Classifieds, Information that may help you

[GNandGS]

You may have noticed that classifieds (posts with items for sale or wanted) have been removed from the forum and now those sections link to a page that looks slightly different.

The configuration is still in progress but "working" as is. You may find a snag here or there - just let me know! Note: forum login is not linked to classifieds. I wanted to but could not (separate database). If you make the ID and password the same though this will make it very easy for you.

Main page
After registration and login, you can from any page click the "Submit Ad" button and choose the category from dropdown. Currently you need not login to respond to adverts (sellers let me know if this is an issue)

(IMG:http://volksriders.org/vrgallery/albums/userpics/10001/classifieds_key_s.jpg)

For sale/wanted item detail
When something is posted for sale there are a number of questions that are asked of you. This is to ensure the BUYER has good information and asks less questions. This means sellers will have to provide these details before their advert shows in system. Remember: this is to help you SELL. Always think of what the buyer would want to see and include that information.

(IMG:http://volksriders.org/vrgallery/albums/userpics/10001/classifieds_key2_s.jpg)


Response
Because this is not a forum based classifieds tool, your questions as the buyer will not be shown to the public. Instead, they are sent via email directly to the seller. This means that the "deal" will be done privately.

(IMG:http://volksriders.org/vrgallery/albums/userpics/10001/classifieds_key3_s.jpg)


Quick note on private sales...
Just because the deal may have been done privately, please do be aware that someone may choose to provide feedback about the deal publicly. Either here in the forum or other places. Nothing new about this but best I mention it. Personally, EVERY deal I make I want good feedback posted. Do not currently have a rating system but am working on it.

Tips:
* If item is about to expire, you can extend
* BUYERS! If item is about to expire seller MAY give better deal biggrin.gif But doubtful
* If item is sold, mark it as sold. Up to 15 characters can be entered
* You can modify your adverts at any time. So if you have your H/P# in the ad remove after sale (but please leave description)

[GNandGS]

Followup...

Privacy:
When you create your accounts, obviously the buyer will appreciate being able to see your profile. Buyers like that sort of thing! :) However, you need not put in your full home address.


Businesses:
In this website, a business is anyone that is a legally recognized "store" or company where their purpose is to sell goods and services. Examples would be Lai Kam Wah or Concepts. Businesses will have their adverts in a separate section from others (creating when requested)


Power Sellers:
Not sure what term fits here, "Active" sellers, "volume" sellers, etc but this group in the past has typically had a regular supply of parts for sale. While these types of sellers do exist there will not be any distinction in the classifieds!


Fees:
There are no fees for advertisements. Even "Power Sellers" post without fees. Businesses will be on a pay based system (still thinking on it) Donations welcome <wink>


Featured Ads:
This is still being worked out. It will allow a way for you to promote your adverts to a higher level. Any interest in this?

[GNandGS]

If you have trouble with signup, contact me. Anyone know "Shaha Nizam"? That person has email bouncing...

S

[GNandGS]

Any feedback? Only because I noticed a problem with a new advert today was I able to correct the duplicate "Condition" column. Please do not assume that no changes can be made! I can miss something or make a mistake so do let me know.

Any problems? Working ok? I see some looking at adverts but not sure if that equals sales or not and I do not get error reports or copies of emails so unless you let me know, I cant make corrections.

I'm working now on a way to tag items as "sold" by the seller or "found" by the wanted. After that I think I can get some integration with forum working :)

[woggie]

Dear Shawn, yes it would be good to get the SOLD tag built in.Otherwise,i have many vw or persons looking at them but no real interest in buying.Dont worry im ok with this and in no hurry to sell them all. after 30 days then i assume it dissapears right ? regards woggie :)

[GNandGS]

Depends... you should get emails telling you ad will expire... if you login and view ad you can extend.

For NOW ads shouldnt delete (just changed this a few days ago) which is why I want the sold tag - so ads can be archived or moved based on status.

[GNandGS]

"Sold" field added...

Sold Items will still be viewable. I have for a short while, removed the auto delete function on expired adverts. This is an attempt to retain a "history" that folks like to look through (just like in a forum).

If all expired items or sold items were deleted it might look a bit funny to have an empty classifieds section! After things settle or when I think of something clever the AUTO delete for EXPIRED ads will be enabled. I will be trying to move sold items not be included unless searched for and to remove the "respond" option.

If you post an item for sale that will soon expire you can login and modify your advert and extend the cutoff date. I recommend you still do that as buyers may be checking expiry dates soon (planning to allow search by "about to expire" to get good deals or last minute offers/promo)

Tips:
* If item is about to expire, you can extend
* BUYERS! If item is about to expire seller MAY give better deal :D But doubtful
* If item is sold, mark it as sold. Up to 15 characters can be entered
* You can modify your adverts at any time. So if you have your H/P# in the ad remove after sale (but please leave basic description)

Work in progress etc etc.

[woggie]

Dear Shawn , thanks for adding the input on the pages to scrol below and top for the classifieds :rolleyes: . Much easier to browse for all.

Reards
woggie

[GNandGS]

NP!

[GNandGS]

Basic keyword search form added to classifieds.... the detailed search is still avail (gray button at top) but basic search doesnt ask any questions - it searches all ads but provides a quick way to search.

This means to find what you want you can:
1: use the gray buttons "RECENT ADS" or "POPULAR ADS" etc
2: search using the detailed search form. Allows you to search by user and by section
3: "quick search"
4: poke around and browse looking through adverts

(IMG:http://volksriders.org/vrgallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_vr_class_srch.jpg)

[GNandGS]

FYI: updated from ver3 to ver4... previous modifications have been reset. Do not panic, I will reapply them soon! :)

In the meantime check out this cool new feature the classifieds has.... if someone responds to your advert, the email that comes to you will have this info:

(IMG:http://volksriders.org/vrgallery/albums/userpics/10001/class_email.jpg)

Because I have a profile with my picture a copy of MY picture was included. Odd... might remove that.

Also included was the picture of the item. <- this is cool

[GNandGS]

While I'm biased and would think all sellers would want to go through a vw only classifieds I KNOW that isn't going to happen and its ok. :)

To try and help you, I added a few predefined mudah searches to the top of classifieds pages

Check it out

Let me know if that is helpful or a waste of space.

[mohank20]

I find it helpful :)

In addition to Kombi, Bug. Beetle & Volkswagen could you add one more in the pull-down menu.....'VW'

Cheers

[gercon8]

looks a little messy but it sure is helpful...

I wld put one search box with a toggle at the bottom Search This Site and Search Mudah.com

[GNandGS]

I added the dynamic links to Facebook and other social sites within the classifieds. This means you can promote your adverts (or others can promote it) on facebook and several other networks.

Have a look, whatever page you are on is the link that will be sent! I still need to sort the images in facebook as so far its too slow but the links and description works fine.

Facebook
Twitter
Email (using outlook)
+ more!

The old options still work... you can use the "Reply to this posting" and 'Email to friend" options.

This also works if you WANT an item. Rather than typing everything up again you can link to an example in someone's advert and post that via email for FB

Will do cleanup later on unused ones in that list or ones that are not working.

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)