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Classifieds - questions/opinions

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Basil

Basil

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As most of you know, I have free classifieds here at BCF. You get to them via the Site Links Box on the left (when turned on) or from the Site Links drop down menu above.

My first question is, are these classifieds of any use? Are they too hidden within the forum pages?

Also, currently, the basic ads are free, but I offer the ability for people to contribute to the BCF by purchasing "highlighted" ads, for example, when they place their ad. I've been thinking of another method wherein, ALL ads are free, but if someone sells something as a direct result of their ad here, they would then pay a small percentage of the selling price, up to a limit of course.

Say I use a percentage of 5% up to a limit of $50. Then, if someone sells a part for, say $45, then after they sell it, they would pay 5% or $2.25. If someone sells a car for $4000, then 5% would be $800, but they would only pay the limit of $50. Does that sound reasonable? It would of course all be on teh honor system and I would not "go after" people if they were unable or unwilling to pay for teh ad (but I suspect most would).

Anyway, I'd like to hear your thoughts on how I could make teh Classifieds bigger and better for the LBC community.

Basil
 
While the classified section is done well, I personally find them a bit "hidden" as you say. After all the work you put into them (and thank you by the way) you probably don't want to hear this, but in a way I preferred the old format of the classifieds simply being a forum section.

I do like the donation idea. It seems only fair.
 
I do think it's a bit hidden. I often don't remember to check it, even just to see what's available. I'd agree with Steve, in that I think it had better visibility when it was another forum on the main page.

The donation idea works well, I think. Keeps things free, but allows a nice way for folks who see the value to have a guideline for how much to pay back in. There are so many free classifieds these days (Craigslist, forums, other local sources) -- I'd worry that a mandatory fee might make folks less interested in using it. A suggested percentage might give folks an idea of how they can help keep the site running.

Just thoughts... as always, you're doing great work here.
 
Ok, here is what I'm thinking. The classifieds I use are very good as far as the capabilities, but you're right, they are not obvious enough and a lot of folks probably don't know they exist. So, what I'm thinkijng is, re-open the old "Classifieds" forum with some guidlines that say basically, "go to the Classifieds Page" (with a link to get there from teh classified forum) then post your advert, along with pictures, etc. Then, copy the URL of your advert and make a post in the classified "forum" with a link to the main ad in the classified section. The reason I don't want to do away with teh classified section is that it has so many capabilities and you can have multiple categories, etc. Thougths?
 
It would address the visibility problem, seems low-risk (if it doesn't help, it just goes away without a lot of conversion effort), and I presume it's easily implemented (easy for me to say). My suggestion is to give it a try and reevaluate in a month.
 
OK, I have implemented a Classified Forum again, that works in tandum with the actual Classifieds Section. It is in the Members Section of the forum list. Hope its not too difficult to figure out for folks. Let me know what you think (you can reply to the post I have in the Classified Forum)
 
Basil, the Classifieds are a bit primitive in function, but it's a start, so here's some suggestions for improving:

1) there's no option to DELETE the Ad once placed. That's a problem.

2) a 5% fee of the Advertised Sales Price is a fair arrangement. Otherwise they can go to eBay and get eaten by their fees.

To deal with those that would try to avoid paying the 5% fee, I would suggest that the BUYER of the item report that they BOUGHT IT. If the SELLER refuses to pay the 5% fee, they should get banned. Fair is fair.

Otherwise, it comes down to a TRUST SYSTEM. You TRUST that Sellers will pay their 5% fee when they sell.

3) the SEARCH feature does not work. If I try to find all the JAGUAR Ads, I don't get any results, zero. I don't think anyone is going to browse through 30 pages of MG-B and Triumph Ads looking for anything Jaguar. The best arrangement would be to create a separate section for MG-B, Triumph, Jaguar, and other marques, so the Buyers can go where they want. Example:

MG-B Section:
Cars For Sale,
Parts for Sale,
Parts or Cars Wanted.

Same for other Marques.

4) the Approval/Moderation part of the process of placing an Ad is a bit annoying. When I place an Ad, I like to get it up and running inmediately.

I have to assume that this "moderation" of Ads before they get "approved" is costing you an enormous amount of extra time and work. Not worth it IMHO. Let people place their Ads, if anything objectionable shows up, I'm sure someone will report it and then you take action.

My last suggestion is a bit radical: Create a separate website for Classifieds only. The "sister" website if you will. "British Car Classifieds". Then all you have to do is place a link at BCF where the user gets re-directed to the Classifieds website.

I hope my suggestions are constructive.

Ex
 
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