By the looks of the for sale board this day and time you better do alot of research and triple check every aspect of the item you are intending to buy.When you ask how this rod is or that reel is your best bet is to GO and look at all options before you buy and make sure that rod you THINK you must have is what you really want because in this tough economic time you may be stuck with it whether you like it or not…
The phrase, “Let the Buyer Beware,” is never truer than when you are talking about sales of this type. Aside from problem with the merchandise there are always potential problems with the seller. I’ve done some eBay shopping and had very good experiences but you do have to know your produce. 8T 
What are you referring to? I mean that as an honest question and with no disrespect, but when you say “By the looks of the for sale board this day and time you better do alot of research and triple check every aspect of the item you are intending to buy”, that seems like an awfully broad statement. I’ve bought and sold things from the board before with no issues, and would presume there to be no more or less risk than with any other reputable board. What’s different about now, or about the folks that have stuff listed now? Like I say, honest question. I’m just not picking up on what specifically you’re trying to alert us to. Thanks.
If you notice on alot of boards lately there is alot of items for sale but little to no takers unless the item is basically given away.People are just not buying like they were say two to three monthes ago,even the bass fishing sites are seeing a glutten of stuff pop up for sale but the takers are scarce.I for one never thought the fishing family would be hit by the economy,i know of several that would still buy tackle instead of eat!,but by the looks of all the ads lately the buying spree even in fishing has come to a screaching halt…
One more note watch out on ebay now especially,seems people have nothing better to do than mess with people now,you’ll see someone bid on your item with no feedback only to win and you never see payment from them…
I think that John N’s question is fair. I took the original post to mean that there was some increased risk in buying from folks on the forum, whether or not that was your intent. From you follow up, I’d say maybe the caution is the other way around right now…sellers need to be more careful to be certain of who they are selling to and how they will be paid.
Bottom line is that you are right about knowing what you want and what you are buying. That’s just good common sense in both good economic times and bad.
I believe what he is actually saying is that alot of items are showing up for sale on this board due to people not getting what they want from wherever the original purchase was made. I for one, on over several dozen transactions here, have so far been completely satisfied, everything has been “as advertised”. That is not to say there are not exceptions, but this is a very friendly community that looks out for each other. That being said, you still need to do some diligence in investigating any purchase, see how long the seller has been a member, etc. For the most part I am extremely comfortable buying here from the members.
Thanks, Valhalla, you are exactly right as to the meaning of the question. As for you Thomas, thanks for the “enlightenment” and the thumbs down. I thought I pretty well tripped all over myself making sure you wouldn’t be offended, but am enlightened to see that for some people even that’s not enough. Have a good one. :roll:
Some people are gear heads and finally relaize that rod collecting dust as well, so they sell it. Also sometimes not many places offer somewhere to cast the rod before you get it. But yeah I think it is tough times and people have lots of equipment and they just need the extra cash.
tighlines,
Mike
Ah, first you talk about buying then about selling so which one is it that has you concerned? Buying, Selling or both? I am confused. As to the hard economic times hitting the fishing industry, well, why wouldn’t it? I don’t think there is some special immunity here for our industry.
There has always been some amount of higher risk buying and selling on boards and open market or auction forums as compared to selling in person or from a retail location. Goes with the territory.
So Thomas, did you have a bad experience somewhere you’d like to share?
I think we all notice more things on the for sale board. And I think we all hurt some when we do. Times are compromised now and some folks are getting rid of stuff. I just hope they are not clearing it all out. On the positive note, blank rod sales are way up.
I’ve bought/sold a few items online here with always good results. Even given some stuff away to younger students. And I’ve been the recipient of some of the same.
Never any trouble.
Now, where’s ol’ Murphy?
Not a thumbs down to you just to the market in general,if you look for instance on this sale board alot for sale with 0 replies,that speaks for itself right there,no one buying.On bass fishing sites i frequent things are even worse there and i thought those guys were untouchable esp ones out there buying 50,000 dollar bassboats but its effecting every aspect of life now…,well i take that back i have been in the market for a used toyota truck since x-mas and the time they hit craigslist if they aren’t dogs they are sold so the markets hopping in certain places!
Keep in mind that it’s also spring and time for the pre-opening season ritual, when everyone gets out the gear, looks at what they have, what they use and what the need or don’t need. Each spring you SHOULD see a rise in second hand sales, because some people like keeping up with gear changes or just have way too much stuff. It’s a good time to get rid of the things you don’t use that much and put the bucks you get from that towards the newest, latest and greatest. I would not assume that just because rods and reels are appearing in the for sale section, that it’s because of mistakes made in purchasing OR because someone has fallen on bad times. It may be the case but it’s just as reasonable that it’s not the case and the other half wants you to clean out your side of the closet, if you get my drift. 
By the way, for those just getting into this sport…it’s a great way to pick up great equipment at bargain prices. There’s nothing wrong with buying used gear. It’s a great way to upgrade what you already have or don’t have.
As far as cleaning it all out because of hard times… I’d be scratching my head, because fly fishing is one of the most soul renewing, cheapest deals out there. No green fees, no boat costs…just a peanut butter sandwich, a bottle of water, sun screen, a few flies and some gas to the closest water, with what ever rod you can afford. It doesn’t have to be trout either. You can cast an old broomstick if you have, but it’s about sanity in hard times. Being on the water with a stick is the best place to be.
On balance, the Things Wanted board is pretty active also. Nowhere near the traffic flow of the F/S board, but it’s chugging along.
It’s funny but my instinct is to check the Things Wanted board before going to the F/S board, maybe that’s the old retailer in me. More likely it’s me trying to find someone whose looking for a specific item I have and would like to part with, rather than starting one of those Free Stuff free for all’s. Oh well, someday somebodies going to post the right query on the T/W board and get one heck of a surprise. Hope springs eternal.
Dave
Almost all of my stuff has been bought used (rods, reels, etc.), with the exception of line, hooks and the have to buy new to have it. I don’t have a problem with used.
I take care of my stuff and when I sell something, it’s as good as used new.
Most of my selling is done here and I look here first if I need something, I feel most here are like me with there equipment.
My apologies to you. Now I see your point and I agree.