[Hugo Borchardt]

I've been burned here once from a sale from a "new member', and have negotiated a couple of great deals from a couple of "new members".

I have done much better instituting a kind of background check for someone not a regular forum member. For example, on my most recent purchase, I asked for a place of employment and asked to call the gentleman at his work number. I verified the company via the internet from the phone number. He owned his own construction company and happily took my call. Not fool-proof, but put me at ease and everything went great.

I will also sometimes ask if I can fly to their location and see the item in person. I don't intend to, but if they balk that speaks volumes.

I sincerely appreciate the trader section as an opportunity to trade/buy/sale with other collectors in the community, and only use GB/AA/ebay when necessary.

Clark