(06-19-2023, 10:21 PM)andrewjs18 Wrote:(06-19-2023, 08:14 PM)rocket Wrote: As the subject of BST safeguards has come up a few times, I thought I would mention that the Reddit Shave_Bazaar subreddit is re-evaluating its approach to assisting members in evaluating reputation of other members, as an outcome of the recent API pricing model changes from Reddit.
In addition to instituting a confirmed trade feedback system, I assume something along the lines that DFS offers, they are looking at some type of reputation scoring system. The reputation system would be based off multiple independent shaving related subreddits (forums), and attempt to measure engagement (presumably post count etc) and karma points (likes). It seems that the Shave_Bazaar may be more focused on outright drive by scammers.
They are also asking for more moderators, which is somewhat interesting as the subreddit is dedicated to BST transactions. So I presume this is to expand coverage of suspicious or non compliant descriptions. They are also losing one of their key moderators.
we've seen some pretty ridiculous things over the years.
1 scammer would put a small slice in the padded envelopes he'd use to ship out stuff to make it look like the item 'fell out' during transit, when the item was never even shipped in the 1st place.
another scammer tried to sell a straight razor to two different people when only 1 of those items even exists in the entire world, as confirmed by the maker of said straight razor....
etc., etc..
aside from bst feedback, which we used since this forum was opened up, I can't really think of any type of 'good' system that might help weed out bad actors. we're all basically volunteers on here so it'd be tough to ask someone to commit more free time to help someone else out with their purchase. we need people participating in the transactions to be honest and let us know when someone is asking for F&F payments and such...it's a two-way street!
I have never had to fulfill the duties of a moderator but I have a friend who did at one point. It seemed to largely be a thankless job with everything that went on behind the scenes. To all the moderators: Thank you!
Ideally, in a perfect world, "trustless" systems like blockchain and digital escrow and contracts could address a number of issues and replace more centralized versions like PayPal G&S. But those concepts don't always lend themselves to physical objects vs digital assets. In a real world high value transaction you would probably have representations and warranties by both the buyer and the seller, a defined contract with terms, a legal or mediation system for disputes, etc. But of course that isn't practical or cost effective for a shaving transaction.
One of the ideas I have considered, and others have as well, is a decentralized escrow system. Essentially each party would engage a trusted escrow "agent" for a small fee and would transfer the money and basic terms of the transaction to them. Funds would be held for an agreed upon term until either both parties agree the transaction was fulfilled or the agent steps into mediate a dispute that both agree to the outcome, whose time is covered by the escrow fee. So you might have a trusted network of shaving experts who can resolve authenticity or just confirm the package was really delivered etc. I think it could result in a more fair outcome than a faceless paypal algorithm or customer service rep. All of the terms and details would be publicly visible similar to how you would see details on the BST listing, along with dispute details, and effectively a clear history of reputation including for the escrow agent. You might end up with escrow agents incentivized to do the member vetting to minimize expending their fee on mediating risky transactions. Or maybe you pay higher fees for risker transactions and reputation. We are not there yet on decentralized adoption, but I could see this down the road.
As an aside, I always using PayPal G&S unless it is someone I have an extremely close and trusted relationship with or the dollar value is de minimus. And it was well worth the fee in a few cases. I also always purchase insurance when shipping items of higher value, within the limits of provable worth.