WARNING !!!! on purchases.

Some very good ideas here. Sad that we have to spend time talking about this when we want to be enjoying our hobby/passion with our friends. I 100% agree with asking for background/references before doing business with someone for the first time. After all, don't we have to give references on job applications? Why should a business deal such as this be any different. The only possible downside I can imagine would be the potential for a lot more posts for the mods to have to wade through (maybe a subforum dedicated to this). I can not imagine any standup guy, or gal, objecting to a potential buyer asking for reference. If he, or she, does object, then that in and of itself would be a red flag in my mind.

Just my 2 cents.