protecting yourself in a trade?
 

I've never proceeded with a trade before, and i'm trading with a fellow TBer who has a VERY good sale reviews / rating (100% here and on ebay), but I, alas, don't have a rating at all (never sold anything on the net before..). I agreed to send my bass first and when he gets mine he would send his.

Should I ask him to write out the agreement and sign and i will do the same thing? He seems totally legit, i'm probably the sketchier looking one (just started using this forum, and never sold anything online before ..) Or are the message logs ENOUGH to protect myself in this situation?

I have done several trades on here and I was scared at first. In all cases we both sent the same day and emailed tracking# right away. Talking on the phone also helps. I wouldnt send yours first. Just to avoid buyers remorse if anything.

The arrangement works for me. If not already addressed, it provides a thinly-veiled inspection period for the other party. Not a bad idea when dealing with a relatively unknown TB seller / buyer....you.

Riis

Yeah, I think thats the idea. I totally understand this situation, I just didn't know if I needed to take some extra step to protect my investment. But I guess I just have to go by the good words of fellow TBers.

thanks!

If the other party is a frequent TB contributor and solid dealer in the classifieds, you'll be okay with any existing dialogue or stipulated conditions. The seasoned users are pretty good at spelling out the hereto's and wherefor's to avoid confusion and streamline the transaction.

Riis

Personally I usually just do trades on cheap things unless I know the other party.