There are two ways to communicate with another user regarding a post or listing - Commenting and Messaging.
Commenting
You can make a public comment, which is good for asking general questions that other users may benefit from or sharing knowledge around the post. We encourage all public comments to be geared towards relevant questions regarding the post content or specific details. Please do not use this for trolling or leaving derogatory comments.
Messaging
For a more private or direct discussion, you can message the user from the message icon under the post image.
PRO users are also able to send Direct or Private Messages to other users without having to reach out directly through a listing. To engage in a direct message, navigate to a user's profile and click Private Message. PRO users do have the ability to engage in Direct Messages with non-PRO users. Once a Direct Message channel is open, both users will be able to continuously maintain contact outside of individual listing message channels.
Once you have contacted a user through the messaging system it is up to the two parties to arrange their trusted method of payment and transaction exchange.
Tacswap advises using only secured methods of payment and does not provide any payment protection between transactions. If this user has little to no feedback, it does not mean that they are a scammer, but it may be wise to exercise a healthy level of caution and consideration before sending them any funds or items.
Communications
- Check the site regularly, respond to questions, provide email/text when its better.
- If you’re not interested in an offer or an item you’ve inquired about don’t leave anyone hanging. A simple response of “no thanks” or “not interested” helps everyone out.
Buying
1. If it looks to be good to be true it probably is.
2. Always use a secure payment method with purchase protection/guarantee such as PayPal Goods & Services. A lot of Credit Card companies have online purchase protection that is worth looking into.
3. Ensure the seller is messaging you through the Tacswap platform to verify a username.
4. Ask the Seller for a proof of life photo with their Tacswap username and date on a piece of paper next to the item.
5. Ask the Seller questions and feel comfortable walking away if you’re not satisfied with the response.
6. Be cautious of stock photos and confirm photos are not stolen. Reverse search a photo. You can do this by right-clicking on the image, then selecting “Search Google for Image.” If you find the photo and it links to anything other than the Tacswap ad, we’d recommend asking some follow up questions. If you’re still unsure, ask the contact to send you a picture of the item next to a newspaper with the current date.
7. Ask for specific pictures of features or angles of the item that could not be easily replicated.
8. Ask for Seller’s references and cross-check the user on other firearm and/or social media sites.
9. If using PayPal we suggest you NOT write anything gun related in PayPal payments. If you absolutely must write a comment, say something generic like "outdoor equipment". Anything gun related can get the seller's PayPal account banned. It does not matter if it's Friends and Family or Goods & Services or if you don't file a claim, they will consider it a violation of their TOS.
Selling
1. Price your items correctly and they will sell.
2. 1 item per post, 1 post per item. If you have a bunch of smaller accessories put similar items together but edit the photo to include numbers next to each item. Price your items correctly and they will sell.
3. Place a small piece of paper with your username and the current date beside your item. This simple thing gives a lot of confidence to a potential buyer.
4. List multiple ways of contact such as email, text and Social Media usernames.
5. Manage your post and check the site regularly for questions, comments and feedback. Be active in the comments section as this is a good way to engage the community.
6. Pricing…acknowledge this is primarily a second-hand goods website and price accordingly. Supply and demand matters and scarce items do bring premiums.
7. Provide a high-quality picture and accurate description of the item. Details matter to our buyers and will help cut down back and forth communications…list use, condition, accessories, model numbers, sizes, etc.
8. Mark your items as Sold once the transaction is complete.
9. All NFA rules apply where applicable. You are responsible for knowing and adhering to these laws.
10. All firearm transactions must transfer via FFL to FFL unless in-person according to your local laws. You are responsible for knowing and adhering to these laws.