Vendor behavior and ethics

Hello to my TDH family :)

I am very passionate about this. This post stems from reading another thread and I just want to have my say. I hope this helps someone.

I have a comment to all of the "vendors". I follow this as well.

"Don't take money until you know you can give full attention to the item ordered"

It is an ethics "thing" and an integrity "thing". You do not have to believe in any religion to know that "Do unto others" makes good sense. I am not a business. I know this. Every time I take an order, I befriend the person ordering. This is not the same as being a checker at Walmart. We are in a community here. We are connected in one way or another. This is not an assembly line. There is a person there, sending me their hard earned income. As of this very date, I have had only two "customers" that I can consider wealthy. The rest of us are just living. Even some of my friends who I consider to have more than I, are losing it, just as we all are in this day and age. To digress, I think the people that have more, are losing more. We are ALL feeling it!

I must admit, there are times when I NEED the money that I make from sewing. I don't think that is a big shock to anyone, but I just make a point not to mention that, except in this instance.

I do not use my orders as a CASH ADVANCE. My customers are not my lending bank. At those times when I can use some extra cash, I just kick it into high gear and sew more. I don't kick it into gear and take more payments. I work more on the sewing, and then take more orders. I contact those who are interested in ordering and tell them that I will be ready to take their payment soon. Then they are ready to send money, but I do not receive the money until ready to start on their particular item.

Most of everyone here has a life issue. If we don't know, then we have at one time, or we know that it can happen at any time. That is what makes the community great. We have compassion. Everyone here has shown so much patience. We all know that it is wrong to bash someone on the boards. That our typing lives on forever and it is not something taken lightly. We have restraint.

But, as a vendor, I must say that we too must have this same ethic and attitude. I am not "special". I do not live with the motto, "I make a product that others can't, and I have special privileges, because I have a skill"
I have no right to take others money and make them wait, without a word about what is going on. A good word, not an excuse, about exactly what is happening. It is not difficult.

I do get somewhat indignant when I hear it has happened to someone.

It may be painful to explain to someone else. Perhaps embarassing, or a myriad of other negative emotions,
But it is possible to tell someone, "I am having some issues" without a big description. And them check in with them every couple of days to let them know you did not forget that you are holding their hundreds of dollars.

If someone has had a problem with a vendor, and done everything they can to resolve it, they have EVERY RIGHT to post here. Not to bash and complain, but to make others aware. It is for information purposes. We all know each other as well, and one person here, may be able to contact the persons involved to help get things resolved. As long as there is no BASHING, I think it is only fair.


Let us also remember...........
Costuming is an escape. The statistics show that people who have less income, donate more. Back in the depression, the board game Monopoly made such a HUGE impact, because people could play it and escape. This hobby accomplishes both. We can donate our time to charities, make people smile, which in turns makes us smile and we can escape.

The money spent on this costume is no "chump change". I have thought about starting a custom, which would be much less expensive, but I have not even attempted it. To make a screen accurate Fett, it is an insane amount of money and time. I never take this lightly.

I hope this is received in the tone that I am trying to express.

Thanks for listening to MHO

Debbi

Well said! I agree with everything you wrote. I believe you also practice what you preach based upon my experience in dealing with you. Sadly this has not always been the case with everybody.

I know life gets in the way and this hobby comes second to everybody's real world responsibilities. With that being said, if you are a vendor, or just an average person doing a run of something and life throws you a curve, Please communicate! I am not rich, and if I sent you 100 bucks for this or that item, I most likely had to pinch pennies or sacrifice something to order it. It pains me to wait and wait for something with out seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Send a pm or make several blanket posts in the different section to explain what is happening. People are much more understanding if they fell like they are not being blown off or ignored. While this may not be the case, sometime this is the perception.

The good news is that the majority of the folks I have dealt with are/were stand-up people and took care of business. Thank you! Jason :cheers

Hear hear! (or is it here here?) nonetheless, Well said!!!

In my experience, there are also times, when I know I may take longer than usual. I try to give a range, for example, 2 to 4 weeks. And I will let my friend know that there may be a slow time. Everyone has been so very understanding here.

I am not here to "toot my own horn" What I really hope to do is up the ante a bit, and encourage communication.

:)

well said!!!!

I completely agree with wot u have said. I have never bought anything from you, and I have only ever been a customer of the various prop boards I visit. I must say that I have never had any problems with a prop forum vendor. Always quality product, lots of info and contact.

The compassion that u speak - I can fully vouch for; often with honest and useful hints and discounts for products which very often are reasonably priced already.

Most time I have no problems with pay 1st get later policy - I mean no one here is a professional PROFESSIONAL. I do remember however the people who insist that no advance, deposits or payment is made until products are ready. Very impressive Lady. Obviously some1/something has happened recently - I hope it wasnt to bad an experience. I do take it as part and parcel of this whole scene though. Not anice nor pleasnat part, but a part nonetheless.

Lastly - as a customer - I try to do my part too. Prompt payments, no emails every hours asking where my stuff is etc. It is, after all, a 2 way street.

Take care - and I fully support ur sentiment Lady
Nate

Couldn't agree more Deb...

i am in full agreement with Deb...there have been some recent issues with vendors here, and the behavior is unacceptable...the hard earned dollars that go into this "escape" as Deb talks about can sometimes be a strain, and ya, that is the buyers responsibility to not stain and go broke...but nonetheless, it is hard earned money, and the trust aspect of the transactions being made here is slowly dwindling...im sorry, but if you take someones money, and cant finish the job, or are going to take a much longer time than expected, it is the vendors responsibility to contact, refund, or make other arrangements...not disappear like some have recently...i make harnesses, and i will NOT take money i cant refund if need be...its that simple, folks...

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Originally Posted by Heatshock

I completely agree with wot u have said. I have never bought anything from you, and I have only ever been a customer of the various prop boards I visit. I must say that I have never had any problems with a prop forum vendor. Always quality product, lots of info and contact.

The compassion that u speak - I can fully vouch for; often with honest and useful hints and discounts for products which very often are reasonably priced already.

Most time I have no problems with pay 1st get later policy - I mean no one here is a professional PROFESSIONAL. I do remember however the people who insist that no advance, deposits or payment is made until products are ready. Very impressive Lady. Obviously some1/something has happened recently - I hope it wasnt to bad an experience. I do take it as part and parcel of this whole scene though. Not anice nor pleasnat part, but a part nonetheless.

Lastly - as a customer - I try to do my part too. Prompt payments, no emails every hours asking where my stuff is etc. It is, after all, a 2 way street.

Take care - and I fully support ur sentiment Lady
Nate

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I don't mind emails to check on progress. It is all part of the fun. I know that when you are putting together such a detailed costume, it is fun and exciting. We all post progress threads, and share our methods and whatever. If someone is asking me about progress, I know it is not about pushing, just about checking in. "how is it going" It is a jovial thing and it becomes a social thing.

I know that if I am busy and I cannot respond with a lot of words, I can always give a quick update, to give a bit of respect and let them know what is going on.

I sew for friends locally. Some of them have waited 6 month because they know I have all of these other orders. They come over. I show them what has been done, they look at it. We talk about how great it will be. I tell them if I can work on it or not, etc...

It is not a big deal! Just as FettDad said, It is simple: communication. I truly don't understand why it becomes such a issue just to post or something.

If someone sends me their money, I personally, feel obligated to respond to them if they contact me. Am I wrong here?

not wrong at all, Deb...it is a duty, to communicate, a duty to update, a duty to not take on more orders until you are able to finish the ones you have, or least be honest about time frame...it is a duty to keep in mind that you as a vendor, have someone's money, and they trust you to finish the job, to communicate...once that communication is gone, so is the trust, and that is what destroys a community...

You have stated this very well. I have seen vendors selling things and just not taking it seriously. I myself have been very busy with tests, and essays, so things here have been a little delayed but, I believe that every vendor should have an interest thread before they even start a run or buy the required materials. I know for a fact that when I send my money to someone it should be someone that I can trust, that has done this for a while, and that is honest and up to date with what is going on.

Speaking of updating, I should probably go and update my thread. :)

Also, You are not wrong at all. You, as a vendor, have another persons money that is waiting on something you are making for them. I am not forcing anyone to respond, just that it is common courtesy to respond to emails of people who sent their money to you.

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Originally Posted by 987654321a

You have stated this very well. I have seen vendors selling things and just not taking it seriously. I myself have been very busy with tests, and essays, so things here have been a little delayed but, I believe that every vendor should have an interest thread before they even start a run or buy the required materials. I know for a fact that when I send my money to someone it should be someone that I can trust, that has done this for a while, and that is honest and up to date with what is going on.

Speaking of updating, I should probably go and update my thread. :)

Also, You are not wrong at all. You, as a vendor, have another persons money that is waiting on something you are making for them. I am not forcing anyone to respond, just that it is common courtesy to respond to emails of people who sent their money to you.

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when you say people should go with those that have been doing this for awhile, i agree...but really, there is another thread here and he HAS been here for awhile...it doesnt matter if you have been here since the beginning, there is no excuse for not communicating...and CERTAINLY no excuse for saying one thing, and then doing another...for instance, when a tracking number and shipping is promised the next day, AND NOW IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH, AND NOTHING? no word, no stuff, no explanation...THAT AINT RIGHT!! and until the customers start holding the vendors accountable, then this type of thing will continue...people do go to those that have been here...but lately, whose having the issues? ya, the ones you thought you could trust...

heres one for ya guys...i bought a belt, a nice Taco belt from a member on sept. 19th...he said it would ship the next day...ok, great...he gets back with me on the 21st, it didnt ship, and would go out on the 22nd...well, on the 2nd of october, i pmed him and asked if/when he shipped and with who...he got back with me, said usps and it was shipped...told me he would check into it...he gets back with me, says he just got the package back, and he shipped to the wrong address, and he would ship the next day express mail....EXPRESS, mind you...i said ok, send me a tracking number please....well, the next day, the 3rd, no contact, no tracking number, nothing....so i waited all day saturday to give him a chance....nothing...so i pmed him asking if he was going to totally screw this order up and me out of a belt...he got back that night, and said "no, no...your belt should be there by the end of this week..." YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE GOING TO SHIP EXPRESS MAIL!!!? WHAT KIND OF EXPRESS MAIL DO YOU USE? see why i am ticked...see why i think this kind of thing needs to stop...unacceptable...:thumbsd

Ill post his name if i dont get a refund or my belt...>:

The reason for this mostly is because some people dont understand proper business ethics. When you have someones money in your hand, it's not "Oh, well lets just take my time and see where this might go".

Having a business is hard, but selling something small like one belt shouldnt be. I for one, know that if even my own best friend makes something to sell to me and I give him my money, I am expecting some communication.

totally agree with that!! another thing has been mentioned that vendors do this as a hobby...if this is a hobby, and not a primary source of income, then there is a job, or other source of income, most likely...well, if this is just a hobby for a vendor, then there is no excuse to not refund a buyers money if the arrangement cannot be met...no excuse!! just say no to more orders until the first orders are fulfilled...if this is a primary source of income, which i think is really cool, and you cant keep up with orders, hire some help man!!!:wacko

i want to sure that everyone know i am not upset with all vendors...MOST vendors are responsible, forthright, and communicate with the buyer...but for those that dont, they need to know its not ok...and buyers should have the right to know what vendors are breaking the basic code of ethics, and the ones who are being true...i know, that comes from experience here, but at what cost...?

I as a vendor, want to step this up and notch and hope to give some positive peer pressure.

Please, on this thread, do NOT bash. We do need to address this in the proper manner.
I can completely understand that there may be some anger, but please make sure that we are constructive here. I would truly like to see some improvements happen for everyone.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by FettDad

totally agree with that!! another thing has been mentioned that vendors do this as a hobby...if this is a hobby, and not a primary source of income, then there is a job, or other source of income, most likely...well, if this is just a hobby for a vendor, then there is no excuse to not refund a buyers money if the arrangement cannot be met...no excuse!! just say no to more orders until the first orders are fulfilled...if this is a primary source of income, which i think is really cool, and you cant keep up with orders, hire some help man!!!:wacko

i want to sure that everyone know i am not upset with all vendors...MOST vendors are responsible, forthright, and communicate with the buyer...but for those that dont, they need to know its not ok...and buyers should have the right to know what vendors are breaking the basic code of ethics, and the ones who are being true...i know, that comes from experience here, but at what cost...?

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Even if this was my sole source of income, I just don't consider the money sent to me "mine" until the order is shipped. That just makes sense. Then, should something happen, I can refund the money.

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Originally Posted by LadySewforus

Even if this was my sole source of income, I just don't consider the money sent to me "mine" until the order is shipped. That just makes sense. Then, should something happen, I can refund the money.

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exactly...you use the money previously earned to make sure you can follow thru...if you cant, you can keep your good rep and keep the trust in the community by refunding the buyers money...:thumbsup

Deb-
You always seem to be a "typed" voice of reason and put imporant issues such as this in prespective.

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Originally Posted by LadySewforus

I as a vendor, want to step this up and notch and hope to give some positive peer pressure.

Please, on this thread, do NOT bash. We do need to address this in the proper manner.
I can completely understand that there may be some anger, but please make sure that we are constructive here. I would truly like to see some improvements happen for everyone.

Thanks!

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sorry for raising my typing tone on the post above about the belt...i am very passionate about this community as well, and put alot of time, thought, feeling, work, etc into what i do here...i guess you just cant expect some people to be as trustworthy as you trust them to be...:( its the ones that are trustworthy that make this place as incredible as it is, and i thank you all for that...:):cheers

hey Deb - I have not bought anything off u or any other vendor off this board (yet) - but I certainly have bought stuff from people like u off other forums. ie although it isnt ur MAIN job, you approach it with the dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism as if it were.

Its great that u dont mind the "how you doin emails", and even better that you reply!

the reason for my comment earlier - was in response to our general view of vendor responsibility. I think its great that that is the attitude you take, and also support that you feel that this should be the norm.

HOwever, let us not forget that as customers - we too owe people like you (ie the resonsible vendor) some courtes too. Things like prompt payment, no harassing emails (not the friendly type), reasonable waiting/response time to emails.

I think like many others - I have had my fair share of good and bad vendors. Although, my recent experiences with some amazing sellers (who seem to share the same sentiment as you do Debbi); and I must say i does make life less anxious, hobby more fun, and renews my belief in my fellow human beings.

Unfrotuantely - there is no real way to police this; and setting an example is probably the onl way to encourage it.

Nate

People like Debbie are so professional and dedicated to supplying us all with quality products, that i think we should treat them with the respect that they show us.

come on guys, lets big them up a bit :)

I have dealt with quite a few people on here. In fact all of my Fett was bought off TDH except for a few details. Two of the best vendors I have used is Deb (Ladysewforus) and Christian (MOW). When I ordered my flight suit and vest from Deb she immediatley told me there might be a shortage of twill to make my vest. That me and another customer had both ordered at the same time. Instead of making an excuse she gave me OPTIONS! She said her contact gave her a possible time frame to get more in; offered me 2 different colors (white to weather or a slightly darker grey); or a full refund plus some for fees. She answered everyone of my pm's almost instantly and did in fact give me a refund for the vest. Got the flight suit and it rocks!

I ordered a JP from Christian and he was very prompt with responding to any and all PM's. Also when he opened up orders for gauntlets he allowed me to pre order a set of ROTJ. He has been steadly working on them and again has kept me fully updated. Not just "I'm worknig on them." But full details of what he is working on and any problems he is having and how he is fixing them. And has also offered a refund if I needed to find some sooner. (but I would have to be crazy to miss a MOW gaunt run.)

Any ways everyone else I have delt with has been very good in communications. I have been lucky!

At the beginning of this thread I felt like I was sitting on my couch getting another "lecture" from my wife. Now I feel like I'm sitting here watching her and her girlfriends gripe back and forth to one another....all happening while I'm trying to watch the football game!:wacko:D

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Originally Posted by Cruzer

At the beginning of this thread I felt like I was sitting on my couch getting another "lecture" from my wife. Now I feel like I'm sitting here watching her and her girlfriends gripe back and forth to one another....all happening while I'm trying to watch the football game!:wacko:D

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Ah come on, you are a vendor. You MUST have an opinion. I have heard no problems at all with your services. Doesn't it gripe you when people send out good money and wait 3 times longer or more than promised? And the insult to injury is the lack of communication, or the promises that are not ture. This IS a real problem.

Because I am a vendor, I can express this at a different level than others.
There is always someone who just is not happy, no matter what you do.
But there are plenty of good honest people who are in this situation now, or have been. I think we as vendors, can step it up a notch.


oh, and It must have some appeal, you keep reading :lol

*sigh*

Ok I have a question Cruzer, please carefully read everything above and tell me what part of that you can defend.

Seriously.

I'm lucky enough to see it from both sides. I've purchased ALL of my items through TDH, and I was able to complete my Fett in about 2 years. 95% of the transactions went off without a hitch(Deb included), with varying degrees of shipping speeds. I work hard, we all do. If you're a vendor, you expect payment to begin work. As the buyer, if I pay promptly I expect prompt manufacturing/shipping. Pretty simple. With that said, "STUFF" does happen, and things don't always go as planned. All I ask is communication from the vendor. I NEVER mind waiting for QUALITY. Communication IS the key.
I DO consider myself as a vendor as well(with my decals), and I try my best to ship next day if I can. I can't always do it, but that's my goal. If I'M delayed I will let ya know. Pretty simple again. I've never really had ANY problems as a vendor since i've stuck to my "system" and the people here are GREAT. My only pet peeve is when people sign up, PM me multiple times, and never follow through with payment. Luckily, my stuff is relatively inexpensive so it's not too much of a problem.

Just my 2 cents...

I have seen this on other forums and it seems to work really well. Maybe Admin could create a "Vendor Feedback" forum I know people post experiences, but to have a collected place where the good, the bad, and the ugly can be seen. I know it leaves an opening for bashing, but that happens anyways. There might need to be rules that TDH needs to enforce like code of conduct. But it would give people who need to be recognized a chance to be, and people who should be called out a chance to be. I think 95% of everybody here is a stand up guy (or girl) and I think it would turn moer into a " 'atta boy (girl)" forum then a bashing fest. Just my 2 cents.
:cheers

i support that!! if i need to buy something, and dont really know the rep of the seller, i can do a search in that forum under their name, and look up any feedback that might have been left...positive, or negative...i really do that anyway, but this would be more formal, and recognizable...kind of like the ebay feedback system, but more of a specific aspect to it...not just numbers, but really able to see what the sellers are doing...and on the reverse side of it, hold the buyers accountable with a feedback forum for sellers, too...goes both ways!!

Right and for new people they can check the feedback forum to see if a seller is good or bad. We are always getting new people starting a thread on a certain vendor.

@ Darrel:
I had asked about that feedback system, over in the thread regarding Chuck, and I think it was Tim who told me that TDH likes to keep a very "We are not involved in your transactions" sort of stance.
So, it's really left up to the buyer to do research on the seller, and hope they place their trust in the right hands. 9 times out of 10, it all goes smoothly. But when somebody does get the shaft, it's horrible.

Thanks Debbi, our transactions have been the most pleasurable, easiest, "no nonsense" deals I've ever done!:hug

they dont have to be involved in the transaction...it has nothing to do with admin...it is a place for people to post what they feel, how good or bad a transaction was, and a way to keep vendors honest...maybe that is why some vendors are doing this, cause they can, and know that there is no consequence for their actions...if you use paypal, you have only a month to file a claim...man, some vendors dont even start your stuff before that...how can you possibly make a claim on paypal then? the vendor has your money, and you can do nothing...with a feedback, the admin just keeps language, content, and coc within its boundaries, and let us tell others about who shafts us!! its not fair...we as buyers have nothing but trust to go with...you, Pete, trusted your seller, i recommended him...so what now? you have nothing, but wait and trust...you have done that for how long now? ya....

I must add that I know armor is not a "quick" business to make. There is no doubt that these things take time. There should not be an expectation that everything ordered should be shipped within the same amount of time.

What IS needed is communication, and honest communication at that. It is rare that the complaint is about time. Everyone understands "stuff" happens, that is a given.

That is NOT the core of the problem. The problem is communication, plain and simple.


As far as a vendor thread, it will not happen here. That has been the firm stance from Admin.

What about a general thread about "positive Transactions" in the Sarlacc?? The MODS wouldn't be needed at all, it would just be a continuous thread. For EX:

1) I BOUGHT metal gauntlets from WICKEDBEARD. The were delivered in an acceptable time frame, with the quality was great. WickedBeard = A+

2) I SOLD decal sets to FettDad. They were paid for Promptly. FettDad = A+

A new user browses this thread, maybe searches for a name they're considering dealing with, and they get useful information BEFORE entering into a transaction. Just a thought......

Deb is 100% correct, communication is key.

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Originally Posted by LadySewforus

*sigh*

Ok I have a question Cruzer, please carefully read everything above and tell me what part of that you can defend.

Seriously.

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Seriously...I just posted to joke around. I'd prefer to be a nonparticipant in all of these ramblings. I just know you've made at least one similar thread prior to this thread where you seem to get on your "prop makers pulpit", and I think it is funny to see on a forum that primarily consists of male members, because of gender stereotypes when it comes to "communication".:)

Personally, I don't think of myself as a "vendor".

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Originally Posted by Cruzer

Seriously...I just posted to joke around. I'd prefer to be a nonparticipant in all of these ramblings. I just know you've made at least one similar thread prior to this thread where you seem to get on your "prop makers pulpit", and I think it is funny to see on a forum that primarily consists of male members, because of gender stereotypes when it comes to "communication".:)

Personally, I don't think of myself as a "vendor".

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I did not quite understand.

Did you mean it is odd that I am a women on a typically male forum?

hmm..... :lol





I understand humor, and I am a smart***, just ask anyone, but this is not a small issue.

[/quote]Deb is 100% correct, communication is key.[/quote]


:lolBetter be careful, you're gonna lose your man card:lol

I don't speak for the board administration at all, but IMO, having a thread like that opens up potential liability.

"The reviews thread said that stormtrooperguy was great, but it took him 3 months to send me my gauntlets" would happen in a matter of... oh... 3 months.

Right now the board basically says "buy at your own risk. your problem not ours". Any involvement beyond that would imply some degree of oversight. Or couple imply it, should someone try to push the point.

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Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

I don't speak for the board administration at all, but IMO, having a thread like that opens up potential liability.

"The reviews thread said that stormtrooperguy was great, but it took him 3 months to send me my gauntlets" would happen in a matter of... oh... 3 months.

Right now the board basically says "buy at your own risk. your problem not ours". Any involvement beyond that would imply some degree of oversight. Or couple imply it, should someone try to push the point.

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I guess I think it's no different then if I was to post a thread saying:

I want to buy a helmet from Jo Blow. Anyone dealt with him?

And someone replies:

"Yeah and he takes forever to send his product!"

We see threads all the time on good and bad experiences. I was just thinking more of a consolidation forum. Kinda a hey Buy at you own risk but here is some research for ya. And if someone gets took then it allows for the buyer to vent (like he will anyway) and an opportunity for the seller to explain the situation. I don't know if a rating system would work, but I think a feedback forum wouldn't hurt. Every vendor here relies on their reputation. And as all of us knows things do happen. As far a s production time goes I usually always ask BEFORE I pay. How long will it take? I know its a rough estimate. But that gives me an idea. Maybe the feed back forum could be a standard for you fill out and post like:

Fettdad might start a thread titled

Tk9950 Feedback

Seller: tk9950
Item: Full set of armor
Est Completion Time: already built and painted
Communication: 7/10
Delivery Time: 7/10
Packaging: 9/10
Product Quality: 10/10
Would You Recommend: yes


And that way no bashing simple facts. Then any further info someone could contact the buyer or seller to clarify. And if someone agrees with they can reply agree or they can post the same format with their own scoring.

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Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

I don't speak for the board administration at all, but IMO, having a thread like that opens up potential liability.

"The reviews thread said that stormtrooperguy was great, but it took him 3 months to send me my gauntlets" would happen in a matter of... oh... 3 months.

Right now the board basically says "buy at your own risk. your problem not ours". Any involvement beyond that would imply some degree of oversight. Or couple imply it, should someone try to push the point.

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so what you are saying is that vendors shouldnt be held liable for not living up to their committments....? when do you draw the line and keep vendors from taking advantage of buyers...? i understand the code of conduct and what it says about risk...ya, its risky....we all know that...but its the risk factor that can be taken advantage of so easily, and there are no reprocushions for vendor dishonesty...its the trust that keeps an organization and community together...

and technically The moment you agree to take payment for a product you make a contract. Therefore you could be taken on Judge Judy and sue them for the product or the money back. Liability would never come into play for TDH. If I got stiffed I wouldn't blame TDH cause that person was here, I would blame the person selling me the product. I don't want to ruffel any feathers :doh I just could see where it would help new members and old members to feel secure in buying from someone. :D

I don't think I know of a problem with a member who is considered 'a vendor' most of the rare issues seem to be with members selling off stuff they no longer want for what ever reason. The members that continue to offer props for sale all have a good rep and I assume they need to keep it. I know that my dealings with Bobamaker have been excellent and I could not recommend him enough. I don't think we need the feedback thing at all. If you spend some time here, you know who is who and what is what and you know who you want to buy from.

The sticky transactions are the people who don't sell so much, IMHO.

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Originally Posted by LadySewforus

I did not quite understand.

Did you mean it is odd that I am a women on a typically male forum?

hmm..... :lol





I understand humor, and I am a smart***, just ask anyone, but this is not a small issue.

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Let me rephrase my meaning: I think it is uncomfortably fantastic that it takes a Woman to address such important issues on a predominantly male forum, when the gender stereotype is that males are less inclined to communicate than females in our society.

And as far as my "MAN CARD" is concerned......I'm have no worries of losing my "man card" because it's tucked safely away in the top drawer of my wife's armoir!:rolleyes

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Originally Posted by Cruzer

Let me rephrase my meaning: I think it is uncomfortably fantastic that it takes a Woman to address such important issues on a predominantly male forum, when the gender stereotype is that males are less inclined to communicate than females in our society.

And as far as my "MAN CARD" is concerned......I'm have no worries of losing my "man card" because it's tucked safely away in the top drawer of my wife's armoir!:rolleyes

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Wait!!! Hold on a second? You know where she hid yours??

I'm not even married yet (late dec :) ) and she's already got mine hidden somewhere awfully horrible and evil.

well, again... my personal opinion only... is that consolidating the information about sellers is a Bad Idea. both for the fact that TDH could be brought into something that it needn't be, and because you really don't necessarily want 100 reviews of your awesome, unlicensed, technically illegal to sell prop to be discovered by a license holder.

i don't sell stuff on any particularly noteworthy scale, but imagine eFX decided to hunt down anyone else making clone helmets and sue them. you come here and see 50 reviews of how awesome mine is... then you know who to sue :)

people who post run lists are taking their lives into their own hands... they have no-one to blame but themselves if they get sued. but other people posting like that could be bad. remember that there are boards that don't even allow you to talk about sales or sources at all!

i know i'm always defending bad sales practices, and it's really not that i think people should be ripped off. i just feel that we are, essentially, selling stuff out of our trenchcoats in a dark alley. and regulating dark alley trenchcoat sales is just not a good idea (imo)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

well, again... my personal opinion only... is that consolidating the information about sellers is a Bad Idea. both for the fact that TDH could be brought into something that it needn't be, and because you really don't necessarily want 100 reviews of your awesome, unlicensed, technically illegal to sell prop to be discovered by a license holder.

i don't sell stuff on any particularly noteworthy scale, but imagine eFX decided to hunt down anyone else making clone helmets and sue them. you come here and see 50 reviews of how awesome mine is... then you know who to sue :)

people who post run lists are taking their lives into their own hands... they have no-one to blame but themselves if they get sued. but other people posting like that could be bad. remember that there are boards that don't even allow you to talk about sales or sources at all!

i know i'm always defending bad sales practices, and it's really not that i think people should be ripped off. i just feel that we are, essentially, selling stuff out of our trenchcoats in a dark alley. and regulating dark alley trenchcoat sales is just not a good idea (imo)

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Ok now that makes sense. I can see what you are saying. You are right I know some forums that won't let you into the vendors forum unless you are already 501st approved. I think there are good arguments to both sides. :cheers