Hopefully I'm asking this in the right place. I'm new to the realms, and I've never really participated in any other websites' threads before.

Do I have to instigate a trade using a thread or can I just pm someone who has something I want and wants something I have? I'm just not very familiar with the whole thread concept, yet. I'm partly asking, because I don't have any valuable pieces, yet. Instead, I have a lot of low-value gravity feed pieces that I'm hoping to trade for other low-value gravity feed pieces. I'm also asking, because I read through the how to avoid being scammed thread, and I am totally happy to send my characters first to a reputable trader. So I present little to no risk for trading.

I just get so sick of eBay, and I would love to do direct trades instead of the auction hustle.

I would also add:

"Don't send Paypal funds as a gift. By doing so, you lose all Buyer Protection rights and cannot dispute the PayPal transaction"

... but I know how the OP feels about wanting to skirt Paypal fees as a seller, so...

just pm people that have threads with stuff you want!
you can also make your own thread

I did not know this. good info.

I'm finding that the only way to safely utilize USPS with larger lots-- anything larger than a 400 count card box-- is by using Priority Mail and either pre-printed (official) or nondescript packaging. You can ensure that shipping is expedited and that the contents aren't tampered with.

Avoid Parcel Post like the plague.

Half of the "naked" boosters sent to me in the past, have resulted in a loss of their contents (which included Primes and chases). Don't use booster packaging in trades or sales, unless you cover them up them!

I've had zero issues with non-Auction purchases, however.