Silk Road forums

Discussion => Newbie discussion => Topic started by: smokysal on August 23, 2013, 10:19 pm

Title: Do you FE?
Post by: smokysal on August 23, 2013, 10:19 pm
It's all over these forums -- "don't FE!! If you FE you're an idiot!!". Which is fair enough, since if you FE and get scammed you've totally enabled the scammer.

I got asked to FE for the first time the other week, and based on the seller having plenty of good feedback (and me having less than 5 transactions) I decided to risk it. Order arrived fine, no problems.

It seems to me, looking at seller feedback, that being asked to FE is _really_ common. What do people think? Is FEing just part of the road, or should it always be avoided at all costs?

Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: falerin on August 23, 2013, 10:34 pm
I have once, though I was not asked to, I did it accidentally. Given the experiences I am having now even without FE. My inclination is that no I would not. FEing is like gambling and I live too close to poverty to have two major vices. Gambling is too low profit for me and has far less sure of a rush.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: XxWINxX94x23 on August 23, 2013, 11:01 pm
I've done it a couple of times. One time the vendor offered a large amount extra for customers who FE'd, as a promotion. Everything fine there. The other time was for an international MDMA order, which I was a little sketched out about, and ultimately got seized by customs. I was refunded (outside of escrow) the proper amount, as promised on the vendor's page.

Just be careful who you do it for. Read feedback and research the vendor via these forums before you buy!
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: smokysal on August 23, 2013, 11:19 pm
One time the vendor offered a large amount extra for customers who FE'd, as a promotion.

Wow. Why'd they do that? What's the advantage to the seller of an FE? I guess for an unknown/untrusted buyer they can avoid the hassle of unfair resolutions/refunds if the buyer is a scammy one. Otherwise I guess it just means they get their money slightly sooner - wouldn't have thought that'd be worth extras!

Just be careful who you do it for. Read feedback and research the vendor via these forums before you buy!

Indeed, good advice FE or no FE. Feedback is a weird one and always needs reading. Everyone seems to give 5/5 even if they're not happy. I actually saw a 5/5 that said it'd never arrived.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: schuldig on August 24, 2013, 12:08 am
Only for sellers I have had several transactions with and trust.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: GrimWaldo on August 24, 2013, 01:01 am
So far, I never have. I've only made small purchases and always seek out a vendor that will stay in escrow. I'm not saying that vendors\people aren't trustworthy, but I AM saying that since my money is in escrow I'm not asking the vendor to trust me... I'm asking them to trust Silk Road.

Finalizing early places total trust in your vendor (not Silk Road), and SR themselves tell you not to do it. So I don't.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: james frazer on August 24, 2013, 02:54 am
You are a criminal conducting an illegal drug deal with another criminal. The most trusted vendor on SR asked his customers to FE and then disappeared with their money. Escrow is provided for your protection. It is common sense to use it.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: cryngie on August 24, 2013, 03:08 am
I do for 1 vendor as they wont send it ou dont which is fine its the best quality with the best transaction never had a problem plus there is a lot of scammer buyers in my country esspecially when it come to H
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: PowerToCharm on August 24, 2013, 03:38 am
Never, ever, ever, not ever. For every vendor who wants FE, there are five who do not: just shop around. And don't be afraid to tell a vendor that you are ordering from someone else because you don't support the practice of asking for FE. In this, as in any other marketplace, you speak with your dollars. If every SR buyer refused to FE, the practice of requiring FE would be extinct within 24 hours.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Macha on August 24, 2013, 03:41 am
I FE'd twice. First one was with midnightblue and all was well but the 2nd time I FE'd with someone they scammed me, so I advise not to FE. This was long time ago.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: unbeknownst on August 24, 2013, 04:54 am
One time the vendor offered a large amount extra for customers who FE'd, as a promotion.

Wow. Why'd they do that? What's the advantage to the seller of an FE? I guess for an unknown/untrusted buyer they can avoid the hassle of unfair resolutions/refunds if the buyer is a scammy one. Otherwise I guess it just means they get their money slightly sooner - wouldn't have thought that'd be worth extras!

Just be careful who you do it for. Read feedback and research the vendor via these forums before you buy!

Indeed, good advice FE or no FE. Feedback is a weird one and always needs reading. Everyone seems to give 5/5 even if they're not happy. I actually saw a 5/5 that said it'd never arrived.

Sometimes vendors literally need people to FE because they don't have enough capital to "float" and buy an adequate amount of new product. Sometimes this is because of scams or seizures, and sometimes the result of assholes not finalizing on time when they actually receive their product, so please remember to finalize immediately after you have drugs in hand. If you don't, the transaction will auto-finalize after 17 days, and be visible on your stats for a long time. Understandably, even one auto-finalize on your record will make many vendors pass on serving you.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: seekingawake on August 24, 2013, 05:10 am
I had to for my second order, but have never had to since. Won't ever again unless it's for a good reason (samples, long term relationship with vendor, etc.)

Best to be patient, reach out to reputable vendors and you can build up your rep in time.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: DreadKn0t on August 24, 2013, 05:24 am
who was the most trusted vendor that flaked on the road? just curious.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: PissnNails on August 24, 2013, 05:33 am
Never. ever, ever FE. No matter how good the deal seems. Also Never trust a new vendor
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: james frazer on August 24, 2013, 05:54 am
who was the most trusted vendor that flaked on the road? just curious.

Tony76

It happened in May 2012. If you do a search you will find references to him in the forums. At the time he was the biggest seller on SR. Estimates vary on the amount lost by those customers he persuaded to FE - I have seen 20,000 BTC mentioned, and "over one hundred thousand dollars". It is sometimes referred to as "The great 420 scam".
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Naimeax on August 24, 2013, 06:07 am
I FE'd on my first round of orders... This is because I basically just ordered a bunch of samples so no big loss... But I saw the post above mentioning enabling the scammers... good point.. I read through every page of the reviews on the 6 vendors I dealt with so I do feel comfortable with my decision... However, that being said I don't think I will be finishing early any more. Sample orders are one thing, bulk orders are completely different... IMO
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: CT101 on August 24, 2013, 06:16 am
Nope. But for what I buy you should never have to.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: metamfa on August 24, 2013, 07:02 am
can anyone explain me what is FE and how u do FE?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Pusci on August 24, 2013, 07:20 am
No i do not. not domestic not international ..
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: DreadKn0t on August 24, 2013, 07:24 am
.. holy hell! Thats such a bummer man. to build up such a credible rep. to fuck all the people who's trust you have earned through time. cant trust anyone. He probably would have made twice that money if he was patient and just kept up with what he was doing in the first place. idk, but what a way of going out. crazy. This really twisted thought comes to mind in me now. which is, who's to say that same guy isn't capable of doing that exact same thing?! I mean how does silk road deal with catastrophic issues like this? anyone know? Do they just expel the account for good, or the users IP as well? I mean if he made all that loot and was able to slip through the cracks without dishing out any product or getting any serious penalty other than loss of an account with high status. why not just start a new account from scratch, rebuild rep (which the guys probably more than confident he can do) with a new Identity on the road. I mean obviously I may be going WAY outside the box with what I posted, but just a thought, you know? The internet & its transition is so fucking weird to think about sometimes; because in a way the internet isnt even real. yet over time we have all adapted and trust it in our life and finances without a second thought at times. for me at least, I primarily feel its part of having to do with that comfort you get in your own private domicile. like, Forgetting that the nature of the internet extends past the walls of this room I am physically in; & that people can chew you up & spit you back out if you are not careful and give them the opportunity haha much like the real world. idk, sorry if i sound crazy lol.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Naimeax on August 24, 2013, 07:34 am
20,000BTC though?? Right now that's 2,000,000m USD... Does he really NEED to come back?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: ChemCat on August 24, 2013, 07:40 am
 ;D
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: p0thead on August 24, 2013, 07:51 am
i did on my first buys... wasn't asked to later... read that FEing is more common with the really addictive substances... (like H and Meth...)
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: ChemCat on August 24, 2013, 08:33 am
(Rolls Eyes)



 ;D


Oh  Lawd!
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Naimeax on August 24, 2013, 08:40 am
Oh lawd indeed....
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Kristy56 on August 24, 2013, 08:45 am
It's interesting situation with FE. Can i get refund from SR if an item is "not arrived" by FE?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Kristy56 on August 24, 2013, 08:54 am
lol, nope. lets hope not, just hypothetically speaking. any-who its like 5am Im off to catch some Zs, later.

If i show a proof that he promised to send me an item after FE, in this case also no refund?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: DreadKn0t on August 24, 2013, 08:59 am
20,000BTC though?? Right now that's 2,000,000m USD... Does he really NEED to come back?
lol touche, yeah i wouldnt bother. just hypothetically speaking. anywho i gotta catch some Zs, its like 5, damn.  peace
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: DreadKn0t on August 24, 2013, 09:11 am
lol, nope. lets hope not, just hypothetically speaking. any-who its like 5am Im off to catch some Zs, later.

If i show a proof that he promised to send me an item after FE, in this case also no refund?

lol that quote was to the other guy that i sent. but to answe your question before i pass out, which im not 100 percent. I believe in circumstances that you finalize early and the package does not arrive by fault of the vendor. if its an honest vendor, they will give you a certain % refund based on whatever their polocies, or even reship the same product. However, it has to be their fault, not your fault ex: giving false name or address to vendor that can have the package potentially not be delivered to destination or the mailing services fault. whatever the mistake may be. If its not the vendors vault, not their problem if they actually shipped it and have proof of doing so via tracking. However if its a bogus vendor that played you, its something you have to take up with SR admins, and with that dont quote me on this. someone correct me if im wrong, but to my understanding is it if you did not finalize early but bought from a scammer you are deemed a full refund, but if you did FE and got scammed you are only deemed 50%? or does it vary upon the circumstances? I dunno hope that helped. if i am wrong on something someone will correct me. Im assing out for real this time. night.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: MussoM54 on August 24, 2013, 09:21 am
newbie here not too clear on the whole FE thing. Is FE finalizing as soon as you get the package and not letting it auto-finalize 17 days later, or is FE finalizing before you even receive your merchandise?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: ChemCat on August 24, 2013, 09:22 am
People ...Please....do you all just come here and place orders without researching?

Jeepers...com on now....don't rely on us to tell  you what to do...fer fucks sake...PLEASE  be diligent in your RESEARCH  to  gain the knowledge to protect yourselves......if you're ignorant and cannot follow directions.....then PLEASE ....LEAVE...THE... Silk Road....I say   this for  your   safety...



ChemCat


O0
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: rwitherspoon on August 24, 2013, 12:18 pm
Earlier I've said you'd be stupid to ever FE.  You'd be stupid to FE if your buying something domestically where there are a ton of good sellers who will not require it, which is true for stuff like MDMA.  On the other if your looking for Heroin it might be a lot harder to find someone who won't require it; or also if your looking for something a little more rare.  Then you really have to evaluate the seller a little more, and if its worth it, go ahead but realize it's def more of a risk.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: rwitherspoon on August 24, 2013, 12:23 pm
Also was just looking at another post and they're dead on- research, research, research..whether you have to fe or not, whatever your buying, no matter what do your fucking research!
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: james frazer on August 24, 2013, 06:29 pm
can anyone explain me what is FE and how u do FE?

Finalize Early = Pay for your goods before they are despatched. It is an option you are given when you place your order.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: jackie91 on August 24, 2013, 06:55 pm
There are 2 long time vendors on SR I have FE'd for but don't use them unless I have to. Remember, one of the biggest ripoffs on SR was done by a guy (Tony76) who had been one of the top rated vendors for a long time and had a flawless rep. Then holds a huge 4/20 sale where everyone had to FE and the guy walked off with between $100,000 and $250,000. So, even when dealing with vendors with long established reps you are still at risk.
FE if you absolutely must BUT do not whine if you get taken to the cleaners.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: changedlife on August 24, 2013, 07:13 pm
This is my first month on SR and I too took a bunch of time to look at the forum and feedback system to get a feel as to who has the best reputation, gear, and stealth...and fewest complaints as well.  Then I ordered two items from 2 separate vendors.   Now I suppose it could be argued that I should have waited but om my first 2 orders but FE'd both!  So far one has arrived and one still in transit.  So my data set is completely worthless for any kind of statistical analysis...sorry..
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Lufkin on August 25, 2013, 03:58 am
I did for DonaldDraper once. Got a great note back, very reassuring, very quick shipping and legit product. That said, i don't think I'd do it again. I did it for a little cheaper product, but in future will stay in escrow even if I pay a little more.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: kdizzle12 on August 25, 2013, 05:05 am
never. the escrow system is there for protection, so why not use it?
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: bowie1910 on August 25, 2013, 07:29 am
maybe for maligan.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: cethru on August 25, 2013, 07:35 am
Even if DPR became a vendor and I wouldn't FE.

FUCK THAT!
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: bigbangbudtheory on August 25, 2013, 07:37 am
Iv done it once for someone very very trusted ...........  but yeah escrow rules  :)
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: whales on August 25, 2013, 09:42 am
In the beginning only and I was surprised that it worked
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Bigsmokejay on September 09, 2013, 01:00 pm
Well actually, I do FE. The guy I order from has never let me down so far and even throws in a few extra's if I FE. I know it's not smart to do and when I get scammed it`s my own fault. I also must add he`s the only person I order from on silkroad at the moment. I never order big amounts so I guess it`s worth the "risk". An order has always arrived on the day he told me it would arrive. Not a day earlier and not a day later. Quality was also very good and always a bit overweight.

The reason my vendor prefers that I FE is because way too many people let their order auto finalize. Oh and I must not forget to mention that he does NOT require FE but it is optional.



Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Finomatic on September 09, 2013, 08:49 pm
Some perceived quality vendors seem to insist on it when you are new to SR. Did not like to do it, but luckily it worked out. Once I pass the necessary "hurdles", will 100% avoid it, too risky, and as I read here, even highly rated may take the money and run!!
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Finomatic on September 09, 2013, 08:55 pm
Is there any thread on cases of serious buyer "scams"?? Ie getting the merchandise, claiming it has never shipped! How does the "resolution court" at SR works??
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: snark on September 09, 2013, 09:12 pm
On just under 50 transactions I have FE'D 3 times. It caused me tons of stress and I wouldn't do it again.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: DrPhilly on September 09, 2013, 09:33 pm
Never FE.. Just find a different vendor. Ask the guy first if he will let you shop without FE as you never do that, and if he says no then just say you will find someone else.
Let them know it's their loss.

There was a vendor here not long ago who didn't wan't to ship anything unless you would FE and gave a rating of 5/5 . Several people fell for this. I asked him to buy without FE, and he said no. I later reported him to admin and havent seen him since :-D

What good is the rating system if you get forced to rate before shipping
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: suffix on September 10, 2013, 12:17 pm
no, but i do finalise imediatly upon receipt of goods....rude not to.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Feesh on September 10, 2013, 11:46 pm
I FE'd on my 1st two transactions, and luckily it paid off. I ordered from reputable vendors, but even that, as people have said previously in this thread, is no guarantee of success. Scams have happened, people have been burned.

I suppose I was fortunate, and I won't FE ever again, no matter what the vendor's rep.

Also like previous poster have said: there are many vendors out there that don't require FE, even for new accounts, so I'd do your research and go with one of those ideally. In hindsight I would have done the same.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: the artful dodger on September 11, 2013, 12:04 am
no. escrow also gives reason to ship in a timely manner and verify what it is, i use it in jewelry purchases all the time.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: dolmio on September 11, 2013, 12:20 am
never have never will
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: ChemCat on September 11, 2013, 12:22 am
What's FE ???


Hello, by the way  :P
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Gridlokk on September 11, 2013, 12:28 am
FE'd once with Djabbar for $630 worth of hashish. It was my second or third order about 2 years ago. Caused way to much stress and hope that never should have been there. I never saw any of that hash and i doubt that he ever sent anything. Will never FE again.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Feesh on September 11, 2013, 12:31 am
FE'd once with Djabbar for $630 worth of hashish. It was my second or third order about 2 years ago. Caused way to much stress and hope that never should have been there. I never saw any of that hash and i doubt that he ever sent anything. Will never FE again.

Case in point, no matter how much sympathy I have for you.

If you're going to FE to gain buyer credibility, then do it with small purchases that you can afford to lose.

Better still, don't FE.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Gridlokk on September 11, 2013, 12:52 am
FE'd once with Djabbar for $630 worth of hashish. It was my second or third order about 2 years ago. Caused way to much stress and hope that never should have been there. I never saw any of that hash and i doubt that he ever sent anything. Will never FE again.

Case in point, no matter how much sympathy I have for you.

If you're going to FE to gain buyer credibility, then do it with small purchases that you can afford to lose.

Better still, don't FE.

Completely agree. Needless to say about 2 years and $20,000 later i know better.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: dolmio on September 11, 2013, 12:56 am
haha hello, yeah iv done 50+ transactions without FE and 1 vendor asked me to FE but i didnt accept and they still put my order through....but i do  research on vendors i use to make sure its a safe and happy purchase.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: AardwolfWhakter on September 11, 2013, 01:22 am
LucyDrop teached me to not FE... bastard.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: monkusmaximus on September 11, 2013, 01:34 am
DO NOT FE!! I've only been here a few months and I know that. That's the first thing I learned here...

However, I've seen a few of the more senior vendors require FE in certain circumstances, and considering most of them have a 5.0 rating and like 300+ transactions it's alright- sometimes they just need it to re-up, or after an order has been submitted for something they JUST ran out of. Probably happens a lot more than ppl think.

I repeat... DO NOT FE unless you ABSOLUTELY trust the vendor.

Early finalization is how people get ripped off



Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: BitcoinBilly on September 11, 2013, 01:53 am
Never FE. The more you do it, the more vendors will ask for it... so just don't. It ruins things for everyone.
Title: Re: Do you FE?
Post by: Weaponstech on September 11, 2013, 02:37 am
it should always be avoided at all costs