The Safety of MLP Arena?

[BrinnyTheBrave]

When I'm trading with someone who has 0 feedback, I ask them to send first.  That's how I got my feedback started here, and now I'm fairly established.  Honestly, though, I've never worried about giving out my address by PM.  I've been at it for 15years or so, and my only bad experience was through ebay, over a decade ago.  I've never had a bad experience within the community.

Getting tracking or insurance to cover yourself is a good idea, though, in case someone's half goes missing.  Trading is really fun!!

Oh, well, I'm more concerned about the safety of my whereabouts rather than the trade gone wrong (but equally concerned about that)

[ponylady]

When I'm trading with someone who has 0 feedback, I ask them to send first.  That's how I got my feedback started here, and now I'm fairly established.  Honestly, though, I've never worried about giving out my address by PM.  I've been at it for 15years or so, and my only bad experience was through ebay, over a decade ago.  I've never had a bad experience within the community.

Getting tracking or insurance to cover yourself is a good idea, though, in case someone's half goes missing.  Trading is really fun!!

Oh, well, I'm more concerned about the safety of my whereabouts rather than the trade gone wrong (but equally concerned about that)

I suppose if you have doubts then you should not be trading here. I would stick to Ebay and the likes. How old are you anyways, just out of curiosity?

[NovelNerd]

I would say if you're really worried then just don't do it. You could always sell your pony then buy one with the money on Ebay or something. I haven't ever heard of someone on the Arena going after someone in the real world. I mean positive feedback or not doesn't always indicate a good seller/trader. It goes that way with any transaction though. I'd stick with Ebay if you're worried.

[BrinnyTheBrave]

When I'm trading with someone who has 0 feedback, I ask them to send first.  That's how I got my feedback started here, and now I'm fairly established.  Honestly, though, I've never worried about giving out my address by PM.  I've been at it for 15years or so, and my only bad experience was through ebay, over a decade ago.  I've never had a bad experience within the community.

Getting tracking or insurance to cover yourself is a good idea, though, in case someone's half goes missing.  Trading is really fun!!

Oh, well, I'm more concerned about the safety of my whereabouts rather than the trade gone wrong (but equally concerned about that)

I suppose if you have doubts then you should not be trading here. I would stick to Ebay and the likes. How old are you anyways, just out of curiosity?

21, but, I like to take my precautions.

[Sunshine]

Some people can tell me my address before I even have to give it to them already on the Arena...

You wanna come to my house and cause trouble? You'll have to deal with the guard geese!!

[Icecrystalline]

Some people can tell me my address before I even have to give it to them already on the Arena...

You wanna come to my house and cause trouble? You'll have to deal with the guard geese!!

*LIKE*

[StoryDreamer]

I would say if you're really worried then just don't do it. You could always sell your pony then buy one with the money on Ebay or something. I haven't ever heard of someone on the Arena going after someone in the real world. I mean positive feedback or not doesn't always indicate a good seller/trader. It goes that way with any transaction though. I'd stick with Ebay if you're worried.

Agreed. If you're concerned about someone having your address, then maybe trading or buying is not for you. Maybe you can go to a pony meet and trade in person or buy in person there. Or stick to Ebay.

I understand being scared.  Maybe look into a PO Box.

https://poboxes.usps.com/poboxonline/search/landingPage.do

http://www.theupsstore.com/mailboxes/Pages/index.aspx

[achab1984]

I have done lot so thing on here to and have turned out great

[Sarahlacewing]

Also if there is someone you trust you could see if they would middle man for you.  It would cost more to have the person ship to them and then to you, and there would be more risk of loss, but I think it's within the rules here if you have friends here willing to do that.

[Stormness_1]

I suppose you could stick to buying/trading overseas, there's less chance someone will 'visit' you, but obviously it will cost you far more. But in my many transactions here and on the TP, as well as ebay, I've never had ANY trouble regarding my address being out there, I even put my return addy on packages I send out just in case they get lost... although I do mostly use my PO box now, just because our Postie here is super crap, lol!

[Rosencrantz]

The worst I ever got from a pony purchase/trade was a bunch of pamphlets on veganism included with my pony.

But, I remember weaving a rather elaborate web of lies to conceal my identity (long story, nothing illegal or against forum rules) when I was young and that just got weird after a while.

If you don't feel comfortable, don't do it. Your personal and emotional well-being is more important than a toy.

[StoryDreamer]

You can always use an initial Like I use B. (last name) on all my packages.

[Rosencrantz]

oh, as a note of caution. It helps to have at least one name you use in common with your ID on packages. Back when I was using John Cabot, which is not on my id, the post office started giving me trouble about picking up my packages.

[Ringlets]

Theres a lot of good advice in this thread already   I honestly wouldnt worry about someone turning up for a visit. Check the feedback, check the bad trader list,  or even get the parcels sent to another address rather than the one you live at - all of this lowers any risk, but TBH its no more risky buying here than on ebay or other places online  - its probably safer than a lot of them   

Cat do I have to get out the spanky wand? 

Yes you do!  *reaches for my own spanky wand to give Cat an extra spank! *