satwater, I agree, there has been a run of bad deals on here lately. Many of the problems come back to one thing: lack of communication. If both parties involved in a deal know what is going on at all times, then there would not be a need to ask other members of this site if they had heard from person x, y, or z. Also, always be truthful with the person with whom you are dealing with. If something has come up that delays your end of the deal, tell them the truth, most of us on here understand that life doesn't always run smoothly. If all else fails, try and stay with reputable traders that you know and trust. That's all I have for advice, hopefully the run of bad deals comes to an end soon, and everyone involved in those deals can get things straightened out.
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MainePBA
"Power tends to corrupt absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton