Topic: Give me your thoughts about the Classifieds section

[Scott S]

 You wouldn't believe how many posts I have to approve that are solely for selling an item. Sometimes, the seller is a member that's been lurking here for a while. More often than not, it's someone that has a bike or part(s) for sale and found this site using a search for "Honda whatever".

 When members with zero post count post in the classifieds, EVERY post has to be approved by a moderator. Posts in the classifieds don't count towards total post count. Inevitably, they end up talking about not being able to send or receive PM's, post pics, etc.

 My first thought is to ask the mods to institute a minimum post count before you can access the For Sale/Wanted ads and post there. But what if there's the widow that's listing a rare Sandcast? Don't we want to see it? Or the guy that bought a barn full of stuff for the old car and just wants "all this old Honda junk" gone and is practically giving it away? Or the lurker that's been a member here for years and has zero post count but sees a part he REALLY needs or wants to post a Wanted ad for it?

 On a related not, I personally believe that if you post an ad, you should be required to include a price and a location. It's not that hard. This ain't eBay.

 Give me your thoughts on people that show up solely to sell stuff.

[madmtnmotors]

My first thought is to ask the mods to institute a minimum post count before you can access the For Sale/Wanted ads and post there.

Agreed. I get more support from the dedicated members. Most of the "fly by nighters" trying to sell stuff are often asking too much anyway. You want to sell here you should have to have at least five posts, and one of them should have to be in the "Introductions" thread.

On a related note, I personally believe that if you post an ad, you should be required to include a price and a location. It's not that hard. This ain't eBay.

Amen. You should be required to post a price, location, and pictures.

[Scott S]

 The only time no price would be OK is if you're wanting to trade and then you should be specific about what you wish to trade for or the said value.

[firebane]

I am on a forum where they expect everyone to have a minimum post count before being able to sell stuff cause they want want it so there is some trust and reputation before seeing an item.

All posts for selling stuff should include pictures, location and price. I hate it when I see something I may want to buy but location is not disclosed.

Just ask yourself.. Are you ok with this area being open to strangers and having your established members buy stuff and run a chance of a bad sale?

[J-Rod10]

I don't sell a ton to members on here, but I do sell quite a lot of rearsets, both here, and on DTT to people with zero posts that do a Google search and the forums pop up, and they sign up and PM me.

I get the want to limit the posting in that section, but that section draws new people to the forum.

[Scott S]

I don't sell a ton to members on here, but I do sell quite a lot of rearsets, both here, and on DTT to people with zero posts that do a Google search and the forums pop up, and they sign up and PM me.

I get the want to limit the posting in that section, but that section draws new people to the forum.

 That's something that I didn't think about....almost the opposite of what I was talking about. I wouldn't want to take anything away from your business, but at the same time there are complete strangers that are here for one reason only: to sell something. They really don't contribute at all.

[Scott S]

 I guess another option would be for people with no (or low) post counts to be required to post an email or phone number, in addition to a price and location. (Everyone should list a price and location, though)

[calj737]

I guess another option would be for people with no (or low) post counts to be required to post an email or phone number, in addition to a price and location. (Everyone should list a price and location, though)

A private email should be a poster's choice, not a requirement. And a phone, not in favor of that either. Thats a huge potential problem for anyone.

Its an imperfect system for an imperfect world. Its a public forum and attempting to find circumstances to fit the preferences will certainly ostracize some, and impose upon others. If you want to enable members to have access to potentially great finds/buys/trades, then you must allow "passersby" the chance to treat them well. Buying anything from anyone has inherent risk and that is well-known. And simply because someone is a member here has not prevented them from being a jerk when buying or selling anything. I have been swindled by a member here and will send PMs to prospective buyers when I see that member selling items and provide them my experience as a warning. It is then up to each buyer to make their own decision.

I doubt most people use the Good Seller section as a tool to judge their purchase, but perhaps they should. Maybe institute a "Seller Rating" system like eBay?

Caveat emptor has to be the rule.

[Scott S]

I guess another option would be for people with no (or low) post counts to be required to post an email or phone number, in addition to a price and location. (Everyone should list a price and location, though)

A private email should be a poster's choice, not a requirement. And a phone, not in favor of that either. Thats a huge potential problem for anyone.

Its an imperfect system for an imperfect world. Its a public forum and attempting to find circumstances to fit the preferences will certainly ostracize some, and impose upon others. If you want to enable members to have access to potentially great finds/buys/trades, then you must allow "passersby" the chance to treat them well. Buying anything from anyone has inherent risk and that is well-known. And simply because someone is a member here has not prevented them from being a jerk when buying or selling anything. I have been swindled by a member here and will send PMs to prospective buyers when I see that member selling items and provide them my experience as a warning. It is then up to each buyer to make their own decision.

I doubt most people use the Good Seller section as a tool to judge their purchase, but perhaps they should. Maybe institute a "Seller Rating" system like eBay?

Caveat emptor has to be the rule.

 Well said, and it just reiterates many of my points. It's an imperfect system and I would hate to miss a great bargain as much as anyone.
 The thing about the email/phone number is that members with no post count can't send or receive PM's. And EVERY post they make in the classifieds, even a reply on their own thread, has to be approved. Maybe a minimum post count is the better answer.

[madmtnmotors]

I don't sell a ton to members on here, but I do sell quite a lot of rearsets, both here, and on DTT to people with zero posts that do a Google search and the forums pop up, and they sign up and PM me.

I get the want to limit the posting in that section, but that section draws new people to the forum.

 That's something that I didn't think about....almost the opposite of what I was talking about. I wouldn't want to take anything away from your business, but at the same time there are complete strangers that are here for one reason only: to sell something. They really don't contribute at all.

I, too, was only considering a new member trying to list an item for sale. I had not considered the flip side, where a new member might be trying to respond to an item that someone else has listed for sale. Damn computers are so literal.

Considering that, I would have to stick to my opinion that there be a five post minimum before any member can post in the classifieds section. This would also help prevent a "fly-by-nighter" from swooping in and snatching up a great deal before established, long term members have an opportunity to do so. This site is for the benefit of the members here, and if someone surfing the net finds their way here as a result of a classified ad, then they have to understand that those classified ads are one of the benefits of membership. This is an effort to reduce moderator intervention, lord knows the moderators have enough to do as it is.

So I stick by my recommendation:
>Five post minimum
>Price, location, and pictures required.

You want to auction it off to the highest bidder then post it on ebay. What kind of rules do they impose on buyers and sellers? 

[madmtnmotors]

Maybe institute a "Seller Rating" system like eBay?

Sounds like more work for the moderators...

Caveat emptor has to be the rule.

Always!

[firebane]

I don't sell a ton to members on here, but I do sell quite a lot of rearsets, both here, and on DTT to people with zero posts that do a Google search and the forums pop up, and they sign up and PM me.

I get the want to limit the posting in that section, but that section draws new people to the forum.

 That's something that I didn't think about....almost the opposite of what I was talking about. I wouldn't want to take anything away from your business, but at the same time there are complete strangers that are here for one reason only: to sell something. They really don't contribute at all.

This is a dangerous thing because if people are using a forum for their own personal gain of making money or running a business there should be stipulations put in place for that. There is nothing wrong with using a forum to make money through these means but the person and forum should be in agreement for these things.

[calj737]

This is a dangerous thing because if people are using a forum for their own personal gain of making money or running a business there should be stipulations put in place for that. There is nothing wrong with using a forum to make money through these means but the person and forum should be in agreement for these things.

If having "sellers only" participation is a concern, then simply implement a % of sale policy. That either insures sellers are members, or that the forum is funded by its opportunities and a seller's benefits.

All these "implementations" involve a structural change to the site, which seems to be a the core of concern. So you can either endure what we have or support the changes. How large a problem is this really? What I observe is folks listing 8-10 items in single threads. That seems like a lot of overhead, but easier for the Buyer/Seller. Combination items for sale are bulky unless the Seller constantly updates the listing. Still a clunky a system...

[Stev-o]

I dont like to see someone signing up just to sell a bike or parts.

[madmtnmotors]

I dont like to see someone signing up just to sell a bike or parts.

+1

[Stev-o]

I dont like to see someone signing up just to sell a bike or parts.

+1

Here is a prime example although he says he's been here for years [and never posted, yeah, right?!!]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,161603.0.html

[J-Rod10]

I don't sell a ton to members on here, but I do sell quite a lot of rearsets, both here, and on DTT to people with zero posts that do a Google search and the forums pop up, and they sign up and PM me.

I get the want to limit the posting in that section, but that section draws new people to the forum.

 That's something that I didn't think about....almost the opposite of what I was talking about. I wouldn't want to take anything away from your business, but at the same time there are complete strangers that are here for one reason only: to sell something. They really don't contribute at all.

Agreed. Lot of people pop in to sell.

Wasn't trying to make it personal, just an observation from my standpoint. The classifieds bring in a lot of traffic.

I imagine the people running this site, like the new traffic. More views, more clicks on advertisements. Makes the advertising space worth more.

I think, with a mandated post count, it would go a lot like DTT did when Dime City did the 10% off for people with 100 posts. Noobs signed up, and spammed 100 different topics with one word posts.

[madmtnmotors]

I think, with a mandated post count, it would go a lot like DTT did when Dime City did the 10% off for people with 100 posts. Noobs signed up, and spammed 100 different topics with one word posts.

100 posts seems excessive, and not necessary, especially for the reason you have indicated. But, it's kind of apples to oranges comparison, since the case you cited involves a retailer (Dime City) provoking the post count for the sole purpose of selling product. You can't post pictures here until you have five posts. Require that all for sale posts include pictures and that in turn will require a five post minimum, even if they have to do it in the SSDB...     

[ekpent]

" Where dat widow Sandcast you be talkin' bout Willis"   

[flatlander]

another forum i'm on requires you to be a contributing member to be able to post in the classifieds section.  you become that by donating an amount to the forum, i think the minimum is 10 or 5 pounds (the forum is run from the UK).
the reasoning is that it's only a small hurdle but weeds out the complete nonsense types, and that if someone sells something they profit from the forum so it's fair enough to ask them a small amount that's used towards the running of the site. no other approval or such is required, only normal forum rules apply which include that you need a minimum post count (i think 5?) to post a picture or link.

there's also a section for dealer's offers where people who don't just sell their own old junk but are a business can sell their stuff. it's required that they give a discount to members.

[MoMo]

[

On a related note, I personally believe that if you post an ad, you should be required to include a price and a location. It's not that hard. This ain't eBay.

Amen. You should be required to post a price, location, and pictures.
[/quote]



That should be minimum standard.  5 posts would be nice addition but not necessary..

[grcamna2]

[

On a related note, I personally believe that if you post an ad, you should be required to include a price and a location. It's not that hard. This ain't eBay.

Amen. You should be required to post a price, location, and pictures.

That should be minimum standard.  5 posts would be nice addition but not necessary..
[/quote]

Yes,w/ solid contact info.

[firebane]

[

On a related note, I personally believe that if you post an ad, you should be required to include a price and a location. It's not that hard. This ain't eBay.

Amen. You should be required to post a price, location, and pictures.

That should be minimum standard.  5 posts would be nice addition but not necessary..

Yes,w/ solid contact info.
[/quote]

I say if you want to sell stuff on the forum and not actually be a member a small donation to the site should be in place.

[754]

If you want to sell and have less then 5 posts, make an introduction MANDATORY, before being able to place a 4 sale ad.
 And if they dont return to check their ad. Within 4 or 5 days, the ad gets REMOVED..
Those two things would help.

[Gene]

I guess another option would be for people with no (or low) post counts to be required to post an email or phone number, in addition to a price and location. (Everyone should list a price and location, though)

It takes nothing to set up a junk email account.  I think a private email would be fine. They can use it solely for this purpose and then delete it.