What is the possibility of having a Classified Section?

[penumbra]

On a couple of archery sites I am on they offer a classified section for people on the site to use. It is not in general postings, but is accessed only by clicking on the classified site. Then it is further subdivided into separate interests. I have bought and sold bows and other items through these venues. There are many who sell their hand crafted items relating to archery as well. With as many people as we have here making bonsai pots, stands and bonsai, and those wanting to buy or sell other bonsai related items like books, tools etc. , I have long wondered if this isn't something we might develop as well.
Unfortunately I am a nearly complete computer idiot so I don't have a clue as to the logistics of such an endeavor. Thus my ability to sell online is rather limited unless I list my pots and whatever else I may want to sell, (or buy) through the open forums here, which I consider unfair to those who are not interested, or to sell on Etsy or eBay which I prefer not to do. I do not have the skills to maintain a website. When I had a website for my store years ago I had to hire someone to monitor it day to day. This would be ok if I planned to make pots as a full time business but I have neither the time nor inclination to do so.
Your thoughts?

 

[Forsoothe!]

I like the idea. I'm always on the hunt and would like to peruse a consolidated list from time-to-time.

 

[Pitoon]

I think it's a great idea, but someone will have to oversee/manage it.

I wonder if Xenforo even has that option?

 

[penumbra]

I think it's a great idea, but someone will have to oversee/manage it.

I would think that sellers (or buyers) might be willing to pay a nominal fee for such transactions. I am not sure how that would work because you certainly would not want it ending up like PayPal sending a 1099 to everyone. On the Archery sites all deals are strictly between buyers and sellers and there are no fees involved. I don't know how they do it.
I just sincerely believe it would be a well received addition to a site that is already phenomenal.

 

[cornfed]

Would this work?

Here is an example in action.

 

[Pitoon]

On the Archery sites all deals are strictly between buyers and sellers and there are no fees involved.

I think that's how it should be done, agree to the terms if any for a classifieds section and all deals/transaction done privately between seller/buyer. This is how it's done on Facebook. You break the agreement....you get banned.

 

[Pitoon]

@Bonsai Nut what are your thoughts on this?

 

[sorce]

I see nothing prohibiting in the sales section.

Nothing except no one posts stuff there.

Sorce

 

[penumbra]

Nothing except no one posts stuff there

Exactly so. So how do we change this? A classified works well in sites I have used. Is it ideal for us? Probably not. But it could improve things I think.
I am going to back off this thread now and just watch unless I am directly asked something.

 

[sorce]

So how do we change this?

Keep posting stuff!

Sorce

 

[Carol 83]

I think it's a good idea. I would rather buy stuff from people here than anonymous people on FB. Plus, I wouldn't have to delete messages quickly after I buy something...

 

[vp999]

I would love this idea as I dont do FB.

 

[Carol 83]

I would love this idea as I dont do FB.

Me neither, I use my husband's account, but he's tired of all the trees and such popping up on his feed....

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

But BNut already has a sales subforum? " Trees for sale" and a separate for other stuff. Also "Wanted to Buy". Do we really need more? Few seem to use the Sales section.

 

[HENDO]

But BNut already has a sales subforum? " Trees for sale" and a separate for other stuff. Also "Wanted to Buy". Do we really need more? Few seem to use the Sales section.

I never used it because I saw such little activity and as a result thought it was taboo in a way to post items, for whatever reason. Some sort of terms/agreement with guidelines might add clarity and encourage people to use it more?

 

[penumbra]

Few seem to use the Sales section.

That is because it has become an accepted practice to just list them under another heading. I just listed 3 pots using the selling post and they are now listed with all others under general posts when I view them. Other sites I have used have a classified and you only see what is being offered for sale or trade, or even as wanted, when you go to the classified.
Maybe it doesn't matter to most folks and if that is so, then let it be. But on the sites that specify a classified, it adds a level of class, and this site is a very classy site. From the point of view of a shopper vs a non shopper, it seems appropriate to address them separately. Thus you are going to see these items offered up for sale whether you want to or not.
As an example, look at a site called Archery Talk.

 

[penumbra]

I never used it because I saw such little activity and as a result thought it was taboo in a way to post items, for whatever reason. Some sort of terms/agreement with guidelines might add clarity and encourage people to use it more?

Very well said. That is what I am trying to say.
I can live with it as it is well enough, but if you don't want to see what is being offered, you don't need to with a classified section.

 

[hinmo24t]

That is because it has become an accepted practice to just list them under another heading. I just listed 3 pots using the selling post and they are now listed with all others under general posts when I view them. Other sites I have used have a classified and you only see what is being offered for sale or trade, or even as wanted, when you go to the classified.
Maybe it doesn't matter to most folks and if that is so, then let it be. But on the sites that specify a classified, it adds a level of class, and this site is a very classy site. From the point of view of a shopper vs a non shopper, it seems appropriate to address them separately. Thus you are going to see these items offered up for sale whether you want to or not.
As an example, look at a site called Archery Talk.

i only post in general discussions and seldom look anywhere past the homepage latest activity threads

maybe admin could render things down a bit, concentrate if you will

 

[TinyArt]

Also — separate Classifieds, as suggested, might make it easier to list items/lots individually, so it would be easier to indicate which have sold.

 

[penumbra]

Also — separate Classifieds, as suggested, might make it easier to list items/lots individually, so it would be easier to indicate which have sold.

That is the case where I have used it.