Parts exchange area

[MrRobot]

Would it be possible to have a parts exchange area where members could post kits/parts they're looking for, as well as things they have available to others? Possibly this has been done before and maybe is more trouble than it's worth, but it's worth considering. There are probably lots of orphaned parts and kits that could be used in other projects.

[jcoffman99]

I've thought about it and I go back and forth.

I'd like to think that everyone in our group is fair and honest, but I also know there are undesirable elements out there. I'd hate for the forum to be a place where someone got burned because others didn't hold up their end of a deal.

[MrRobot]

I've thought about it and I go back and forth.

I'd like to think that everyone in our group is fair and honest, but I also know there are undesirable elements out there. I'd hate for the forum to be a place where someone got burned because others didn't hold up their end of a deal.

I definitely appreciate this concern. It went through my mind as well. Nevertheless, it would be good if the forum had some specific rules regarding this and potentially what constitutes advertising, what's allowed, what isn't etc. An exchange would be good, but I wouldn't want to see this forum become a marketplace or a honeypot for ebayers with no interest in studio scale.

[MrRobot]

Parts exchange now up! Thanks jcoffman99!

I think to help this get started and avoid issues of folks getting burned. It would be a good idea to suggest some guidelines for the use of the exchange. I offer these ideas here for comments, but ultimately it comes down to the admins.

Suggested guidelines:
1. State clearly what you're offering. Indicate if you are offering originals, casts, the condition etc.
2. State clearly what you are seeking. Indicate if you are seeking originals, casts, the condition etc.
3. Make sure you know the kit details of what you're offering or seeking. Check kit numbers, cross-reference with other resources (e.g., Scalemates) to make sure you've got/are getting the right tooling.
4. Don't agree to an exchange if you are not currently in a position to ship the item.
5. When making a deal, show pictures of what you are exchanging and answer any questions from the seeker.
6. Don't pressure anyone to make a trade.
7. Don't execute your trade until you have agreed:
7a. Exactly what's being exchanged for what.
7b. Timeframe for sending the item(s).
7c. How it will be sent (post, courier, tracked/untracked? insured?).
8. Honour your deal.

Leaving feedback:
I suggest that there is a thread for each member who participates in trades. All feedback re: that member is put into that one thread. Otherwise, we risk having too many threads and trader-specific feedback gets hard to find. Ideally, you should start the feedback thread for yourself with an empty OP (or just "feedback for username") once you've executed your first exchange.

Other thoughts:
- Let's start small. Lower-value trades are just financially less risky, but they can add up to a substantial savings when you only need a few parts.

- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Seek outside opinions or advice.