General Forum

Now that I've done a decent amount of trading here, I wanted to mention a few things that I have found helpful when trading cards with others on TCDB.

1. Taking the time to turn trading on or off, as well as putting a note in one's profile about one's status regarding trading, is important. It gives notice to traders on this site whether you are available or not. This prevents trade offers from languishing without any response, as the more informed one is about another's status the less frustrating it can be for both members.
2. On a related note, update your profile page if you haven't already. Blank profile pages are depressing. It's nice to get a hint of personality from users here, even if you don't have any intention of trading. If you do intend to trade, updating your profile gives hopeful traders something to work with.
3. If you recently trade with others (as seen by new feedback) while not responding to open trade proposals, that is rude. Accept or reject the trade proposal, but don't do nothing. Communicating one's intentions (looking for cards, will get it to it when back in town, busy at work, etc) is very helpful if one can't accept/reject a proposal relatively promptly.
4. If one rejects a trade that was put together using time, effort, and consideration, especially if one advertises that he/she is willing to trade and is open to anything, the least thing one can do is provide a reason for that rejection. Don't like the value coming back? State it. Don't have time to trade right now? Send a note. Stone cold rejections from an active trader is utterly mindboggling and, once again, rude. It discredits everything that one supposedly stands for when one states that they are available to trade.
5. Do not hesitate to use the counteroffer. If you don't want the cards someone is offering, want more cards than you're getting or wish to give away less than requested, the counteroffer is very useful. Not only is the spirit of making a trade kept alive but it also opens the door for further communication with the other trader in this collection/trading community.
6. Oh yes, communication. Taking a moment to write a sentence or two when proposing a trade ("Would this trade interest you? Feel free to counter."), when accepting a trade ("Sure! I'll put the cards together soon.") and obviously when rejecting a trade ("Thank you putting the time into this trade idea, but...") is kind. If something is holding you up, if something amusing is on your mind, if something goes a bit awry with the trade... anything helps when it comes to communication with another trader.

I know it's not always possible to communicate one's thoughts, as one could be in a hurry or be distracted enough to keep those added words at bay. We don't all have to be 'friends' here. However, just know that someone is on the other side of the computer/phone screen and is just trying to swap some cards with a like-minded individual. The more effort one puts into the trade process the more enjoyable the trade experience can be for both parties.

Thumbs up

I agree with the OP, especially regarding counteroffers and a well-rounded profile page. If I may add, if you post a note in your profile regarding your trading/selling status (I'm not trading at the time, I'm off to school, taking a break, etc.) please add the date of such revision so others can determine if it might still apply.

Then again, it doesn't hurt to just ask!

Thank you!! 

I like to think that most of us are here because trading and collecting is fun, and simple, basic manners and courtesy ("Hello, please, thank you") are always appreciated, and can make up for a smoother, friendlier trade.

I treat trades on this site as if I'm trading in person, I picture the person on the other end looking directly at my cards, finding one they want, then taking the time to find some of their own and build up an offer, so if I'm not at home and I get an offer, I try to send a quick message after looking at an offer to let the other person know that I got it, and I'll look at it soon.

When I choose to counter, I normally state the reason (I like another card better, I'm trying to complete a different set, or whatever). I have not rejected an offer yet, as I do my best to reach a deal. But I have been rejected many times, sometimes without an explanation, and there's been ones that have simply said "NO!", and "Not a chance!". I get it, nobody owes me an explanation, but it would'be been helpful to know what was wrong with my offer, maybe we could've worked a better deal, but instead I make myself a note to not trade with that person, if possible.

So thank you for helping keep this hobby fun. 

Number 3 is the big one.    It also goes for messages.   If you have been logging in every day but do not reply to offers or messages that have set for a week or more.   Rude maybe but it is frustrating.

Well said.  Thanks for posting.  

Well said, thank you

<------ going to look at my profile page now, to see if my wonderful personality is showing.

good reminder