Contacting Traders who are hard to get ahold of...

[Stad]

So I am in a trade with a person in the US (me from Canada) and it seems since both of us are new, that we decided to ship a "trade" to each other at the same time. I got the shipping code for him and have waited over a week to hear from him for my package. Now his activity has been off for a week (even got a Bad trading rating from someone who got frustrated waiting.

Now I have his address, but trying to find a phone number (incase away from the computer or something) has been difficult.

I am still hopeful everything will turn out super, but is there a way that BT has phone info or is there a way to get a number for the person.

Thanks

[MagickalMemories]

PM me the User name and address you have.
If I can get anything, I'll send it your way.


Eric

[zeronyne]

I've had this same problem three times out of the five deals I've transacted through BTown. I'm not criticizing Bartertown in any way...I have always managed to get the items owed to me (except for mutual feedback, naturally).

Am I totally out of line asking for a phone number? I was just about to ship something tomorrow when I realized that i didn't have the receivers phone number. So I PM'ed him (since he was online) for it about an hour ago. The message is marked as read, but he did not respond. For the record, I have provided both my address and phone.

I clearly stated in my ad that I would need a contact number to complete a deal. Hopefully, that isn't against policy.

[MagickalMemories]

Asking for or requiring phone numbers is absolutely NOT against policy. You may lose a few deals for it, but many or most of us would not fault you for being unyielding on that point.

Check out the BTown rules thread. Those are the only rules of the site. We do not attempt to govern the minutia of how you arrange your trades. It's important that, within the scope of the rules, our members trade in a manner that is comfortable for them.

Eric

[HarlequinZero]

Also, realize that asking for a phone number does not necessarily mean the other person will give you THEIR phone number. If you're that worried about getting a phone number I'd test it out before you shipped. You're trading with "Eric," but the phone number he gives you is for the local flower arrangement appreciation society or something.

[MagickalMemories]

Also, realize that asking for a phone number does not necessarily mean the other person will give you THEIR phone number. If you're that worried about getting a phone number I'd test it out before you shipped. You're trading with "Eric," but the phone number he gives you is for the local flower arrangement appreciation society or something.

Agreed whole-heartedly.
Definitely always confirm all trades by phone if numbers are exchanged and you feel that the person might need double-checking.
If someone with strong ties to the site (like a staff member or someone with a very high rating) gives you his number, it's probably legit. lol
It might be less important to call him than Joe Schmo with a rating of 6 or something.

I've been known to request a number I can call where we can confirm the deal by phone in the past. This way, they expect you to call.

Eric