Certain # of posts to sell goods

[nosualc]

If you don't think a seller should post classifieds with a small post count, or should contribute to the site, or is charging too much, or doesn't follow the rules to your satisfaction, or has a funny screen name, or whatever, the simple solution is...

DON'T BUY IT.

'nuff said.

-nosualc

 

[Raythemanroe]

I'm leery of high dollar items from low count folks anyway

 

[Forum Boss]

We have been looking seriously at modifications to our classifieds system for quite some time. One of the complications is that we are operating with a Forum software solution that was never really designed as a classifieds platform.

> If we go to a minimum post count, then this creates the issue of junk posts, and more moderation time.

> A fee-based system seems logical, but based on our contribution response rate, I'm guessing the we would lose over half the classifieds if we charged anything at all.

> Other forums have experimented with a standalone classifieds system. Benchrest Central does this. This requires people to bounce to another domain and re-register before one can place an ad. The upside is you get a more sophisticated listing service. The downside is that ads are harder to access, and the "readership" declines dramatically.

> I think the most practical solution may be a two-tiered listing system.

Basic Tier: We would still have 100% free listings, but they would automatically expire after 48 hours, and would be restricted to one (1) photo.

VIP Tier: Site Contributors, who donated a specific annual fee, would be allowed to post unlimited classified ads, that would run with no photo limit, and no auto-expiration. Note: the amount Site Contributors had previously donated in the preceding year would be credited 100% to the VIP fee.

-- This system, with an annual "sellers' fee", has worked on some 4X4 and automotive sites I've seen. On one 4x4 site moderated by a friend of mine, one must pay $20/year to sell items in the classifieds.

What do you guys think of that arrangement? ($20/year to be a VIP classifieds user).

 

[Raythemanroe]

If your donation counted for your fee

 

[csandfort]

One site that I visit allows paid members (contributors) to view the "new" classifieds many hours before non-paying members. Sometimes this is worth the price of admission.

^^ Forum Boss says: This is a very interesting idea that has merit. We don't know if it is technically feasible with our Forum software, but it is worth investigating.

 

[Raythemanroe]

That is a pretty good idea

 

[Forum Boss]

One site that I visit allows paid members (contributors) to view the "new" classifieds many hours before non-paying members. Sometimes this is worth the price of admission.

Interesting... That is something new to me (never heard of that feature before). If we could implement that, it might be a good idea.

@CSandfort -- could you PM me with the name of the site. We would need to see how that "preview" function works.

 

[40X Guy]

One site that I visit allows paid members (contributors) to view the "new" classifieds many hours before non-paying members. Sometimes this is worth the price of admission.

Interesting... That is something new to me (never heard of that feature before). If we could implement that, it might be a good idea.

@CSandfort -- could you PM me with the name of the site. We would need to see how that "preview" function works.

I like this idea!

Frank

 

[csandfort]

PM sent.

 

[Gary in MD]

We could add a bunch of "rules" and charge money to be a part of this great site.
That would really weed out the "riff raff".
Then you would have a dozen or two members who have the site to themselves and it would be "just right".

Just my two cents....with a little sarcasm added.

With all due respect,
Gary

 

[Raythemanroe]

I like the last idea, it still would be free but you would benefit from donating.

 

[farmerjohn]

I think it's a great idea! There are five of us who were talking about this when another subject came up; the lack of info on a lot of member profiles.
While I seldom sell anything on the site I do buy quite a bit. My friends and I seldom buy anything from a seller who doesn't list at least his town and state of residence. We did not plan it this way it's just sorta works out that way. When I see an ad I'm interested in, the first thing I do is look at thesellers profile if I don't know of them. If they do not have town and state listed I just move on regardless of how good the deal looks. I guess it's a trust issue, if they are afraid to let you know where they live, they might not be telling you the whole story on what they're selling. Just my 2 cents.......

 

[Raythemanroe]

Farmer John, I checked your profile to see if I could trust your post. Cattle farmer, ur good to go lol

Ray