Question about in-game scamming

Q u o t e:
If a player asks another player to perform a service, such as Jewelcrafting: cutting gems, but after the services are done, refuses to pay the fee or changes their price to something the Jewelcrafter feels is unfair, is this a scam? At what point can the Jewelcrafter retaliate or recover their losses? Apparently holding an item hostage until more reasonable negotiations are made will result in a long-term account closure.

Claw, being a crafter myself - I do understand your position here.

But if you ask for tips and specify NO amount, you are not then allowed to decide it's not enough.

That's pretty much this entire issue.

Personally, I've found that tips can be a very nice income generator, and I'll often make MORE than if I would have set a price -usually offsets the folks that are less than generous.

We can only adjudicate claims made by the evidence we have on hand, Claw.

We aren't anyone's 'goons' and I'd ask that you refrain from making such accusations.

Q u o t e:
Certainly not. But in this case, my feelings are pretty hurt because I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place and I am being punished for my decision. I am just looking for some suggestions in the future if I ever encounter another would-be scammer?

It's imperative that trade agreements be crystal clear upfront. Ambiguous open-ended agreements just don't end well if contested.

Had you set a price, or even a minimum 'tip' you expected - not just recommended, you'd have actually had some leverage over the buyer for not upholding THEIR end of the agreement.

Just be very very clear on expectations in any sort of agreement with another player.

Also, on a more personal note, I saw what he said about your effort expended - I totally understand how that makes a crafter feel that has devoted endless hours, resources and cash to get to that level of skill.

Just know, some folks are never ever going to understand that.

Q u o t e:
If I get into another situation where someone has hired my services and then refuses to pay after I have already performed the service, what do I do? Do I stand there with an open trade window until they log out? Or am I just supposed to just give them their item(s) and not expect any fair compensation?

In this particular case - I'd have given him back uncut gems and sold the cut ones myself. Uncut gems - are uncut gems, doesn't have to be the ones he specifically handed you - just the same type.

I keep a stock of uncuts on hand at all times, for this as well as requests.

Q u o t e:
Anyways a solution has been reached. If I come across another situation like this, the offender will get what they handed me before the service was made and all deals are off. If that's acceptable by a Blue then I will go with it.

They are out no resources, they'd have nothing to complain about if a deal is essentially canceled with no damages.