PICTURES ARE REQUIRED

[AA7BQ]

Effective immediately, all NEW for-sale postings in the QRZ Online Swapmeet must include a picture of the item being offered for sale. The picture must be an actual photo of the item in the seller's possession, and not a stock or advertising photo. The picture must be that of the actual item for sale.

While not required, it is highly recommended that you include your CALLSIGN somewhere in the photo. It can be a QSL card, or just your call written on a piece of paper next to the item being offered.

This policy is being implemented for the protection of our members. There have been a number of listings lately that either seemed "too good to be true", or otherwise, seemingly priced significantly under market value. Some of these have been scams and we've been working overtime to ferret out the bad players. We are hoping that this extra step will have a positive effect and will cut down on the number of fake listings.

Also note that QRZ will soon implement a "verified user" program that will serve to enhance the security of transactions.

Contrary to the usual Swapmeet policy, this thread shall remain OPEN for your comments.

[KG6IRW]

Thank you, thank you, Fred, for stepping up, here. I also appreciate the extra levels of verification you're considering as well.

Cheers,

David/KG6IRW

[KJ4WLH]

I'll bite - I'd love to know what the "Verified User" program is going to be.

As a "tangent", I was over as the PskReporter website and wanted to update my information - Phil Gladstone has implemented a certificate verification process which uses my LoTW certificate - for something OTHER than just signing ADIF files

I thought that was a pretty neat way of ID'ing...

I'm also very glad that we're considering another method of user verification.

[W2KG]

Great move, Fred! Many thanks!

[KK4CUL]

I agree with this 100%. For instance, a certain Icom (recently discontinued, but still great model) HF + VHF rig was put up for under $700 that even in DECENT shape should get $900-1000. I checked out the user, noticed she is a tech, yet her call is being used all over the web for HF gear, including massive HF amps. What would a tech need this gear for? A little fishy, but not too unbelievable (it could be inherited, etc). Then I do some Google-fu and find out the person is somehow related to a certain other poster who is a known scammer, not just on this site but on many CB sites as well. Needless to say, I ended that pursuit.

POINT IS: I'm all for this new policy, so hopefully it will cut down on my time spent researching shady deals and keep others from getting ripped off.

[W7KKK]

I have a good camera myself so it's no problem.
But I suspect that there are a few that don't have any cameras at all.

[WW7F]

And some might have unlisted phone numbers, it is good to have this policy implemented it will probably help things work better for both buyer and seller, the pictures should be there as even if one doesnt have a camera they are dirt cheap and can be found sometimes for naught, free gratis so even a vga quality pic is better than nada! Thanks Fred, you run a great site, may it long live! 73,michelle

[KD8DEY]

I have a good camera myself so it's no problem.
But I suspect that there are a few that don't have any cameras at all.

With the proliferation of cell phone cameras it would probably be very few.
How will "verification" work with members that have been on for "centuries"?

[KA5LQJ]

WAY to Go, Fred!

My brain doesn't always remember what new or almost new rigs are. I know the old,
boat-anchors, but newer than that, I'm lost, so thanks for the photos. Having the
photos will help see the condition of the equiptment being sold. What someone
considers their gear a 9 or a 10, may only be a 5 or 6, LOL!

GOD BLESS,
73,

Don/KA5LQJ

[KE7SA]

Excellent! While I've never had a disappointment with anything I've purchased on QRZ, I feel terribly compelled to make sure what I sell is well photographed and a complete description (functional and cosmetic) is provided in the posting. I answer every question promptly and offer that if the purchaser is not satisfied, that I will gladly refund their money within 3 days of receipt if they pay the return shipping. Since I use PayPal, I do not deposit the funds for as much as ten days to make sure the purchaser is happy. I often follow up when the item is received to make sure there are no problems and offer to answer any questions. Only then is the deal done. No one has been disappointed and I intend to maintain that standard. I think the "verified user" program is a very good idea. I've had a bad experience buying test equipment from a surplus business in Florida on eBay. Now, I only buy here on QRZ and look forward to the new policy and program. chuck, ke7sa