Developing an idea: Classifieds

[BeelzeBob]

As you may have noticed, Poncho suggested that we get a classifieds system together. I think it's a great idea because there will be plenty of people with parts to sell to people who are willing to buy them..

The software that I'd like to purchase can be reviewed here:
http://geodesicsolutions.com/product...ds_premier.htm

I could certainly offset the cost by charging a small fee to advertise parts - which could easily be offset by YOU by charging a small fee FOR the part. This would ALSO offset the cost of hosting and bandwidth charges if the classified section becomes busy enough..

What I'd like to know is... How are these for prices? Please vote and share your thoughts...

[Brett]

curious....what would be the difference between the new section and the section we currently have for parts...as for fees 1 buck for items over 20 dollars and .50 for everything under, i have no idea what the system would cost you so i may be out of line. but you should be able to at least offset your cost if not make a small profit...this is america still

[AKPsiMC03]

i think that the classifieds section sould be free... as well as the web site.

but... talk to different vendors and see if you can get memeber benefits and discounts for those who want to pay $40 a year to be a member. But leave everyhting free for those who just need information or a quick way to buy or sell something.

It works for most other clubs and works very well. I know i'd pay $40 a year to get discounts that could pay for themselves.

[BeelzeBob]

The program would cost about $500.00...

I'm glad you spoke up, Jay.. I feel differently about the whole deal than you - but I see where you're coming from. Sometimes agreeing on things is not always a good thing. Two partners who always agree on everything means one of them isn't needed.

We will, in time, get member benefits and discounts, group buys - stuff like that - and I'd like THAT to be free for everyone.. So we're thinking totally opposite here.. I think it would be more difficult to ask members for, say, $40.00 per year than a nominal fee for an ad service..

Like I said, I'm not going to make any move on anything unless I get a LOT of positive feedback on it. So far, I'm 50/50 on this and 50/50 means "it's not gonna happen".. If it turns out that most people would rather the classified section be free and pay an annual fee for special benefits, than I'd go along with that.. I just have a feeling most people want what's going to cost the least.

I mean.. How many parts would one be selling on here in a year anyway?

Let me know what you all think. I want this place to be as beneficial as possible to everyone. I don't like having to bring money into the whole concept but I've done a lot of talking to successful forum owners and they all seem to agree that if you don't start things off correctly, it'll be very difficult to correct them later..

When I started my first serious forum project, I never even considered selling banner ads or asking for donations.. Now 80sxchange.com is about to start costing me $300.00 per month out of my own pocket and it's a little late to start asking for relief...

[Brett]

well sal using your logic i guess im not needed....fine.... hehe

[the Sandman]

First off, I don't think we're at the point where we need such a sophisticated Classifieds program - just not that many members yet.

Second, I think it could be a good idea to charge a nominal membership fee - $5 or $10 a year - to raise some operating funds and to keep things a bit more serious and official since people tend to respect things they pay for more than things they get for free. However, I think it's too early to do this until we're through our first year - we need to build our member base up to a couple thousand first. Then we can consider it.

In the meantime, why not have a whole section for Classifieds with separate forums for cars, restoration parts, high-performance parts, and group purchases. So far Moderating the Classifeds has been no problem and I think I can keep it organized even if it fills out and gets more traffic.

For now, we don't need no stinkin' $500 program to organize our Classifieds!

[Brett]

i gotta agree with sandman...seems we got it covered for the time being, without spending any extra money

[BeelzeBob]

Okay. I'm liking the "Classifieds" forum. It can replace the the "For Sale" forum.. How shall it be arranged? What I have in mind is this:

Classified Forum (Parent forum)
- All posts in here are for parts unrelated to any particular car

- Northstar automobiles for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Northstar parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Pushrod automobiles for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Pushrod parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Universal Cadillac parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)


What are your thoughts? Let me know and I'll get this going tonight - if you're quick enough.

[Brett]

looks good

[the Sandman]

Originally posted by Sal Collaziano
Okay. I'm liking the "Classifieds" forum. It can replace the the "For Sale" forum.. How shall it be arranged? What I have in mind is this:

Classified Forum (Parent forum)
- All posts in here are for parts unrelated to any particular car

- Northstar automobiles for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Northstar parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Pushrod automobiles for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Pushrod parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)
- Universal Cadillac parts for sale (sub forum of parent forum)


What are your thoughts? Let me know and I'll get this going tonight - if you're quick enough.

I'd like to see a Group Purchase section - this will encourage people to think about organizing a GP.

Not sure of the difference between the "Universal" subforum and the Parent ("All posts in here are for parts unrelated to any particular car").

The cars that came with both Northstar and pushrod motors would be broken up, so someone interested in an Allante for example would have to look in two places. Also, for some parts, wheels in particular, the differentiating factor is FWD vs RWD, not Northstar vs pushrod.

Why not start with Cars for sale/wanted, parts for sale/wanted, and Group Purchases. We can always break it down further if need be.