This is to the whole community. Can we figure out some way to sticky a safe seller list to the top of the forum? It should be maintained by Jon and added to as needed. The vetting process for getting on the list should be figured out by the community as well. I also think there should be some distinction between Primary sources and Secondary sources. A primary source would be Encanto farms (Jon), figaholics (Harvey), Trees of Joy etc. These sources would be a primary source as they investigate and study figs enough to be considered experts. Secondary sources would be anyone else. 

Loads of info on safe/reliable sellers, several lists have been started (use the search function).  I am not so sure that Jon or Harvey would have the time or desire to take on that task.

Who would determine Primary or Secondary? If a Primary has problems delivering does that person become a Secondary?  What criteria would be used?  How do you monitor ongoing performance/quality?  How many positives/negatives determine standing?  Would you put James as a Primary or Secondary?  Who determines guilt in contested sales?  If I buy a tree from someone that claims a particular Primary was the source who has liability?  How do I determine reliability in claimed sources?

Lots of issues but it always comes back to the same thing, "you pays your money, you takes your chances".

I agree with the points/concerns stated above. A Safe Seller List is a good basic concept.  So, I want to keep it simple! The way I see it, ALL the Primary sources
would be the well-established, long time familiar names.  They are respected, have met the test of time, and can be trusted to serve the
interests of our growing fig community. They are on the Primary List  because they are experts with deep roots and a reputation to maintain. We all know who they are!

The Secondary Sources would be everyone else who is currently available to sell.  Anyone, even novices can be added the the secondary list.
It will then be up to the buyer to do their own research on the posts, comments, past transactions, etc. before choosing a contact.
No guarantees, so the buyer will need to take the initiative and become an informed consumer! I wouldn't select someone just because they're on the Safe Sellers List.
As they say, Buyer Beware.

The issue comes down to what are the criteria to be on the list, how do you verify compliance, how do you monitor continued compliance, and who will make all those decisions. People are free to post their suggestions, cautions, experiences, but who has vetted these people? The Forum is not prepared to be in the endorsement business.

Funny how when I proposed the very same safe seller list idea as the OP, it was immediately struck down, Jon.  Nice to see you being more receptive though. 

Suggestions:

1. Simple table directory grid style list with member's name, ebay page and/or website, certified nursery info, etc.  We could embed a google spreadsheet on the official forum post and update it as needed.

2. Designate a ratings system - ie: 5/5 star system.

3. Those who want to be added to the list will be designated as a new seller. 

This would then bring into question, who would moderate and maintain this?  I'm sure this forum is full of members, myself included, who would gladly participate in its maintenance for the betterment of the community. 

Listen to Jon!

Look at what happened to the forum over the "James" issue.  There will always be differing opinions, good stories, bad stories about transactions.  People do not simply read reviews/comments and go on, they want to fight over it and it can get really nasty when the "discussion" goes personal, which it always does.

Its easy to check out a seller just ask the forum. You will be surprised on the results.

What figpig_66 said.