Regarding Dibs
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If you post 'Dibs' on any item you are agreeing to buy it and must have the funds at that moment. Payment arrangements must be made within 24 hours of the seller sending you a PM or email, otherwise you lose dibs. If a buyer and seller then agree on XX period of time before payment, that's fine. But calling dibs obligates you to purchase the product and to do so in a reasonable amount of time. Dibs is "I AM BUYING THIS, THANK YOU", not "I'm kind of interested."
If you post dibs on an item, its yours. So you better be careful in the future because we are cracking down and the penalty for repetitive backing out after calling dibs is a vacation from the classifieds.
We leave it up to the seller to be honest and to sell it to the first person that posted dibs via post in the sales thread, the timestamp of the post delegates who gets the item. If we find out you're not following this procedure as the seller, your time in the Classifieds will be short lived.
If dibs is called by PM, you must immediately post the dibs publicly in the sale thread in question. If this isn't done, the first dibs call in the thread gets preference. If the money has already been sent from the PM dibs call and the part in question sold, the person that called dibs by PM and didn't post in the sale thread will get a 6 month vacation from the Classifieds for all the trouble and headaches they caused us. Put succinctly, dibs must be public, private dibs doesn't count for anything.
"Conditional" dibs are not permitted. This includes "dibs pending some questions," "dibs pending whether or not my wife says it's ok," and "dibs if my dog starts talking in Chinese." Saying "I'm interested, but xxx" is a CONDITIONAL dibs, and that's ok, as long as you realize that an unconditional dibs will win out 100% of the time, regardless of who posted first.
RE: Dibs on items that have a +Shipping cost associated with them: You should call dibs with the expectation that it's going to cost you a reasonable sum. Generally no more than $20 at the extremes.
If you need help with the estimates:
http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatepostage/welcome.htm
http://www.theupsstore.com/qcc/qcc.asp
http://fedex.com/ratefinder/home
When it comes to shipping outside of the seller's home country, then it really becomes a matter of taking a place in line. You can't possibly know if someone is willing to ship to Canada or the UK, so you have to say something to the effect of "dibs pending seller's shipping range" so that it is clear to all viewing the thread (especially mods) that you are asking if the seller doesn't mind shipping to whatever country, and that you are willing to pay his asking price. Period. If the seller says no, then you can update the thread and the seller can move on down the list.
Clarification on Dibs outside a seller's home country:
Example:
Billybob sells a videocard. Both Jack (in another country) and Tom (in the seller's country) want the card:
Scenario A:
Jack calls dibs pending shipping range, Tom yells dibs shortly after Jack. The seller is supposed to give Jack priority in the sale. The seller can tell Jack "no, I won't ship to Jumanji, sorry" and then Tom is next in line. If Billybob tells Jack no, and then someone later in line is from Jumanji and Billybob suddenly changes his mind and says Jumanji is cool to ship to, he needs to call Jack and tell him what's going on and offer it to him first. If I find out that Billybob has played favortism and suddenly changed the location, I might want to have a chat with Billybob.
Scenario B:
Tom calls dibs and Jack calls it afterwards, pending shipping range. The seller is supposed to give Tom priority, and if Tom backs out, Jack is then next in line and Scenario A occurs.
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Regarding promises of pictures
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The trend of folks posting and stating in PMs that they will post pics etc. at a certain time/date without following through is over.
As of now, anyone who posts or makes a statement via PM to a mod that they will do/post something at such-and-such time/date without following through will be barred from the Classifieds for no less than a month and the thread removed.
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Email Policy
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We have eliminated the use of Gmail and every other generic e-mail in OCforum Classified user's profiles. We will be allowing ISP e-mails, .edu and .gov only. Anyone that does not update their profile to one of those will not be using the classifieds. The users can hide their E-mails in their profiles so it is visible to the Staff only.
If you do not have an approved email address on file, you will not be permitted to use our Classifieds.
If for some reason you are unable to use a ISP based e-mail, .Edu or .Gov, please contact a Classifieds Moderator and we will see if your circumstance is reason enough to make an exception.
Reasons such as these below will result in us telling you NO, an exception will not be made:
My parents won't allow me
Does this rule apply to me, I've been here for a long time
I own my own domain, can I use that e-mail
We will possibly allow exceptions based on situations like these:
I am abroad and my situation is unique
My school does not use a .Edu, we use a .com or .net
A member is on the road and has no static ISP
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ALL servicemen are exempt from the Classified e-mail rules regarding providing a ISP, .Gov or .EDU
Just let me know the generic email you wish to use and I will add you to the exception list once I have validated your active duty. This can easily be done by sending ME-INSERT SAM'S NEW EMAIL a quick e-mail from your .MIL provider. After this is validated, you can use G-Mail or any other e-mail you choose. We at Overclockers.com appreciate all you are doing for your Country and we want to make it easier for all of you.
-THIS EXEMPTION IS ONLY FOR ARMED FORCES ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS-
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Verification
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The Classifieds mods reserve the right to Verify all seller's merchandise, we start the process with -PM sent for item verification-
Once we are satisfied the seller has the merchandise we edit the post to read -Item verified- or -Seller verified-
You can take a digital Pic, use a Scanner, take a regular photo and bring it to a copy center and for a dollar they will digitize it for you; a coin or something with your name and OCForums on it is required in the picture. Sometimes we will offer the option of calling the seller on the phone and getting their Phone number, Address and then compare it to known Troll hot-sheets we use. (This personal information is not shared, and remains in a 1024 bit encrypted database)
The whole point of putting something unique in the picture with the item is so we know that person has that particular object in their possession, and didn't just grab a picture off of Newegg or something.
The best thing to do is hand write your OC name and "OC-Forums" on something (piece of paper, old cd...). That sounds pretty simple, and is excellent to verify that the member actually has the item and that it looks like it does in the pic.
You can cross reference the SOLD section (I suggest you use the Search>Sellers name>SOLD)
For seller or buyers' Trading history, I strongly recommend you sign up for Heatware, and link it in your SIG.
Overclockers.com cooperates with Law enforcement and we take Trolls a little more seriously than most Forums.....If you're a Troll, you're definitely in the Wrong forum to be scamming people.
The Mods and Admins also work with Other Forums like Trollhunters.com and PCA to share data.(ALL INFORMATION USED IN VERIFICATION IS NOT SHARED WITH ANYONE)
We reserve the right to re-verify any member or piece of merchandise at any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why can't we sell software or games here? I've got the box and key!
A: Because you can still easily pirate the game or use the key yourself. We do every possible thing we can to protect the buyer and seller, and allowing the sale of software would cause major problems.
Q: I have a console game I want to sell, and I'm selling the console, am I still not allowed to sell the game?
A: You may only sell games with their associated console. PC Game sales are completely forbidden. You cannot sell a game under any circumstances without a console (PS3 game sells with a PS3, Wii game sells with a Wii, so on and so forth).
Q: I just got ripped off, what do I do?
A: PM a Classifieds moderator if you believe you may have been ripped off.
Q: I don't have any way to provide a picture of my item, and I don't have and can't get a verified Paypal address, can I still sell here?
A: In most cases, no, we verify every seller. In some cases, we have some other means of verification, but these are rare. Please contact a Classifieds mod if you need further assistance.
Q: Can I list my eBay auction in the Classifieds?
A: No, and you will be banned if you do so.
Q: I live in [country], so that makes it hard to deal with U.S. Classifieds sellers, why don't we have a [country] Classifieds forum?
A: It would be unfair to make a separate Classifieds for one country and not another. It would also be a moderating nightmare. If you want people from your country to see your ad more easily, you can put something such as: "Canadians, Radeon 9800 Pro for sale."
Q: I'm selling my entire computer, which forum do I sell it in?
A: You can sell it in Misc.
Q: I have a suggestion for the Classifieds, how do I make myself heard?
A: First, run a search in Classifieds Comments and Suggestions to see if your idea has been discussed before. If it hasn't, you can make your own thread in Comments and Suggestions. Mods frequently check this forum, and many members can answer questions.
Q: I want to auction something, can I do that?
A: No, that's what eBay is for.
Q: I have a lot of great eBay feedback, can that be used for verification?
A: No.
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Trading Guidelines, Tips, and Etiquette
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Be honest, be honest, be honest. Enhance this with total clarity and be sure the other trader(s) have the same understanding of a deal’s particulars.
Clearly represent your exact product or offering, be sure to include any cosmetic or functional problems. Check your thread for responses frequently or let others know how best to contact you.
Make sure any item you ship is well packaged and preferably use a shipping means which carries insurance and tracking. Some shipping tips:
a - Always use order confirmation when sending via USPS. For any item sent via Priority Mail it is only .40 cents. That way you can always see when the item has been delivered. Include a card of some sort listing the sender’s and recipient’s address information INSIDE the package
b - Use anti-static packaging to contain any sensitive computer parts.
c - When sending breakable items, use plenty of good padding on each side.
d - Use block caps in addresses, avoid punctuation, and leave 2 spaces between state and zip code. Use a ZIP+4 code whenever possible.
There are NO excuses for being late or unable to fulfill a deal. Occasionally, there might be a legitimate REASON, but never an excuse.
Always honor your word.
Post a price for the item(s) you may be selling. This is not an auction site! Further, should someone meet your asking price or trade offer, you are obliged to make the deal and not quibble for more.
Promptly communicate with the other party at the different stages of the deal, i.e. when the money is received, when you ship the package, and a follow-up email to see if the trade is satisfactory. IT IS A VERY GOOD IDEA to use the same email by just replying each time. Be sure to identify yourself from the start with your Username, and your real name. This avoids a lot of confusion.
Trader references for many can be found at Heatware Check to see if the person you are trading with is listed and read any feedback. In addition to the HeatWare ratings check you should ask for references, use the search>classifieds>SOLD to check other posts by the trader, check with other reputable traders for additional info. Trust your gut instinct on close calls. Once you complete a trade, add your feedback to HeatWare and post a comment in the Sold section so others might benefit from your experience. Post the bad as well as the good!
Get a phone number, and talk to them over the phone (if needed). It’s a lot harder to be taken advantage of when you have their phone number, and it also makes it easier to find a person that violates.
Please, update your thread when an item is gone and state to whom it went.
Stick to the terms of the Deal!!! Avoid becoming a trader that gets involved in misunderstandings. Don’t try to do so many trades that you cannot give proper attention to each deal.
Make a printed copy of the deal and save it until the transaction is complete. This will prevent confusion and prevent the problem of lost information due to a crashed system.
If you’re going put up a WTB thread, be prepared to pay a little more.
If you make an offer of goods or cash, be positive you will be able to deliver same in a timely manner within the framework of the deal. Postponed delivery of any cash or goods should be arranged on the frontside of the deal, not after one party has shipped!
Try to conduct yourselves as gentlemen and ladies here. If you have no interest in purchasing an item someone is selling, do not interfere with the sale by posting ridicule or derogatory remarks.
In line with the above, TRY VERY HARD to resolve any issues relevant to your trades away from this board and preferably by PM or email. Occasionally, things can happen beyond one’s control which might cause suspicion or misunderstanding. Please don’t have an itchy finger when you suspect a misdeed. Make every effort to resolve the issue by confidential communications before decrying the situation publicly!! Misunderstandings posted on the board can cause undeserved damage to BOTH traders’ credibility.
MARK YOUR ITEM WITH A BLACK LIGHT PEN, This will alleviate any switching from a dishonest buyer swapping your functional item with their DEAD item that's the same.
http://www.alltronics.com/Light_Sources.htm
*No Dealers are allowed / No commercial ads
*Vendors that are advertisers at this site may use the Classifieds.
Only post your item for sale once. Update your post with the “edit” button if necessary. Multiple For Sale threads will be merged, and multiple infractions of this may result in a vacation from the Classifieds.
You must post a price, unless it’s a “Trade Only” in which case you must state your terms for a trade. All trade only items should be placed in the Wanted section.
Do us all a favor and say where you will ship, so we can avoid, “Will you ship to Canada, etc.”
When the Item sells please mark the thread as sold, and move the thread to the Sold forum. Do not delete the text in your first post, simply put SOLD at the very top, then move it to Sold.
If a price is agreed upon by both parties the item is sold, and money should exchange hands with in 24 hours, unless other terms were agreed upon.
Do not back out of a purchase, for any reason. You made the deal, now keep your word.
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In Closing
Questions may be sent to any of the Classifieds mods, or posted in Classifieds Comments and Suggestions. Anything in this thread can be fully enforced as a rule at any time. All rules are subject to change without notice.
Active Mods are listed here in Staff Status thread.
By posting in this Forum you agree that you have read and understand the rules as set forth above. Violations will not be tolerated!
Thanks,
Overclockers.com Forum Management
