Yup,

For high-dollar stuff, it's all about references. Believe me, before I vouch for someone, I think twice. If I "think" they're OK, that's what I tell the person asking. I get asked all the time. I've sold people stuff and had them call two or three people to verify me, even though they know who I am (as far as Y/A) and have seen me around here and at events for YEARS. That's just smart business, especially when you're far away.

I always get a kick out of the RCU mob scene that develops when someone outs a crook. I bought a Moki 2.1 off Ebay a couple of years ago and had a problem. The seller listed it as "New In Box", so I didn't read the rest (I figured, what do I need to know that I don't know from the item condition?). Well, in the details, he mentioned that it was bench run once. Like I said, I didn't read that far as I thought I knew what "New In Box" meant. Well, the engine showed up, and it looked like it had been dipped in syrup. It had tool marks all over it, and RTV smeared all over the port. The fins were discolored and had carmelized oil on them. All that from one bench run...

If I had a dollar for every RCU member (brand new and long-time) that came in and bashed me, I could have bought the engine brand new from Hobby Shack. Granted 9 out of 10 of the ones bashing me were all from the same town, but it still burned me up to have so many people treating me like the bad guy. Ultimately, Paypal sided with me and reversed the charge.