! I would say read the etiquette it's an insight and a half.
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Like you said it's a catch 22 innit? I had no option but to FE and he/they turned out to be a genuine, Hours of research paid off.
good to hear that matey 8)
The way I see it is, It's only 1.65 for a decent bag of class A's or whatever floats your boat. If you do FE and he stings you, then you only lose a £10-$20 depending where you're from. And that's jack is it? But it's your/my fault if you/we trust him without research/forum/recommendation. Then you/we deserve it!! and then you can always just wait a week tops try and resolve. If not then you can moan or flame him. The vendor worth his salt like TopNotch,would already have good feedback. If you suspect it's fake ask on forum.
Yes, I agree completely, but hey thanx for sharing your experience, I think hearing about successful noobs here is comforting 8)
thank you for the pm offer,
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You're more than welcome, We have too look after each other on the yellow brick road! :-) Any more tips/or potential pitfalls we can share the information, and hopefully it will be to our mutual benefit. See you round.
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You can see pretty much who to trust if you have any doubts don't buy from them or send a message and say I can't agree to FE but i'll Finalise as soon as it drops I will Finalise and aslong as you do it your gonna get trusted again its not rocket science its drug dealing but its civilised,,that is unless you have a spare kidney then gimme a shout,,lol,,no but seriously just IM the guys if they're straight up they wont mind coming to some agreement we're all here for the same reason really whether it be to sell or buy.Happy Halucinations,i'm back to my bud.
Ta Ta
8)