Terry,

Lots of ways to do this...but probably lots of work as well.

Perhaps set up a Pay Pal Trad Gang account and both Buyers and Sellers pay a flat fee per transaction, say $5.00 each?  

You could make it a voluntary thing to see how it works out and have a rainy day fund for TG.

Great job as always!

Bob

Great idea!

I like the fee and the post count. I am with the mods on this

I think a classifieds fee is a great idea. I also agree with admin. requiring personal information, but think it should be up to the individual as to what is posted for general viewing. I'm in agreement with minimum post count as well as a grab bag forum. Heck, I bought my truck off of a predominately traditional archery forum.
I wouldn't want my phone number or street address posted in my profile, but would be glad to share that info. with admin. I always offer my phone number to anyone that I am dealing with and ask for their number as well. I will never again deal with anyone who will not talk with me or send pictures of their offering.

It sounds like y'all are on the right track.

I'm for it.  Good idea, Terry & Rob!

Although I have no complaints with the minimum-post rule I understand that some would much rather read than write...and that their post counts are going to be lower because of it.


I like the idea of a one time fee.  Heck I like the idea of an annual fee.  If someone wants to complain about that I'd make clear the fact that to be a part of the tradgang community is ABSOLUTELY FREE!  If you'd like to use this community as a means to move funds and/or goods though you must put down your earnest.

There's a reason "Put your money where you mouth is" became such a popular cliche.


Mind you, I'm writing all of this as a B-R-O-K-E 25 year old who is between jobs and trying to make due with a self-employed gig.

I like the fee and the post count. I am with the mods on this

I have bought one bow and one quiver from the classified on TG but I have used them extensively over the past few years to learn about what different brands and styles look like. I enjoy the window shopping that the classifieds have allowed me and am very glad to here that Terry and team are figuring out new and better ways to keep it safe for us. I appreciate your countless hours. Thanks

     Can't wait to see the results Terry. I meant what I said in my email. Just give me a buzz.

Mike

I would gladly pay, and go with whatever the mods decide 100%. Thanks for a great site, Shane

Oooh!
I would like to keep my addy and phone to myself until I decide to deal.

Killdeer  

An annual fee works for me, I am very happy you guys are working this out for all of us who enjoy coming here, this is the last site I check out before bed, and the first site I'm on first thing in the morning. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thanks much for all of your hard work to make this a great site! DK.

Any way you could post number of sales for determination of a trades? Most guys on here know each other. I saw where another guy had written he knew a guy with less than 100 post. I felt better seeing that effort for new members. Happy to pay to make the system as safe as possible. Thanks Guys for the site!!

Terry you made this site what it is today and I'm behind you 100% Being able to belong to this site is a privilege

My thought is that to do any dealing you must have "references,"  that is, 1-2 other tradgang members who can affirm your character.  Most of us have friends and those we have met on here, at various shoots, or business dealings.  How about each of us who want to use classifieds need to be connected. I realize that limits some, but it will also encourage the development of friendships with others.  Somebody could still be crooked- but they would be misdealing before their peers.

My 2C
Dan Rudman in KS

I like the concept of user fees as stated by so many others in previous posts.  I think those on the fence might be swayed if they knew fees collected would be earmarked for something like st judes childrens hospital charity.  That way they can shop and do a good deed at the same time.

Have you considered requiring a referral from existing members (and all with less than xxx posts)before a newbee is accepted?  I found the site after selling a bow on the other site as a newbee and my buyer "Shick" referred me to TG. I'm not much for communicating when I have to type, so I don't post much.  Do enjoy the classified wish list a lot! Do what you must and we'll all decide what to do next.

I like the concept of user fees as stated by so many others in previous posts.  I think those on the fence might be swayed if they knew fees collected would be earmarked for something like st judes childrens hospital charity.  That way they can shop and do a good deed at the same time.

I think the user fee is a good solid idea!
Thanks for working this out! It is appreciated by all I'm sure.

Jerry

Terry,

I think a fee is a great idea.

I believe there should be a 100 post OR at least one reference as a buyer rule, whichever one an individual achieves first.

Use of PayPal might be beneficial too.

Something else to consider would be to use snail-mail to send an applicant their password after you receive their fee.  That way you have a real address for them and the time the whole process takes might deter some of the "get rich quick" types.

Thanks again - John