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July 13, 2010 - 10:11pm
#1
Want sub-forum for buying / selling used gear (marketplace)
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We decided early on that we didn't want our forum to be used for the buying/selling of goods or services. See here.
We don't have the resources to properly oversee those kinds of transactions, and there are other places on the Web set up to do it.
Well, I figured as much ...hence, I set up the poll. If enough people are interested from poll response, will you/Stereophile re-consider investing in such a service?
BTW: besides Audiogon and eBay, and the aformentioned forum marketplaces I noted, what are the "other places on the Web set up to do it"?
I don't know, but we can discuss it.
Those are the ones I was thinking of.
I agree in that Audiogon is a great forum for buying and selling. I would probably support the Phile site, but I also agree it might be too much work. I would think managing this forum is enough.
GREAT -- and democratic !!!
Those are the ones I was thinking of.
Well, both those places do so at a charge -- and sometimes for a hefty charge. A Stereophile marketplace could (should) be free, which would facilitate the exchange of stuff folks want. I like LPs can buy and offer some for sale. All one really needs is a PayPal account. eBay and Audiogon are in many ways hyped-up "fluff" -- they do have reputation and the buyer/seller ranking engine going for them. But the "State of Nature" isn't bad. If some rip-off artist tries to scam on a hypothetical Stereophile marketplace sub-forum, I'm sure members will post and expose the nefarious party --- quickly and efficiently. And ... PayPal is great about reimbursement.
Bottom line: All one really needs is a forum and PayPal.
Without wanting to appear to be a wet blanket, if the marketplace forum is free to users, how does Stereophile pay for the logistical and staff support?
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
Over the last year I have bought quite a lot of used music off Amazon, which has allowed me to buy more than I normally would, and to buy things I might not try. I have not been disappointed so far.
Started doing the same thing on DVDs that Diane and Nick enjoy. The only bumnmer was Lady In The Water, but it was under $1. I do wish M Night would get his boogy back.
Put Google Ads, other Pay-Per-Click ads and/or the same affiliate ads that currently run on other Stereophile pages. Or cut back a bit on other "services" and go for the marketplace as an experiment.
Frankly, even if it Stereophile did (ultimately) charge the same fees as eBay or Audiogon, I'd go with Stereophile ... simply because it has the "correct" audience and would get me the used gear I want, or help me hock stuff of my own. I read your rag ... I know the gear ... so why not stick with Stereophile when it comes to buying / selling? Isn't that the great Google marketing/business model: your all-in-one source for everything.