The Future of CoinTalk's Classified Marketplace

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I like the idea of being able to make actual postings in the for sale section... you can post multiple coins in one posting making it easier to get more stuff listed for sale. That was the only thing I don't like about the classifieds... it's designed for one item only.

 

I don't see the "classified" section we currently have, as a good part of our forum! There are very few adds there! I suggest adding it to the forums to simplify the unused!

 

I used the classified section quite a bit, but that does not mean I liked it and rare is it that I sold anything via this site's classified section, versus the old open section, in which I sold quite a bit! (Of course I take into consideration the differing factors such as the members, time of year, state of the economy, etc)
I believe that the open forum was very simple, and worked quite well.

Open Forum > Classifieds

 

I have veiwed the classifieds numerous times. I am surprised by the lack of use, considering how many members are here each day. I really think members could benefit from a lot of friendly coin deals, therefore avoiding the fees on eBay, etc.

 

yes, i think it should be moved back into the forums
the simpler the better ...

 

I thought about using the Classifieds once, but after browsing through it and trying to follow the directions, it was more hassle than it was worth for this dummy. I've never been back since.

I would much rather have a forum where I could post multiple items, say what needs to be said and let nature take its course.

Chris

 

Back into the forums Peter. I think it will simplify things and spark more member interest.

Bruce

 

I would like it back to the forums as well. Ever since the new setup was added...I have found it hard to navigate and post ads. I liked having it on the forums much better.

 

I think people who are interested in items offered here can not really be sure if the seller can be trusted. Should one trust another just because he made 500 posts? Or his posts are liked often? Most people don't want to gamble and prefer eBay, where feedback and buyer protection almost guarantee problem free purchase. People who are around since 2002 or 2005 might trust plenty of friends here, but most members hardly know more than 4-8 other users here.

I think some kind of ranks/badges or reputation system dedicated for sellers/buyers/traders can improve a lot and make much more people sell/buy here.

Anyhow, IMHO it would be easier for everyone if the Classified Marketplace become a part of the forum again.

 

So, taking into account the fact that I wasn't around for "the way it used to be" and have only really attempted to post items for sale in the Classifieds 3-4 times, I would have to say that the idea of allowing a more open option sounds quite a bit more attractive. I never made a direct sale from the classifieds and I have no real way of knowing whether or not the items I currently have listed on eBay are on the radar of CoinTalk users or not. Plus, after my initial 5 listings (one Classified posting) I have since added more items on eBay - but I have to contact a moderator to adjust/replace my ad to reflect that. It's not that much additional work for me...but I'm not sure how much work it would be for you.

I feel that a seller/buyer/trader rating system would be helpful, but with improved standards over HOW an auction is listed (an in-focus picture is one pet peeve) or descriptions of whether or not a coin has been cleaned or not. Of course, policing this might just be as much work as the current method...perhaps the users would have some say in it? (i.e., the worse a seller or item listing is, the lower it will be rated by browsing users, and items or sellers under a certain threshold would lose privileges or be placed on a sort of probation until they meet standards again.)

I feel like the issue of trust in transactions is important - but how do you back up a transaction guarantee in an online society without the financial backing of a major corporation? At what level does your responsibility fall under? Are you like Craigslist, where you are basically on your own as a seller and buyer (caveat emptor) or somewhere in between?

Just my thoughts. I like the idea of selling here, though. I hate paying 12% off the top of every sale, being required to use PayPal, and having the system weighted 85% on the side of the buyer. Plus, I hate how EVERY concern I have brought to eBay has been systematically ignored - and I only bring things to them when I KNOW I'm in the right.

 

I have bought 4 coins from the classifieds & check it several times a day but I do miss the forum version of it. I had more success selling through that then the classifieds.

 

I'd prefer the forums as well. The classified section is well-organized, but it's a bit daunting.

 

Does anyone like the new version over the old open forum version?

 

I've not used the older version but would welcome that type of setup for a buy, sell and trade section.


However, I've been to other sites with the same type of sections and one thing I always disliked about them are the fact that they are usually never cleaned up. For example, something for sale that initially draws lots of pm's or offers but is never finalized. It just gets shifted down the list as new ones are added and eventually things get so cluttered.

Perhaps some moderator rules for items listed.

1. A time limit on a posting, perhaps 2 weeks before it is auto closed. If the person hasn't sold, bought or traded it then re-open a new thread. At least it would hopefully cut down on the dead posts.

I say that because I would expect some would be at least buying and selling the item on several sites ( Ebay, here or where ever else ) at the same time.

2. If an item is sold, bought, traded before that time limit is up, then the OP needs to either ask to have the thread when sold or at least make sure the post states it ( when money, item have been exchanged ) and once that is complete to both parties satisfaction then make sure the OP gets the thread closed.

My thoughts, perhaps someone else has better ideas..

 

Hi,

I would prefer an open forum, Want to buy (WTB), Want to sell (WTS), and Want to trade (WTT) system. IMO, the Classified area is just not getting the traffic it needs to be useful for those looking for a good alternative to FeeBay, etc.

I would like to recommend checking out the Classified section of another forum I follow, ScubaBoard:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/scuba-marketplace/

They have a feedback rating system for members who transact over there, and it seems to be working really well. Since I've been a member, they have actually broken out the Gear/Equipment classifieds into different categories (regulators, BCD's, wetsuits, etc.) where it used to just be all the ads in one forum. I think it works great. I think it would be even better if each gear category was further broken down into separate WTB, WTS, and WTT sections, but I'm still happy with it.

These are very good suggestions. The ScubaBoard allows users to close their own marketplace threads after the transaction is complete, but having a time limit on incomplete transactions (or those threads were the OP just seems to disappear...), with automatic closing of the thread, is a great idea.

That's my two cents, heh, for consideration. Hope it helps...

 

I think you're doing the right thing Peter. Sounds like it will be easier for all concerned, certainly for me.

Bruce

 

My advice would be to replicate what the scuba forum has going on, perhaps a bit less broken down. Set the forum to automatically parse inactive threads after two weeks or so. If the thread is still active, theres no point to locking it... As we all know, it can be tough to find some coins and can take months or even years. I'd probably draft a new moderator to help out as well.

 

Peter....it's a tough time for me right now.... but for Cointalk, I will accept...