What do you want to see in "For Sale" listings here?

[Kevin H]

I'm not entirely comfortable in having "For Sale" listings in this forum that do not include any identifying details for the seller, and/or the item being offered for sale (in the case of whole cars).

In the interests of our "members" I am thinking of creating some mandatory requirements for "For Sale" listings. However, I would like to strike a balance between the needs of sellers and potential buyers, after all, we have sites like eBay where both parties can remain anonymous for all intents and purposes, at least until a sale is concluded. On the other hand eBay does have a rating system and offers some protection for buyers (which I am not offering to replicate!).

I'm interested in hearing the views of members of this site as to what the For Sale listing requirements should be. So if you have any suggestions please post them in this thread.

Caveat: I can't promise to implement every suggestion, but please don't let that deter you from making any :-)

[Claude]

Kevin,

We're a small fraternity, thus when someone joins up and makes vague postings with a car or parts for sale that does not pass the smell test, there should be a way to challenge them. Given there are so few for-sale ads, perhaps the moderator can have them held for moderation and if they sound suspicious to require the posting member provide more detail via email or PM before it is allowed. You also can write a sticky that requires more information... like

1) Do you own the car & parts for sale or are you brokering them?
2) Please provide specific details including photographs, certifying you took the photograph and hold the copyright to it


Claude

[Kevin H]

Claude,
As I am the only "moderator" and I am time poor, I don't have the time to start quizzing people about the item they are offering for sale.

I would rather simply create a requirement for people to include certain details. I can create a sticky with "posting rules".

That said, the first post for ALL new members is moderated, and I do stop a lot of spam from ever being published.

I could make the For Sale forum moderated then I would have to moderate every post, which is not a viable option for me.

Of course there's nothing to stop other members from publicly posting questions about any item offered for sale. If the seller declines to respond or is evasive then that allows potential buyers to draw their own conclusions.

Kevin