Trade Ethics

[Jesse]

I have traded ccg cards and table top miniatures via the net for several years. And it seems (at least to me) that most traders have the "common sense ethics" to state if a card or figure is in less than desirable condition. However I recently completed a trade with an individual for a character card that is pretty heavily sought after. Now the trader (will remain nameless b/c - yes - he uses this site) had a ton of great trade references and traded me this character card at the full purchase value currently on the net. When I received the card it literally looked like the character had just survived World War II or at the least had been strapped to a child's bicycle spoke for a little noise fun. Now, am I just naive since I feel that becuase I tell people to the best of my ability the condition of the card being traded, that everyone will do the same or are some of you the same way?

Now don't get me wrong I have traded with some great traders recently as well! I've even gotten some cards back that were so crisp they still had that new card smell......

[gameplan.exe]

Ideally, yes, both traders would be open, honest, and up-front about card conditions. At the same time, there is some risk associated w/trades and it's also the responsibility of the individual to ask lots of questions.

Also, what was the card? I mean, it's still playable, right? Or are you more of a collector, yourself/

[Jack]

There are two ways to look at it:

If you explicitly ask your trader if, or if the trade says, the cards are NM/M but turn out to be F, then you can probably complain to them that you didn't receive what you agreed upon.

Though, if you just said to trade x for y, then receiving anything that's VG or better is acceptable in my books.

I've only done about 10 trades and all the cards I've received have been VG+ and likewise I've traded away cards that I deem to be VG+. I won't go trading away my best looking card -- those belong in my binders, but I won't send off a card that's been heavily damaged.

Though, with the age of the game (at least 10 years since last prints) and the rarity of some cards, you can expect that they'll have some wear on them. If in doubt, ask the trader for a picture/scan of the exact card that you're getting.

[breadmaster]

that seems quite scuzzy.  i've traded cards that aren't pristine before, but i've always let the person know

mostly these were powersurge specials (is it just me, or did these 'chip' very easily around the borders?)

if i make a trade, and notice the dupe is flawed in any way, i check my collection and send the one in better condition

[Nate Grey]

if i make a trade, and notice the dupe is flawed in any way, i check my collection and send the one in better condition

That's something I do as well. Trade away the duplicate that's in a better condition. All the cards I've posted on the trading list are in VG+ shape but when I receive them, I'm usually just happy to have them that I don't care if they are slightly bent or have chipped borders. I just really want them to play with right away and complete my sets. Of course if one did arrive in the shape of the card Jesse described I would be bummed out.

[Jesse]

Though, if you just said to trade x for y, then receiving anything that's VG or better is acceptable in my books.

Sadly this is what we did. So I am not necessarily saying it is his fault persay - I just wish he would have been more upfront about it.

Also, what was the card? I mean, it's still playable, right? Or are you more of a collector, yourself/

Overall I am more of a player. I want the cards that I want to build decks with so as long as the card doesnt have bends and tears I will use it! The card itself was the Spider-Man (IQ). Granted he is only about $15....but that's still $15 I don't want to have to spend  Basically the picture of Spider-Man himself is okay but there is a good 1/5th of an inch border that has almost been rubbed completely white! 

Oh well - live and learn!

I appreciate the opinions - I am glad to know I am not the only one that feels it is assumed unless otherwise noted by the trader/seller.

[DiceK]

Can you post a picture of the card in question?

[Jesse]

Can you post a picture of the card in question?

Yes, I can - I will try to get it on here in the next couple days.