So you have to walk a fine line. You don't want to sour anyone on the hobby. And you may miss an opportunity to add something nice to your collection. But, you don't want to get burned either. I have been lucky not to have been burned yet, and I have taken a number of people up on offers sent to me directly. Of course, I deal in very low roller stuff, so I have not risked too much, and the incentive to pull a fast one is much less. I have shied away for quite a few as well. I guess I would see if the person is trying to gauge interest so they don't get stuck or pay way too much, or if they are trying to get solid commitments to buy. The latter would make me uncomfortable, to be sure.

When in doubt, contact someone who knows about that area of collecting. In this case, I would think a few people on that recipient's list would be smart to confer with.

Michael Siskin