Beta Testing new Classifieds site

[RiverDave]

At some point in the future we are going to be disposing of the classified forums on rdp (forums really aren't a great platform for classifieds anyways) and we will be implementing my classifieds website as the sales arm of rdp..

Please help me in beta testing the system so that we can find any errors, or issues, or things we can make better / easier etc.. goto

www.thetoysyndicate.com and place a classified! ENTER CODE RDP100 and the classified will be free! .

I appreciate your help in testing this out..

This is the 3rd or fourth iteration of this site now, and once it is 100% dialed in for sales, we will expand into some pretty cool things with it.. for example "Sell it now" where you can an instant bid on your vehicle etc..

RD

 

[ArizonaKevin]

At some point in the future we are going to be disposing of the classified forums on rdp (forums really aren't a great platform for classifieds anyways) and we will be implementing my classifieds website as the sales arm of rdp..

Please help me in beta testing the system so that we can find any errors, or issues, or things we can make better / easier etc.. goto

www.thetoysyndicate.com and place a classified! ENTER CODE RDP100 and the classified will be free! .

I appreciate your help in testing this out..

This is the 3rd or fourth iteration of this site now, and once it is 100% dialed in for sales, we will expand into some pretty cool things with it.. for example "Sell it now" where you can an instant bid on your vehicle etc..

RD

Just some feedback that I think may be helpful would be to have an automatic expiration of a listing at some point. That's the big struggle with str8up and powerboatlistings is that things are on those sites for years after they have already sold. You are a step ahead by having the date listed included so we can see that a listing is old AF, but maybe at 90 days the system emails the seller asking if it's still for sale and if they'd like to keep the listing active, if they don't respond in 7 days (with multiple warning emails) it deletes itself

 

[cyclone]

At some point in the future we are going to be disposing of the classified forums on rdp (forums really aren't a great platform for classifieds anyways) and we will be implementing my classifieds website as the sales arm of rdp..

Please help me in beta testing the system so that we can find any errors, or issues, or things we can make better / easier etc.. goto

www.thetoysyndicate.com and place a classified! ENTER CODE RDP100 and the classified will be free! .

I appreciate your help in testing this out..

This is the 3rd or fourth iteration of this site now, and once it is 100% dialed in for sales, we will expand into some pretty cool things with it.. for example "Sell it now" where you can an instant bid on your vehicle etc..

RD

look at Bringatrailer.com and follow suit. Don't kill the classified forum here unless youre willing to add comments to the adds on your new site. The comments are invaluable to buyers because so much information can be learned via the input of others that the untrained eye won't catch in half-ass photos some sellers provide.

 

[RiverDave]

Just some feedback that I think may be helpful would be to have an automatic expiration of a listing at some point. That's the big struggle with str8up and powerboatlistings is that things are on those sites for years after they have already sold. You are a step ahead by having the date listed included so we can see that a listing is old AF, but maybe at 90 days the system emails the seller asking if it's still for sale and if they'd like to keep the listing active, if they don't respond in 7 days (with multiple warning emails) it deletes itself

We do have it set where the person with the listing can "edit" the ad, so they can change the price or mark it as sold.. but yes having something that reminds the seller at some pre determined date isn't a bad idea.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

look at Bringatrailer.com and follow suit. Don't kill the classified forum here unless youre willing to add comments to the adds on your new site. The comments are invaluable to buyers because so much information can be learned via the input of others that the untrained eye won't catch in half-ass photos some sellers provide.

Honestly the comments are why I think forums are a shit platform for classifieds.. same as FB etc.. Because some broke dick always has to shit on some ad for some item that he wasn't gonna buy to begin with, or couldn't afford to buy if he wanted too..

That's part of the reason why I like a system like this.

I will say inversely when the ads are submitted on here, we on the backside add appropriate #'s and the ad then goes live to instagram and Facebook within minutes. There will be comments on those I'm sure.. not sure if I'm going to moderate them or not yet.

RD

 

[eand28]

Does the toy syndicate site support WTB/ISO posts? There have been a few threads of people looking for boats and usually someone knows of a boat that is not posted for sale anywhere.

 

[RiverDave]

Does the toy syndicate site support WTB/ISO posts? There have been a few threads of people looking for boats and usually someone knows of a boat that is not posted for sale anywhere.

It doesn't currently, but it will in the future. I'm trying to figure out what the best way that looks like when it's done. There are some other things it will do in the future as well like "sell it now". where you can get a wholesale offer rapidly, and also "make an offer". where you can offer right through the site to the buyer etc..

RD

 

[Fun Times]

We do have it set where the person with the listing can "edit" the ad, so they can change the price or mark it as sold.. but yes having something that reminds the seller at some pre determined date isn't a bad idea.

RD

A reminder post for you, https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...oy-syndicate-website-updates-question.284351/

 

[ArizonaKevin]

We do have it set where the person with the listing can "edit" the ad, so they can change the price or mark it as sold.. but yes having something that reminds the seller at some pre determined date isn't a bad idea.

RD

Reminders are nice, and then provisions that an add will automatically go away after a certain time period of being stagnant. Had a family friend that was looking to list a boat for sale and was using powerboatlistings as a reference to pre-covid pricing, having old stagnant listings gives a skewed overall impression of the market.

Honestly the comments are why I think forums are a shit platform for classifieds.. same as FB etc.. Because some broke dick always has to shit on some ad for some item that he wasn't gonna buy to begin with, or couldn't afford to buy if he wanted too..

That's part of the reason why I like a system like this.

I will say inversely when the ads are submitted on here, we on the backside add appropriate #'s and the ad then goes live to instagram and Facebook within minutes. There will be comments on those I'm sure.. not sure if I'm going to moderate them or not yet.

RD

Similar recommendation to look at BringATrailer as it relates to their social media presence, since instagram doesn't allow hyperlinks in the caption you need to have some form of link tree that is in the main caption of the instagram page so people can actually get back to your website. In my opinion, BAT does that the best of any of the classifieds.

 

[cyclone]

Honestly the comments are why I think forums are a shit platform for classifieds.. same as FB etc.. Because some broke dick always has to shit on some ad for some item that he wasn't gonna buy to begin with, or couldn't afford to buy if he wanted too..

That's part of the reason why I like a system like this.

I will say inversely when the ads are submitted on here, we on the backside add appropriate #'s and the ad then goes live to instagram and Facebook within minutes. There will be comments on those I'm sure.. not sure if I'm going to moderate them or not yet.

RD

I've bought two cars off BAT and in both transactions my decision to buy was aided by the comments provided by users who were not bidding on the cars. For example, I had no idea that a 1986 Honda CRX had plastic front fenders and that the reason every other retaining clip was missing on the car I was bidding on was due to a proficient seller who left out some the clips to prevent the fenders from cracking. Apparently differenct rates of expansion of the fenders versus the surrounding metal causes the fenders to crack if you install every inner fender well clip. Now who the hell would know that? I looked at the pics and saw a half-assed re-assebly after a paint job but according to those who know way more than I do about 1986 Honda CRX the car was rebuilt properly. Obviously this is an extreme example of my point but a similar situation arose on another car I bid on and I see it frequently on other ads there. I see your point about some users being total dumbasses in the comment section but I also see the value of the section as well.

 

[RiverDave]

A reminder post for you, https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...oy-syndicate-website-updates-question.284351/

removed.

RD

 

[Backlash]

Obviously this is your site and you can do with it whatever you like. But since you asked, why make any unnecessary changes to RDP? I honestly like going to one place for all my interests, and RDP does exactly that the way it is. I don't really use any other platforms except maybe eBay and Craigslist. I like knowing I'm going to meet with someone from this site who is a member and therefore someone I consider trustworthy. They are likely someone I've interacted with in the past. It brings a sense of comfort knowing I'm not dealing with some random tweaker selling stolen goods, and it gives me a feeling that I'm supporting RDP.

I know The Toy Syndicate has been around for some time, but I don't recall ever looking at the site for something to purchase. I always search here first.

I'd leave it the way it is if it were up to me.

Just my .02.

 

[white tortilla]

x2 on the RDP classifieds being a great option. I have listed and sold vehicles on there with no problems. I can post my ad, pictures, add pictures, respond to questions people have, vet them by looking at what else they have posted here, its a way different class of people then facebook or craigslist. the RDP classifieds is my go to. im not into paying someone to post my pictures and i still answer all the questions, take the time off work to show vehicle and risk they no show or try to do a dirty deal. if its a legit brokerage transaction where im hands off that makes sense.

im sure you can see the volume of views on RDP classifieds. killing that arm of the website will be detrimental.

 

[sintax]

Obviously this is your site and you can do with it whatever you like. But since you asked, why make any unnecessary changes to RDP? I honestly like going to one place for all my interests, and RDP does exactly that the way it is. I don't really use any other platforms except maybe eBay and Craigslist. I like knowing I'm going to meet with someone from this site who is a member and therefore someone I consider trustworthy. They are likely someone I've interacted with in the past. It brings a sense of comfort knowing I'm not dealing with some random tweaker selling stolen goods, and it gives me a feeling that I'm supporting RDP.

I know The Toy Syndicate has been around for some time, but I don't recall ever looking at the site for something to purchase. I always search here first.

I'd leave it the way it is if it were up to me.

Just my .02.

I fall into the same category as you, I have my morning routine.... Lounge, V-drive, Engine Builds, Schiada / Classics, and then Classifieds last.

If i had to go to a different site, I doubt I would

 

[RiverDave]

Obviously this is your site and you can do with it whatever you like. But since you asked, why make any unnecessary changes to RDP? I honestly like going to one place for all my interests, and RDP does exactly that the way it is. I don't really use any other platforms except maybe eBay and Craigslist. I like knowing I'm going to meet with someone from this site who is a member and therefore someone I consider trustworthy. They are likely someone I've interacted with in the past. It brings a sense of comfort knowing I'm not dealing with some random tweaker selling stolen goods, and it gives me a feeling that I'm supporting RDP.

I know The Toy Syndicate has been around for some time, but I don't recall ever looking at the site for something to purchase. I always search here first.

I'd leave it the way it is if it were up to me.

Just my .02.

There's a few reasons for it to be blunt.. but before I get into them I want to tell you flat don't just buy or sell shit to random people on RDP. There is a 140-160,000 unique IP's that go through this website every month. There has been a few scammers that got through and got a couple members selling "boat parts" or even buying boat parts and not paying.

As far as the main point of "why".. Same reason that makes the world go around.. "Money". LOL.

We have never charged for classifieds via the forums.. I paid like 12,000.00 to have a custom classifieds software developed that integrated with the forum but it was still pretty "clunky" trying to get it to integrate. Race Desert has a decent system, but it's tied to their website (not integrated).. OSO has a ok system (also not integrated), but it's tied to their deal as well.

TTS isn't tied to anything and would just be it's own for sale site.. The graphics / name / everything is designed for national or international for that matter.

As with anything it starts with that discount code, then the discount is less, and then there is no discount. Goal being to start monetizing the classifieds (like all the other guys out there) but not limit it to RDP or west coast, but to rather grow it across the country and use rdp to prime it.

RD

 

[JayBreww]

So what about the guys trying to get rid of SXS tires? You gunna charge them for that on TS?
How many times have members bought random “garage sale” items for cases of beer or such from other members?
No more of that?

 

[RiverDave]

So what about the guys trying to get rid of SXS tires? You gunna charge them for that on TS?
How many times have members bought random “garage sale” items for cases of beer or such from other members?
No more of that?

Judging by the amount of action that forum is getting, it doesn't look like it's that much?

RD

 

[Joker]

Will you be bringing back Tapatalk?

 

[RiverDave]

Will you be bringing back Tapatalk?

Fuck and No..

RD

 

[Bpracing1127]

I disagree with monetizing the classifieds. If you want to do that then charge people to be up top with a bitchen ad or something.

To me it’s another reason why forums are dying. RDP and maybe 1-3 more are going strong rest are crap!!!

Also my opinion TS is 5 years too late to the game. St8 up and others own the market share. You might steal from it but it won’t be much.


Do what you want.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Question will you be required to create an acct or will it know you are an RDP member and log you in?

 

[pixrthis]

I disagree with monetizing the classifieds. If you want to do that then charge people to be up top with a bitchen ad or something.

To me it’s another reason why forums are dying. RDP and maybe 1-3 more are going strong rest are crap!!!

Also my opinion TS is 5 years too late to the game. St8 up and others own the market share. You might steal from it but it won’t be much.


Do what you want.

They wrecked Offshoreonly but I still browse their classifieds.

 

[cyclone]

the lounge, classifieds, and new builds from the mold are about the only things I click on here. lol doubtful I'd regularly take the detour to another site. if you want to monetize it then charge people to have their ad stay at the top of the section. But if you are serious about making an entirely new site work then it should be 100 times better than the other sites already owning market share.

 

[Backlash]

There's a few reasons for it to be blunt.. but before I get into them I want to tell you flat don't just buy or sell shit to random people on RDP. There is a 140-160,000 unique IP's that go through this website every month. There has been a few scammers that got through and got a couple members selling "boat parts" or even buying boat parts and not paying.

As far as the main point of "why".. Same reason that makes the world go around.. "Money". LOL.

We have never charged for classifieds via the forums.. I paid like 12,000.00 to have a custom classifieds software developed that integrated with the forum but it was still pretty "clunky" trying to get it to integrate. Race Desert has a decent system, but it's tied to their website (not integrated).. OSO has a ok system (also not integrated), but it's tied to their deal as well.

TTS isn't tied to anything and would just be it's own for sale site.. The graphics / name / everything is designed for national or international for that matter.

As with anything it starts with that discount code, then the discount is less, and then there is no discount. Goal being to start monetizing the classifieds (like all the other guys out there) but not limit it to RDP or west coast, but to rather grow it across the country and use rdp to prime it.

RD

Like I stated, this is YOUR site which supports your livelihood, so you're going to do as you'd like regardless of what any of us say. But, from some of the responses, it seems like this may not work as well as you'd hoped. A lot of us are happy with the way the site is currently set up and happy with the ease of use. I guess there's only one way to find out.

When I hear the name "The Toy Syndicate," I have visions of $200K sand rails, $500K Prevost Coaches with matching double-stack haulers and $1 million custom boats. Boats like @Tank just bought come to mind.

While those are all dream purchases for most of us, how many members on RDP are in a position to buy/sell goods like that?

I know you're looking at this as a way to grow your business and improve your cash flow. I think we all get that. But there are a LOT of members who appreciate and enjoy the classified section just the way it is. I think changing it has the risk of doing more harm than good.

I've said more than my fair share and hopefully I haven't upset the powers that be. I'll leave it at that and I guess we'll see what happens and what changes are made (If any).

 

[brianwhiteboy]

Not sure if you’re looking for $.02….

I’d certainly give the new site a looksie, but eliminating the classifieds entirely wouldn’t be awesome, in my humble opinion.

I, like many, look at the lounge, classifieds and even the dungeon multiple times on a daily basis.The classifieds have served as a convenient, sometimes opportunistic way to buy (and sell) things you weren’t necessarily looking for, and usually from the local membership. It’s our own swap meet. It’s the essence of RDP. It’s your hotdog combo of Costco…where you might be leaving money on the table, but it’s what draws people to the website.

If your platform is helping facilitate sales of higher end things (price point being subjective) then you certainly should get a kickback, via ad fee, subscription, etc., but for small ticket items, the classifieds have served the inmates perfectly.
Maybe that hasn’t served your pocketbook, and that’s perhaps why we’re here, rightfully so.

I don’t run a website, have zero idea the costs and work involved. I just know from an inmate standpoint, I would hate to see them discontinued. Doubtful i would venture to another website unless I had a specific purchase in mind.

 

[pixrthis]

Facebook market place is the go to for classifieds right now, with it being free and its reach I don’t see it changing.

 

[Icky]

If you're looking for more $, you should start charging for gummy ads

 

[Tank]

I agree with others. I peruse the classifieds. Part entertainment, part “what if there is something that I want that I don’t know i want yet”. I sold our Yukon on there. I bought a very nice mountain bike and I’ve bought and sold other small stuff in there.

For boats I look at the offshore only classifieds (OSO also for tow rigs and motors), powerboat listings, boat trader, and yacht world nearly daily.

For cars I look at eBay and auto trader.

For stuff just to check out I’ll look here and Facebook marketplace. I don’t belong to Facebook so, never bought or sold anything on it.

When I sold our last cigarette I put it on here just in case someone on the site would be interested but frankly, I didn’t expect it would sell on here, and it didn’t. It sold off of either powerboat listings or offshore only.

I’ve gone on and checked toysyndicate a few times. Seems like it’s been kinda stagnant for a while. The old ads drive me fuckin crazy. I agree with an auto expiration date.

Personally, I think the sales websites are pretty saturated and people are set in their searching ways. On the flip side of that Craigslist DOMINATED the market forever but now not so much. Now I’d say it’s marketplace. With bring a Trailer up there as well. The common denominator there? They’re free.

I’m a firm believer change is good and to grow expand and keep things fresh you need to try new things and change it up. But, people inherently dislike change.

With that said, I think it’s a good business plan to merge TS into RDP to grow it and reach more people, but I also don’t think 90plus percent of the people in here are your targeted market for TS. So, conundrum.

My one recommendation would be, bring it over and link it however you plan on doing it and dump the current way you do classifieds BUT leave one forum area called swap shop where people can still list the garage sales, the smaller random stuff etc. and if someone beats it up well that’s the chance you take in swap shop where people can leave comments.

It would be a win win. You get to expand and grow and keep the inmates happy at the same time.

Just my .02

 

[2Driver]

Looks nice, I like the layout, easy to navigate.

Anyway to keep people from putting BS keyword tags in ads?

It kills the search feature functionality. If I search for a Lavey I don’t want a whole bunch of other stuff to come up.

 

[white tortilla]

if classifieds go away I predict a 1000% increase in free “what’s it worth” ads in the lounge

 

[CommanderLee]

So what about the guys trying to get rid of SXS tires? You gunna charge them for that on TS?
How many times have members bought random “garage sale” items for cases of beer or such from other members?
No more of that?

I was going to ask the same question about folks selling items other than boats and cars. I always hit the classifieds on here for vehicles I can't afford and then hit "Everything Else" for maybe things I can afford. In fact I bought my hitch from there and the Ups and Downs Christmas ornaments. So maybe leave the everything else and boat parts sections?

 

[JayBreww]

I was going to ask the same question about folks selling items other than boats and cars. I always hit the classifieds on here for vehicles I can't afford and then hit "Everything Else" for maybe things I can afford. In fact I bought my hitch from there and the Ups and Downs Christmas ornaments. So maybe leave the everything else and boat parts sections?

And then when someone posts a vehicle or boat, RD could delete it and request it be moved to his TS page.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

maybe you could keep the classifieds section as is, but only allow listings in the RDP classifieds that are cross-posted to TS, as simple as just putting the link down in the classifieds. That way the people that want to have additional traffic to their add and aren't worried about BS pricing comments have the ability to post down there, but if someone doesn't want the peanut gallery they can have it listed in TS only.

 

[RiverDave]

Well I got a million bugs to fix already.. I'll read the comments and go through them and try to respond accordingly.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Like I stated, this is YOUR site which supports your livelihood, so you're going to do as you'd like regardless of what any of us say. But, from some of the responses, it seems like this may not work as well as you'd hoped. A lot of us are happy with the way the site is currently set up and happy with the ease of use. I guess there's only one way to find out.

When I hear the name "The Toy Syndicate," I have visions of $200K sand rails, $500K Prevost Coaches with matching double-stack haulers and $1 million custom boats. Boats like @Tank just bought come to mind.

While those are all dream purchases for most of us, how many members on RDP are in a position to buy/sell goods like that?

I know you're looking at this as a way to grow your business and improve your cash flow. I think we all get that. But there are a LOT of members who appreciate and enjoy the classified section just the way it is. I think changing it has the risk of doing more harm than good.

I've said more than my fair share and hopefully I haven't upset the powers that be. I'll leave it at that and I guess we'll see what happens and what changes are made (If any).

Well the listing price is only 100.00 so it shouldn't be to large of a barrier to entry for normal toys.. but yes the site does have an upscale feel to it by design.

I agree whole heartedly who doesn't enjoy selling something for free? LOL. I have told this story on here before, but I was at roadrunner once and this guy says "You're riverdave right? I sold my trailer on your website, I sold my boat on there and a couple other things.. You should give me a free shirt."

Now that's kind of the extreme, but the reality of it is, none of these buy / sell sites are anything to write home about, and if you knew the kinda money they were bringing in each month you'd fall off your chair. I'd like to develop one that is primed by rdp but isn't rdp in the hopes that it goes nationwide..

RD

 

[RiverDave]

if classifieds go away I predict a 1000% increase in free “what’s it worth” ads in the lounge

LOL.. People been kinda abusing that lately.

RD

 

[adam909]

GlamisDunes.com did the same thing years ago.. They charged for the classifieds and after awhile they went back to free.. But to me during that time of charging the site just went down hill and has never been the same..

 

[RiverDave]

GlamisDunes.com did the same thing years ago.. They charged for the classifieds and after awhile they went back to free.. But to me during that time of charging the site just went down hill and has never been the same..

That's why it's a separate site..

Honestly I own a forum, and could never figure out how to navigate that site.. It was complicated as F!

RD

 

[fat rat]

Made several attempts to list a couple items…..didn’t work!

 

[RiverDave]

Made several attempts to list a couple items…..didn’t work!

The start selling button is the first bug we are sorting.. LOL. Weirdly when you have the admin login everything works fine.. I forgot to test it as a new user. Should be fixed shortly.

RD

 

[Member: 71]

Talking about classifieds (OSO)… you know what grinds my gears… a $700k+ boat ad, with a 1kb picture or worse and upside down 1kb boat picture.

 

[RiverDave]

Made several attempts to list a couple items…..didn’t work!

Try it again and let me know

RD

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I look at the classifieds daily, and have sold/ bought plenty of things, from small freebie stuff to cars/ boats. The majority of it has been small stuff- the boats I have listed here have ended up selling on CL. I also like being able to go back and look at older ads to see what stuff was listed and sold for in 2015, or 2020, or whenever.

It’s nice to be able to find small stuff- gauges, steering wheels, props, etc, for those of us running older boats and prefer not to upgrade to the latest and greatest. Plus used RZR parts, truck parts/ tires/ wheels, non-RV trailers, etc. I will often post up little stuff taking space in my garage or respond to wanted ads for small stuff that might otherwise get tossed. I would rather give away something small to a member than argue for beer money on OfferUp or CL. That being said, I am one of the odd ducks who has success (and patience for) selling small stuff on OfferUp, like tires and car parts.

Members shitting on prices is really the main issue I see in the current classifieds- but it seems to be handled by the mods when it happens. If possible, allowing members to clean up their own ad when this happens would be a nice feature.

I understand the need for a Toy Syndicate level of classifieds- and I’ve looked at TS a couple of times, but to be honest, I much prefer the look and feel of forum based classifieds. I want to be able to see a large number of classifieds at a glance that are already filtered by type (car, boat, rv, etc) and I don’t need to see pictures until I open the ad- just item, price, location. I realize that I am a dinosaur in this regard and many would not share this view. That is why I’m only on forums and not mainstream social media.

I don’t buy or sell high enough dollar stuff to be paying $100 (or even 50) to post them online- not when there is FB marketplace, OfferUp, and CL. If I were playing in that arena, I would list with a broker or through the manufacturer. A lot of the high level/ rare/ special stuff seems to sell through word of mouth anyway.

I don’t ever let my guard down when buying or selling online- but when I do a transaction with someone who has been on RDP for awhile and has a searchable post history, I feel more comfortable than dealing with a complete stranger on CL or OfferUp. I have met several members this way.

Anyhow, my big comment here is, please do not remove the small classifieds for parts, pro-shop, etc.

 

[traquer]

I like CL because it's fast and easy. So whatever you do, I'd highlight that aspect. Especially if it's something you gotta pay for. Or if it's not, then it needs to be a concierge like approach like the original BAT. Remember that the site for now will be much different than the site it will become. The point is to get traction, in the beginning, no matter what.

Also, I'm not a mobile phone person when it comes to doing serious business, but everyone else seems to be, so the mobile experience must be great as well including listing items. Probably why offerup took off, it doesn't even work anymore on the computer it's app-only. So I guess that's the future.

Another thing, you go on CL and it's the same as old school Google, you get relaxed by it's boringness and you just know it's gonna work, and work fast. No popups, no bullshit. Something to take away from there maybe

Also I think being "upscale" is fine, but it's a very thin line. A public classifieds website won't feel exclusive because it's not, even if it's expensive to list. It's just a website at the end of the day. BAT works because their listings have to be hand-approved my mods (I think). If you bake in stuff like that and make it obvious that there's more than meets the eye when you press "submit my listing", that could be an excellent selling point I think?

 

[RiverDave]

I like CL because it's fast and easy. So whatever you do, I'd highlight that aspect. Especially if it's something you gotta pay for. Or if it's not, then it needs to be a concierge like approach like the original BAT. Remember that the site for now will be much different than the site it will become. The point is to get traction, in the beginning, no matter what.

Also, I'm not a mobile phone person when it comes to doing serious business, but everyone else seems to be, so the mobile experience must be great as well including listing items. Probably why offerup took off, it doesn't even work anymore on the computer it's app-only. So I guess that's the future.

Another thing, you go on CL and it's the same as old school Google, you get relaxed by it's boringness and you just know it's gonna work, and work fast. No popups, no bullshit. Something to take away from there maybe

Also I think being "upscale" is fine, but it's a very thin line. A public classifieds website won't feel exclusive because it's not, even if it's expensive to list. It's just a website at the end of the day. BAT works because their listings have to be hand-approved my mods (I think). If you bake in stuff like that and make it obvious that there's more than meets the eye when you press "submit my listing", that could be an excellent selling point I think?

All ads are hand approved and they themselves are improved upon by the back end guy by helping to select the right cover photo when someone forgets.. adding searchable criteria for social media etc.. the 100.00 isn’t worthless their is value there.

I dunno anyone that uses Craigslist anymore.. the scammers the bullshit it’s insane. Fb market place has become “is this item still available?” Over and over..

These sites are a small bridge from a broker that will actually show the you for 6-10%.. to people that want to sell themselves but don’t want to deal with all the shit of putting them in multiple locations. Let alone trying to learn seo on the web and social media sites to get seen.



RD

 

[traquer]

All ads are hand approved and they themselves are improved upon by the back end guy by helping to select the right cover photo when someone forgets.. adding searchable criteria for social media etc.. the 100.00 isn’t worthless their is value there.

I dunno anyone that uses Craigslist anymore.. the scammers the bullshit it’s insane. Fb market place has become “is this item still available?” Over and over..

These sites are a small bridge from a broker that will actually show the you for 6-10%.. to people that want to sell themselves but don’t want to deal with all the shit of putting them in multiple locations. Let alone trying to learn seo on the web and social media sites to get seen.



RD

Nice. Well I will list my next vehicle on there for sure! Good luck with it man!

 

[traquer]

Also someone mentioned listings expiring, but there's a trade-off from an SEO point of view--if you keep the old listing up and accessible, it can continue to drive a lot of traffic and visibility for the site. Just be sure to mark that it's sold lol!

If you do that though, there should be related listings shown that would make the page worth something for the user. Otherwise remove the page. Maybe they're looking for a certain 24' Lavey, and it's marked sold, but there's other available 24 boats like a 24 Essex and Hallet in the similar price range shown as "related" listings. That could be very valuable! All other sites lump boats together and you'll see a 24 Pavati being recommended as a "related" boat when you're really looking for a Shiada in the same price range..

 

[Backlash]

All ads are hand approved and they themselves are improved upon by the back end guy by helping to select the right cover photo when someone forgets.. adding searchable criteria for social media etc.. the 100.00 isn’t worthless their is value there.

I dunno anyone that uses Craigslist anymore.. the scammers the bullshit it’s insane. Fb market place has become “is this item still available?” Over and over..

These sites are a small bridge from a broker that will actually show the you for 6-10%.. to people that want to sell themselves but don’t want to deal with all the shit of putting them in multiple locations. Let alone trying to learn seo on the web and social media sites to get seen.



RD

I thought you knew me??

I use Craigslist quite a bit being here in the LA area. You can find anything and everything you may or may not be looking for. Hell, I just scored a killer deal on a "New to me" toy last week. And the transaction went smoothly and the seller turned out to be a helluva nice guy! It was a win-win for both parties.

Back to RDP classifieds..... I scored some wheels for a project from a member here on this site. The selling price was less than $100. So, in an instance like that, it wouldn't make much sense to charge for an ad if the seller had to pay a flat fee to get rid of items like those.

For a large ticket item like a car/boat, I could see there being some advantage......but not for everyday items with less value like we see on many of the classified ads here.

 

[King295]

So what about the guys trying to get rid of SXS tires? You gunna charge them for that on TS?
How many times have members bought random “garage sale” items for cases of beer or such from other members?
No more of that?

I've used RDP to move a ton of stuff at heavily discounted or free prices and picked up quite a few things as well. I visit the classifieds as much as I do the rest of the site.

Aside from the few dick comments in response to ads, like cyclone mentioned above, I often learn something about what is being sold. I think there is value there but Dave is running a business, how it will impact his engagement, TBD.

 

[Joker]

I would never go onto this new site to look for anything let alone sell anything. Leave well enough alone. I understand your desire to increase your wealth but this ain’t gonna end well.