A matter of trust...
Outhaul
Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭
Trust is a word not carelessly bandied about. We go from day to day throughout our lives making purchases from major online businesses or local B&Ms for everything from toothpaste to cars and trucks. We trust these businesses to treat us fairly. If they don’t, we have recourse. But, by and large, these businesses conduct themselves quite well.
Then there’s coins. Not simply coins, but coins sold and purchased right here on the BS&T. Here we are sending people we have never met, people we know little about, other than the fact that we share the same interest, upwards of several thousands of dollars simply out of trust. If that doesn’t speak volumes of how we bestow our trust, what does?
What made me stop to think about this is that I recently sent a huge (for me) sum of money to a complete stranger in return for a coin. Sure, I looked at his post count, but I hardly know everyone here. As a matter of fact, I have never seen or read any of his posts and did not recognize his username.
The amount of trust and faith we have in each other on this forum is remarkable. Even when, once in a while, an unsavory sort manages to wrest a few buck from one of us and flees the forum, we continue to conduct our business. I find that very satisfying and comforting.
And, above all, I appreciate having this forum to express these thoughts.
Cheers
Bob
Comments
I totally agree with you Bob.... I have done the same on the BST...All good transactions. True, the occasional bad one sneaks in... but not for long. I find it remarkable how well things go here...Cheers, RickO
For many of us in the hobby-industry it is trust (integrity, honesty, reliability, moral fiber, reputation, whatever you pick) that is an enormous aspect to what keeps us all going. PCGS has created a wonderful platform for us and many folks take advantage of it (in a good way) every day.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
But are you in the Circle of Trust ™?
They don't let just anybody in.
This transcends the CoT. I'm talking about making deals with everyone on the forums, not just the CoT.
Cheers
Bob
I couldn't agree more.
I just had a good example last week.
A forum member posted that he was seeking some bust quarters.
I had one of the dates he was seeking, but in a slightly higher grade.
He said he was interested, but as I was preparing to travel out of the country for work in a few hours,
I had no time to take and post photos. Since we had done one previous deal, I told him I
would send it on approval. He said it wasn't necessary, sent payment via Paypal immediately, my
wife shipped the coin the next day, and he said it was perfect for him when it arrived a few days later.
I've had numerous examples like this over the years, with many different forum members.
yes, topo, Bob is a member of good standing in the CircleOfTrust.
The BST, and the trust that inherently goes with it, is a big part of the little business I do. I have never been burned and have nothing but kudos for those that I've done business with. Thanks to Kccoin and Coindeuce for a great deal in just the past week.
bob
I don't think I ever sold a thing on the BST. Spent thousands.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Trust is the building block of not just good business, but great business. In coins, as with any business, people will pass you by if your reputation is the least bit tarnished. It takes an immeasurable amount of time, effort, and money to regain it.
Cheers
Bob
When doing any sort of business trust is important and when one is wanting to spend big amounts of cash trust becomes #1
on the list of things to look for
offline for **serious **family issues
Agree with the OP 100%. We live in strange times, and to think we send money and coins to complete strangers is pretty bizarre.
@AUandAG also makes a solid point about there being an inherit trust amongst ourselves. (Thanks Bob).
The Redbook has spoke of the "Numismatic Fraternity", and I see this exemplified in many ways around here. I'm fairly new here, but just wanna say thanks to everyone I have dealt with here, and let's keep taking care of ourselves
I learned 'trust' was a very important of doing business at a very young age.
I started work at the age of 25 in the diamond business and I can tell you one thing for sure about that business. Business deals were completed on a handshake only and later, If you didn't keep your word, you were ostracized so fast out of the diamond wholesale business it would make your head spin.
Good thing for me it 'stuck' and I believe I have conducted myself accordingly for my entire business (and personal) life.
It doesn't shock me however to encounter a multitude of people over the years (coin related or otherwise) that treat the importance of keeping their word like a piece of used tissue paper.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
@DoubleEagle59: I heard that many years ago but never from an actual trader. Diamond merchants trade millions of dollars on a handshake only. Amazing.
Cheers
Bob
Yes... in the diamond business, trust is legendary..... Cheers, RickO
Having just completed another coin deal with a stranger, I thought I'd resurrect this post.
The BS&T; a very comfortable place to do business.
Cheers
Bob
They know that ONE reneged handshake will end their business. Close community. Flakes disappear fast.
Don't start that again!
Pete
Diamonds must be very plentiful.