members with no feedback?

No,I'm not kidding.

Someone with an Audiogon rating of 300 is not more trustworthy than a person who has no feedback because they have neither bought nor sold anything here?

I did not say anything in my post about anyone with any Audiogon rating not being trustworthy.Please don't twist my words.

It is earned, not assumed.

I did not say trust should be assumed.You are the one that is assuming trust with your statement above.

I remember my first transaction and I was nervous that the seller wouldn't sell to me because of it. So I was extra nice and communicative to make sure it went well. That's what first time buyers and sellers should do-establish trust.

I totally agree and this was exactly how all transactions should occur.

Feedback or not, NOTHING beats a phone call to sense the ''personnality'' of the buyer. If I stumble on anything looking (meaning mostly sounding) like a wheeler-dealer fast-talking mister know-it-all, that's all I need to go to the next contestant. Very subjective of course, but it has worked for me so far.

If I was buying from a seller with zero feedback, I'd ask him to ship the item to me first, then I would pay. If he would ask why, it would be very simple...

"You have zero feedback, I have over 300. I have proven my trustworthiness, you have yet to demonstrate yours." If he didn't like that, I'd just move on.

After all, we aren't dealing with a store where you always plunk your money down first, and where you have recourse. There is simply no reason that you need to send the money first in this case.

Schipo

When you joined Audiogon did you start with feedback? There is always a starting line.

Hhh
I feel more comfortable when a seller has feedback going back a couple of years. If I see one new with no feedback and asking for payment only in the form of a personal check or money order I slink away. Hey its human not to trust their are many a scam artist.