New forum needed for buying and selling stuff...

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I must have read about three posts today that were offering stuff for sale, or looking to buy stuff. Now I really don’t want to get on my “old school Internet → Don’t post off topic; don’t sell stuff on this list” soapbox.

But I would like to offer a suggestion, that a “For Sale” forum be created for people who are looking to buy or sell stuff. In that way, we can concetrate on our opining on General Topics and sellers and buyers can concentrate on their transactions.

I look forward to a lively discussion and input from our friend Bergie.

Later…

2

If you wi***o use this forum then we need a designated member who can act as a clearing agent who can match buy/sell orders .

Keep a inventory of requests and match buyer/seller order and then let them negotiate the terms.

If the item trades away you delist it.

A Monday morning weekly post announment as a reminder to all and direct all requests direct to the agent’s e-mail address.

To keep things simple for the agent, I think one per gauge could work.

3

There already is one, it’s called ebay. I also don’t like to see things for sale as a topic, but don’t mind links to new products found. FRED

4

I agree with using ebay - there are built in security checks to protect the seller and buyer. You couls also create your own forum with a number of free forum services that are on the net.

5

I was thinking that this new forum would be like the classified adds in the paper - low tech - low maintenance.

My point for suggesting this new forum was to give these sellers and buyers somewhere to post so I don’t have to look at them.

As for Ebay - I agree that it is a good, although not a perfect, place to buy and sell stuff. The problem is that someone already posted an Ebay link to this forum.

So far, I think that we all agree that buy and sell ads have no place in this forum.

6

Ebay has worked for me. Keep the want ads out of the forum.

7

Two cents time: I’m all for staying ON TOPIC. Any novice reading the three existing forums wouldn’t easily be able to tell one from another. As things currently are the forum topic is taken as a ‘suggestion’. So, I for one, wouldn’t mind a want ads forum, welcome it in fact, IF it led to closer adherence to the existing topical structure. Anyone think it would?

Andy, as an alternative how about having a moderator delete the off topic posts?

Randy

8

Kalmbach probably ,
a] does not want to deal with the potential liability of a free “for sale” service, or b ] theoretically undermine their own “online classifieds” any more than necessary.

Although they have online classifieds, I don’t think most folks are willing to pay their rates [ classifieds aren’t patronized in the actual magazines much any more either…too expensive…and probably " not fast enough" for today’s society ].

As a side note, I saw a flash note on CNN yesterday that online auctions are now the #1 internet fraud category. So be careful with any online auction service.
A good NON-AUCTION buy-sell site would be welcome, IMHO.

There are other smaller forums that do have online “for sale” sections…the-gauge, railroad-line, trainboard, etc., intended for non-commercial sellers…but not always rigid in this rule.
regards
Mike[:)]

9

There used to be an email list on “egroups” which is now “yahoo groups” specifically for buying and selling rail related items including models. I sold a couple of PK2 FA-1 locomotives on that forum a few years ago. As happens with age and time, I can’t remember the name of the forum, but it very likely still exists. Check out yahoo groups and see.

Ed

10

I am setting up such a forum/bulletinboard. It will be free, a simple buy, sell or trade bulletinboard service. Just like putting up a 3x5 card and waiting for some to contact you. The difference is that you will have a focused audience. The buyer/seller/traders will contact each other, I will not be involved in any transactions. I will only be running the board.

I will let you know when I get it up and running.

11

Ebay is the forum. Know what you’re buying. Ask questions. Model railroaders tend to be an honest lot. It’s the ones who “don’t know much about model railroading” and the ones who omit important information (such as whether a locomotive runs) that you have to look out for. Let’s just exchange information here.

Regards,
Peter

12

I thought that a " FORUM " was made for conversation???. Keep IT Simple Stupid…
… THATS WHAT EBAY IS FOR!!!

13

I don’t see anything wrong with a classifieds forum…ebay is great if you want to bid, but by and large it’s been taken over buy pro-ebayers. Ebay has grown beyond the average Joe who wants to sell or trade an item and god forbid doesn’t take Paypal or Bid pay or whatever. Sellers and wanteds…no pros. Make a different forum catagory in trains.com…that way the folks whom it seems to upset don’t have to go there. And it will get it out of the discussion groups. My $.02.

14

Gee,I guess I AM stupid…[:o)]…I thought this thread WAS a conversation…go figure…thanks for straightening me out, dlwfan…hope everyone else understands, too.[B)]
Seriously, I look forward to what you’re going to do, Dave Huff. As I said, what’s needed is a NON-AUCTION format…and thank you.[:D]
regards
Mike