How do I know if a vendor is legit?

Also check the vendor verification list in the sticky posts. Mods verify legit vendors

This is super helpful, thank you everyone!

Read multiple reviews from different people. If all the reviews sound the same or too perfect they might be fake

Never pay with anything other than crypto. If they ask for gift cards or wire transfers that's a huge red flag

Hey, welcome to the community. Figuring out if a vendor's legit is probably the most important thing you'll learn here, so good on you for asking before jumping in. I've seen too many new guys lose money because they got impatient. Let me break this down into something practical you can actually use.

First off, start with their join date and post history – exactly what you said. A vendor who signed up last week with zero posts in the general discussion or review sections? That's a massive red flag. Legit vendors usually hang around, answer questions, and build a presence over months, not days. Next, read at least five to ten independent reviews – not just the ones the vendor links. Use the search bar above with their name (or common abbreviations). Look for reviews that include photos or specific details about turnaround time, packaging, and stealth. One glowing review from a brand new account is often a shill account.

You also want to check the "review cycle." Legit vendors tend to get reviews consistently over weeks or months, not all dumped in one day. If you see fifteen reviews posted within a 24-hour window, that's suspicious. Don't forget to use the community feedback thread or "blacklist" section. Even reputable vendors sometimes slip up, but you'll see how they handle complaints. Do they ghost, or do they offer replacements? That tells you a lot. And finally, always start with a small test order – never go all-in on your first buy. Even trusted vendors have occasional issues with laminates or microprint. A single sample lets you verify quality before committing to a bulk order.

Here are some key terms you'll need to know: a shill account is a fake profile created to post fake positive reviews. A vouch is a user confirming a vendor is legit, usually after a successful order – treat one-off vouches with skepticism. T&C (Terms & Conditions) – many vendors have a policy on reprints or refunds; read them before ordering so you know your options if something goes wrong. Stealth means how discreet the packaging is – legit vendors often use plain envelopes or creative decoys.

Before you send any money, run through this safety checklist. Make sure the vendor has been active on the forum for at least a few weeks (preferably months). Look for multiple independent reviews from users with established post histories – not single-digit post counts. Check the blacklist or scam alert section for any recent reports (always check the stickies). Payment method: crypto (BTC, Litecoin, Monero) is standard. If they demand gift cards or direct bank transfers, walk away – that's a classic scam pattern. Communication should be responsive – they answer within 24–48 hours and give clear info about turnaround, shipping, and what to expect. Vague or pushy sellers are trouble. Also, see if they have a sample policy or offer single IDs – many legit shops do. If they only sell in bulk (like 10 minimum) and have no track record, that's a risk.

Common mistakes I see new members make: trusting a "new member special" – scammers often tout that to lure people in. Real vendors rarely need to bribe new customers with crazy low prices. Ignoring negative feedback – if three people say the printing is off or the holos are wrong, don't assume it's a one-off. Look for patterns. Paying without using escrow or a middleman – some vendors offer escrow services through trusted community members; if it's an option, use it, it adds protection. And for the love of god, don't post your name or address in public – keep all personal details in PMs or encrypted channels like PGP. Scammers harvest info from public posts.

Bottom line: take your time. There's no rush. A legit vendor will still be here tomorrow. If someone tries to pressure you with "offer ends tonight" or "only a few spots left," that's almost always a scammer tactic. Stick around, read the forum, and you'll soon get a feel for who's solid. Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions – that's what the New Member Help section is for.