New to Trading Question: VMK Values

[WildernessChick]

Okay, I have a trading question that has been on my mind ever since I had a trading *incident* a few days ago. Now, I'm not a big trader; I've only completed maybe two or three trades since beginning the game, but I'm interested in learning. It seems like a lot of fun.

Well, a girl approached me about trading my VMK birthday pin, so I decided to listen to her offer, which was two bling shirts and a PoTC Compass pin. When I told her I collected costume pieces, she told me the VMK birthday pin wasn't worth a costume piece and accused me of trying to scam her. The pin IS valuable to me because it's one of the few rare items I have, which brings me to my question:

The VMK values state that all items in trades should be of equal value or the players could be banned for scamming. How do new traders have any idea what is of "equal value"? What's valuable to me may not be valuable to someone else. I wasn't intentionally trying to scam anyone, but if this girl had reported me, could I have potentially been banned? I'd rather emulate the tortoise, slow and steadily collecting, than be banned from the game.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Well, if it was the 1st birthday pin, then you really didn't get a good trade. But if it was the second, then it wasn't too bad with the compass pin.
Although, the "bling" you can get by creating a new girl character.

Since values differ from person to person, there's no way you could get in trouble unless you didn't give her anything.

As long as both parties are happy with the end result, there could be no scamming. You could give a person a couple of Ned pins for inferno and it would be considered a fair trade in VMK's eyes. Both gave and received something that obviously meant something to each.

Now, if you're worried about the value of a trade, you can always ask on the trade forum here.

And never let someone pressure you into a trade. If they are pressuring you to trade something that you don't really want to give up, then don't. Sometimes that is a scam of them trying to get something far more valuable than what they're giving (such as the inferno for Ned).

Just always make sure that you're ultimately happy with the trade before clicking on both accepts and you'll be fine.

 

[aliceblue]

Trade values in VMK are very subjective, no matter what anyone tells you. (And no, it's not like VMK keeps a running list of what everything should be worth.)

But more importantly, you can't be banned even for offering an npc pin for the rarest items in the game. (If that was cause for banning, half the players would be gone by now! )

The only real trading offense in VMK is tricking a person into giving you their items without giving them yours. (You'd be surprised how often this happens.)

 

[LoriR]

The VMK values state that all items in trades should be of equal value or the players could be banned for scamming. How do new traders have any idea what is of "equal value"? What's valuable to me may not be valuable to someone else. I wasn't intentionally trying to scam anyone, but if this girl had reported me, could I have potentially been banned? I'd rather emulate the tortoise, slow and steadily collecting, than be banned from the game.

Maybe I'm missing the values statement that all trades should equal in value? While all trades should satisfy both parties trading, and implying that a Ned pin is of equal worth to inferno would be a lie, the trade values of most items are so subjective, I'm not sure how this could work. VMK does not have a system that informs players of worth, it's truly the traders who decide what is "valuable" or in demand.

As this quote from vmk.com says, "once you're satisfied the trade is fair - accept the trade."

Use caution when Trading!

Before you complete a trade take a second and review your trade window! This is very important! You want to make sure the item, or items, you are trading for are actually inside the trade window before you accept the trade!

To do this, scroll all the way to the bottom of the trade window, confirm the items are there and then - once you're satisfied the trade is fair - accept the trade.

REMEMBER: It's up to you to keep track of your stuff and your trades! If you knowingly enter into a trade and get scammed (because you didn't check the trade window or otherwise), we cannot be responsible that you didn't get your stuff.

People use all types of tactics to try and force another player into trading. Never feel pressured! Only trade if you are happy with the offer.

 

[WildernessChick]

Thanks for the advice! The VMK Values statement in question was on the main page under the Play for Pay section: "Rules on scamming have not changed: ANY player scam, will result in a PERMANENT ban of your account. (Exchange items in a fair trade, and remember, do not loan your items.)" I guess I interpreted "fair trade" to mean more than what it really means. Thanks for helping to set me straight!