I was just wondering if there would ever be a time when we would have a classifieds section on CDI.  I know that I have recently sold a few things to pay for the funky oval and I know a few others here have items for sale as well.  I recognize that it might be a bit problematic and understand if we wouldn't, but just thought that I would throw the question out there. 

And, forgive me if someone has already asked about this somewhere else and I missed it...

Great idea.

Maybe there should be a rule that said that you would have to have bought someting from David before you are allowed to sell? That way we would now that the person selling is trustworthy. 

I've been looking into this for some time. The problem is that I need a section that "delays" posts. We don't want people posting items until we've checked out the post thoroughly. They've told me the new release of the forum software will have this feature. So I need to upgrade and then visit this idea again.

Classifieds also bring with it the need for very close moderation. But like I said, the #1 issue is the approval part. We don't want just anyone to waltz in here and post a bogus item so there needs to be some checks and balances so that doesn't happen.

An upgrade will require my closing down the forum for a few hours as well.

It does. There are features I want right away but there is so much to do to get started!

Great idea Ace!

Without question, we WILL have a classified section in the near future.....

I can lock a thread then no one can post on the classifieds that are up there.  But it's worth looking into to see what can and can't be done in this regard.

Would it be worth a few dollars to post something? (see david's post above.)

We would not set it up like the ebay fees. There are fees hidden everywhere there.

How about $1000 to list any item of $5 or less.
We would charge $2000 for any itme of $1000 or more.
This way it's not at all confusing.

Seriously....there are different ways to look at this.
One way would be to charge at the time of the actual listing- the other would be to charge a commission if the item sells.

If we want to keep it squeeky clean, it would require labor getting the listings posted- so maybe the first way is best....

KK...you and I both know that would mean you would be buying everything...nothing would ever make it to the Classifieds!!!

LOL 

How about a nominal one-time (or annual?)  fee to be allowed to post classifieds?  Enough to scare away "junk" classified posters, but not enough to hamper the regulars.  This'd also be a way of getting around having to personally inspect every single ad by the 'regulars'...  the first listing would be subject to moderator/admin approval, after which the member could pay the listing fee and be added to a usergroup which allows them to post new topics in the Classified section (also keeps both CDI and the classified poster from having to calculate out %'s fees on every listing).  Non-usergroup members would be able to read and post in the Classifieds, but not start topics.  I think this should be possible and relatively easy in SMF...  I could do some test runs in my lil' private SMF forum if needed.

I'll leave the sorting out of fees to the rest of ya...  maybe a two-tiered fee schedule depending on item value - i.e. $XX for items under $1000 only, and $XXX for items of any value...?

Gemelli - I was playing with that idea the other day. I think I ran into a snag though with the posting part. I'll give it a test run with a regular member account. Any testing on your on your test smf is great. I am open to imput.

I would think that Paypal would be the way to go. Entering a CC# to get this thing going might be pretty fancy. But I'll see if there are any modifications that would allow this.

Gemelli, before we go any further, let me tell you how grateful we are for your input! YOU certainly bring a lot of knowledge to the table!

In my concept, the SSL ( ability to accept credit cards for purchase through an online page) is crucial.
Yes, talking to the person, and getting the CC number is a great way to handle our current type of selection. That being high dollar items.
For example, paypal has a $10,000 limit ( I believe)
If we went that way, over half of our stuff would not be directly avaialbe online.

SO, in my mind, setting up a page where folks will feel comfortable entering a CC· to purchase something from the DBL store, would facilitate the use of CC# to place a classified ad.
The seller will have to enter a phone number. We'll make this manditory so we can call any lister that looks questionable and check them out.