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Sadly, the world is full of unscrupulous and dishonest people, not to mention that sometimes bad things happen to good people. But you can protect yourself from becoming victimized by those looking to do you harm, or separate you from your money, by following these few simple rules and guidelines for successful living and buying in the internet age.
1. Communication is Critical
If a seller is not willing to answer all your questions, get back to you in a reasonable amount of time, or keeps steering you to pay first + ask questions later; walk away. This is usually a red flag.
2. Details Matter
Make sure all aspects and variables are discussed, documented, and if necessary, photographic evidence is provided. Never assume, there is no silly question when your money is at stake.
3. Treat It Like A Business Transaction
Be sure of what you are buying, when you are receiving it, and exactly what you are getting. Treat it like a legal contract that you are entering into even though it's a basically verbal agreement, you are exchanging money for a product and the delivery thereof.
4. Use Traceable Payment Methods
You wouldn't throw money into a hole in the ground and expect to come back the next day and find it still there, why would you do it across the internet? Use a service like PayPal (not enforcing PP) or something that gives you some buyer's rights and reciprocity in case the seller doesn't come through, or the product is not as advertised or promised. Give yourself some recourse other than a soap box.
5. Trust Your Gut
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check references, reviews, ask the person who else they've sold to and request pictures and proof of what you're getting if there's any twinge of uncertainty for you.
6. Bonafide Sellers Have Bad Days Too
Even high profile sellers sometimes have a bad day, make sure you do your research and see number five above regarding trusting your gut. There are many home hobbyists who do a great job selling, so don't assume because they're not a commercial business they're not on the level.
7. Inspect What You Expect
Before sending the money, or finalizing that transaction, make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions, the timing, the shipping method, the size of the animal or animals you are buying, and exactly the scientific names that the seller is purporting to send you. Don't feel silly asking for clarification or alternate means of conversation, like a text or an email, or God forbid even a phone call, lots of people will welcome this level of connection and responsibility.
8. Urgency Can Be A Concern
Social engineering is successful because there's often a call to immediate action, somebody is running out of something, a sale is ending, your input is required before X happens - there are no urgent emergencies in the tarantula world. If the seller you are looking to buy from sells out, someone else will have it in a few days or a few weeks. Don't be guiled into abandoning common sense based on someone else's purported urgency.
9. Take Responsibility
Only you can prevent you getting taken advantage of, ripped off or victimized. Don't expect any third party, the forum, the membership or administration here to share any responsibility for a transaction that you willfully entered into with an individual. Put your big person pants on and do your diligence or don't do the deal.
10. Have Fun
This hobby is a hobby of patience and personal satisfaction, if anything about a transaction makes you uncomfortable, don't go through it. If you find yourself stressed out because of how the seller is communicating, or not communicating with you, just walk away. Hobbies are supposed to be fun, and relaxing; don't induce or introduce additional stress into your life. An online spider purchase is not worth any angst.
Sorry for the long message, but it's easier to prevent a forest fire than it is to put one out.
I hope everybody reads this prior to making that Star-Crossed purchase that ends up costing them time, and money, or experiencing frustration through the hobby that we're all supposed to be here to enjoy and find solace in.
Best of luck in your online endeavors, friends.
1. Communication is Critical
If a seller is not willing to answer all your questions, get back to you in a reasonable amount of time, or keeps steering you to pay first + ask questions later; walk away. This is usually a red flag.
2. Details Matter
Make sure all aspects and variables are discussed, documented, and if necessary, photographic evidence is provided. Never assume, there is no silly question when your money is at stake.
3. Treat It Like A Business Transaction
Be sure of what you are buying, when you are receiving it, and exactly what you are getting. Treat it like a legal contract that you are entering into even though it's a basically verbal agreement, you are exchanging money for a product and the delivery thereof.
4. Use Traceable Payment Methods
You wouldn't throw money into a hole in the ground and expect to come back the next day and find it still there, why would you do it across the internet? Use a service like PayPal (not enforcing PP) or something that gives you some buyer's rights and reciprocity in case the seller doesn't come through, or the product is not as advertised or promised. Give yourself some recourse other than a soap box.
5. Trust Your Gut
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check references, reviews, ask the person who else they've sold to and request pictures and proof of what you're getting if there's any twinge of uncertainty for you.
6. Bonafide Sellers Have Bad Days Too
Even high profile sellers sometimes have a bad day, make sure you do your research and see number five above regarding trusting your gut. There are many home hobbyists who do a great job selling, so don't assume because they're not a commercial business they're not on the level.
7. Inspect What You Expect
Before sending the money, or finalizing that transaction, make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions, the timing, the shipping method, the size of the animal or animals you are buying, and exactly the scientific names that the seller is purporting to send you. Don't feel silly asking for clarification or alternate means of conversation, like a text or an email, or God forbid even a phone call, lots of people will welcome this level of connection and responsibility.
8. Urgency Can Be A Concern
Social engineering is successful because there's often a call to immediate action, somebody is running out of something, a sale is ending, your input is required before X happens - there are no urgent emergencies in the tarantula world. If the seller you are looking to buy from sells out, someone else will have it in a few days or a few weeks. Don't be guiled into abandoning common sense based on someone else's purported urgency.
9. Take Responsibility
Only you can prevent you getting taken advantage of, ripped off or victimized. Don't expect any third party, the forum, the membership or administration here to share any responsibility for a transaction that you willfully entered into with an individual. Put your big person pants on and do your diligence or don't do the deal.
10. Have Fun
This hobby is a hobby of patience and personal satisfaction, if anything about a transaction makes you uncomfortable, don't go through it. If you find yourself stressed out because of how the seller is communicating, or not communicating with you, just walk away. Hobbies are supposed to be fun, and relaxing; don't induce or introduce additional stress into your life. An online spider purchase is not worth any angst.
Sorry for the long message, but it's easier to prevent a forest fire than it is to put one out.
I hope everybody reads this prior to making that Star-Crossed purchase that ends up costing them time, and money, or experiencing frustration through the hobby that we're all supposed to be here to enjoy and find solace in.
Best of luck in your online endeavors, friends.
