New "Safer Vendor" Policy.

[Chef]

As part of this terms election pledge, we mooted a safer vendor policy to be introduced.

 

This was as a direct result of some unfortunate issues arising from sales across the forum where those transactions had 'gone south' for a myriad of reasons.

 

The prevalence of these incidents has been steadily rising and continues to do so every now and then.

We don't think it is acceptable, and they just cause unnecessary trouble and bad feeling for everyone involved.

 

 

So in response to this, we are implementing a simple policy for those individuals wishing to use this forum as a means to garner business for themselves.

 

 

The function of this is to protect you the members as much as possible as we can. This is simply by highlighting some 'business best practice' which should be followed by vendors and puts both the vendor and customer is a clear position with regards to their consumer rights and any contractual obligations.

 

As with all sales, the watch words are "Caveat Emptor" - Buyer Beware.

This is just to reinforce that and hopefully provide you with a slightly more informed choice.

 

 

The policy will be as follows. (it's also clearly listed at the top of the Vendor trade section.

 

Vendor Policy

 

All items that are to be sold as part of a 'run' or on an ongoing basis will be deemed to be on a 'Trade/Vendor' basis and as such you will become a 'vendor' of that item.

 

As a Vendor of an item and posting the details of that here on the BSN, using the forums as a marketing/trading platform, you will be agreeing to certain 'contractual conditions' as part of your sales on these boards.

These will be as follows

 

1: You will be listed as a "Vendor"

 

2: Your posts to your items will only be posted in the "Vendor Trading Section" (not in the personals section)

 

3: You will not bump, link to, or otherwise direct people to your for sale items on the main boards. This includes unsolicited Private Messages (that's you contacting them to push your wares, not them contacting you to ask about it... Just in case anyone was unsure).

Recommendations by other members are fine.

 

4: You will agree to "Payment upon Completion" rather than having people pay up front. This affords the membership some 'consumer rights' with regards to PayPal or Credit card time limits for refunds etc. So ALL orders need to be completed ready for shipping before you take payment for the items.

For custom made items, such as tailored flightsuits, boots or other 'specific to the individual' parts, then a deposit can be stipulated, but this must only cover 'material expenses'. This does not include things like Armour, blasters or other items that can easily be sold on to other customers.

 

5: All items will be sent via trackable post, unless otherwise stated for cost reasons on small items. Expensive items (say over $20) will be tracked.

 

6: All items listed for sale will have a clearly marked price, and where practicable pictures of completed items for people to clearly assess the quality of the item (or examples of) they are to receive.

If any deposits are required, this will be clearly stated in your post.

 

7: You will be responsible for that item until the point of delivery. Any items lost or damaged in transit will be your responsibility and must be rectified to the customers satisfaction.

 

8: Items will be of satisfactory and 'fit for purpose' quality.

 

9: Any Issues may be addressed via your thread.

 

 

 

Whilst the BSN will not be responsible for any individual transactions or become involved in any disputes between vendor and buyer as a result of items listed for sale in this section this policy is designed to protect both the Vendor and the Buyer from any potential mishaps or misunderstandings and exercises 'best practice' that as a vendor, you should be following.

Breaches of this policy may result in your privilege to use this board as a marketing/advertising platform for your products being rescinded.

 

 

If you don't agree to any/all of the above, simply don't use this forum as a means to garner business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have always tried to give out best practice for each and every up and coming Scout to minimise their risk of these incidents. And this can apply to both individual private sales as well as buying from a vendor.

 

They are no limited to, but include the following.

 

 

1: Do Not "Pay Up Front". Certainly not in full... If the vendor has enough time to take your money, they've enough time to make your stuff.

2: If they do require you to pay up front. Make sure you pay on something that has buyer protection, credit card or paypal etc.

3: Set a deadline within the Payment Protection timeframe.

4: If that deadline gets close... Start that ball rolling. Be matter of fact about it. You can always withdraw it if your vendor pulls through.

5: Be clear about what you are buying. Ask for a detailed quote and shipping costs and ask to see pictures of the item so you know what to expect to receive.

 

 

 

Be safe out there...

 

The Command Staff.