consolidating classified ads into one ad

[Toolman12]

Hi guys i was wondering how to make one ad and add to it as things come up. I see these all the time and i know i am probably ******* people off with so many threads can anyone help? P.S i am not a computer wizard so plain English would help
Thanks

 

[wornoutoldman]

If it were me I'd be sure the title was catchy and appropriate "Toolman12 MEGA SUPER TOOL SALE" Then in the first post explain that this thread will be continually updated with only the finest tools at the best prices anywhere on the net. Be sure to check back as inventory is constantly changing. Then explain your sale/payment/shipping terms and put up inventory. Anytime you need to add to it or change the status of a tool click on your username this will take you to a page with your profile info click on the tab labeled "statistics" and "find all threads started by Toolman12" now you can find your thread and add/edit/bump as required. Hope this helps.

 

[Toolman12]

yes it does thanks very much

 

[impactims]

Hi guys i was wondering how to make one ad and add to it as things come up. I see these all the time and i know i am probably ******* people off with so many threads can anyone help? P.S i am not a computer wizard so plain English would help
Thanks

I think multiple ads with an appropriate title for each ad is best.

In a title search for a certain tool, your ad comes up.

Searching entire threads for a certain tool doesn't work so well since lots of useless stuff comes up.

Plus, when you can see in the title what is for sale, that helps a lot too. Not so easy to do with one ad that has multiple tools for sale.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I think multiple ads with an appropriate title for each ad is best.

In a title search for a certain tool, your ad comes up.

Searching entire threads for a certain tool doesn't work so well since lots of useless stuff comes up.

Plus, when you can see in the title what is for sale, that helps a lot too. Not so easy to do with one ad that has multiple tools for sale.

I would disagree. There are some sellers here (myself included) that have run the mega tool threads. I find myself going back to these sellers constantly looking to see what is new or changed. If you look at how many hits those type of threads pull you may view things differently.

 

[impactims]

I would disagree. There are some sellers here (myself included) that have run the mega tool threads. I find myself going back to these sellers constantly looking to see what is new or changed. If you look at how many hits those type of threads pull you may view things differently.

Depends how you look at it.

Example - ricksters mega thread of snap on tools.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127430

1277 hits and it's a few weeks old.

I have started several threads in the last few weeks. Less "items" total than what is in that mega thread, but multiple listings. My hit total count for my listings is over three times that of the mega thread.

 

[Bull]

GJ has a policy of consolidation now. Too many sellers were starting five threads at once, clogging up the first page of the classifieds with their own wares.

I have always consolidated, and my stuff has always eventually sold...well, 90% of it at least.

 

[Toolman12]

Thanks for the advice i am learning how to get all the pics and text in one thread
Thanks guys for helping me out

 

[Rickster]

Hi guys i was wondering how to make one ad and add to it as things come up.

Open your existing sale post and scroll down to the bottom of your first post. There hit the "Edit" button and then delete the sold items and add new items.

 

[impactims]

GJ has a policy of consolidation now. Too many sellers were starting five threads at once, clogging up the first page of the classifieds with their own wares.

I have always consolidated, and my stuff has always eventually sold...well, 90% of it at least.

Since when?

No mention of this in the classifieds rules.

 

[Bull]

Since when?

No mention of this in the classifieds rules.

Since this fall, maybe.

One of the mods was supposed to update the rules post. Guess it hasn't happened yet.

 

[impactims]

Since this fall, maybe.

One of the mods was supposed to update the rules post. Guess it hasn't happened yet.

Where is the line drawn between a member having more than one ad being OK and not OK?

If I list a ratchet one week then 2 weeks later list a socket, is 2 threads OK or should the first thread be updated? Basically meaning no member can have more than one thread in the classifieds. As more stuff gets listed, the thread gets updated.

 

[Hiball]

Where is the line drawn between a member having more than one ad being OK and not OK?

If I list a ratchet one week then 2 weeks later list a socket, is 2 threads OK or should the first thread be updated? Basically meaning no member can have more than one thread in the classifieds. As more stuff gets listed, the thread gets updated.

This is where common sense comes into play, Nobody is gonna complain about Multiple threads weeks apart. The PROBLEM arises when some members think the Classifieds is there Personal Garage Sale and they list Multiple listings minutes apart.

 

[mtwaterguy]

This is where common sense comes into play, Nobody is gonna complain about Multiple threads weeks apart. The PROBLEM arises when some members think the Classifieds is there Personal Garage Sale and they list Multiple listings minutes apart.

So just to be clear, how many is multiple? Are you talking about a certain amount all on the front page or just the first ten? How many items should be in one post before you start a new one? This subject has been discussed numerous times in the past and other than saying there is a "policy" we've never gotten an answer. All this does is create more reason to argue about how listings should be posted.

 

[Hiball]

So just to be clear, how many is multiple? Are you talking about a certain amount all on the front page or just the first ten? How many items should be in one post before you start a new one? This subject has been discussed numerous times in the past and other than saying there is a "policy" we've never gotten an answer. All this does is create more reason to argue about how listings should be posted.

Well.. First lemme say, I have NO authority on the Sitsuation. IN regards to impactims he started 13 classified ads in a 72 hours period with alot of them grouped within a hour. <--- This is where common sense comes into play. Obviously We have Members who Sell alot of stuff and there is gonna be multiple listings, This is why its important to attempt to try and consolidate threads whenever possible. Ive talked to Ryan, Dave and Jason and everyone is on the Same page in regards to a Member creating Single Listings, Multiple times Minutes apart and this is the Issue at Hand. It boils down to respect for other members and there ads, Obviously Every Seller wants to Maximize there Front page time and Listing individual ads maximizes this effort. I Honestly dont see the Issue with Combining listings, Ive been doing it for a couple years. Does the Membership Really Need the Owner of the Site to strike down the Gavel?

 

[mtwaterguy]

All I'm saying is that it's pretty near impossible to follow the rules when they aren't posted. There's a big enough problem trying to get people to follow the ones that are. Leaving it to the posters gets us where we are now, everyone has they're own interpretation of how to post their own items for sale, and other people posting that they're doing it wrong. What's the matter with stating the posting rules and then enforcing them.

 

[Hiball]

All I'm saying is that it's pretty near impossible to follow the rules when they aren't posted. There's a big enough problem trying to get people to follow the ones that are. Leaving it to the posters gets us where we are now, everyone has they're own interpretation of how to post their own items for sale, and other people posting that they're doing it wrong. What's the matter with stating the posting rules and then enforcing them.

I agree 100%.... It used to be in the Classified Section Rules, When the Rules where updated it somehow got left out. I started This Thread back in July of this year after conversing with Ryan Via PM he made his Opinion Known, Ive sent Numerous Pms to Mods concerning Classified Rule Violations and Unfortunately there has been no changes to the Rules Section, With that said.. The Mods have tried to enforce the Rule but we cant seem to get the Rules List updated. The Majority of the Rule Violations are New Members, There are some exceptions but Mainly New guys. I Know your fully aware that the 72 hour bump rule gets violated on a Daily basis, And its in the Rules section (I see your posts.. ) Maybe the Powers that be should implement a 24 hour rule, This means you can only Bump or Create a New thread every 24 hours? This would Definitely force the Membership hand in Consolidating threads etc.. Dunno?

 

[Bull]

What's the matter with stating the posting rules and then enforcing them.

Nothing at all. I anticipate that this is what will happen.

This is a paying gig for Ryan (I think). The rest of us do the best we can to help out in terms of running the site as he wants it run. We do this when we have time. It's volunteerism, and as such, not something we can just be Johnny-on-the-spot about all the time.

Common sense does help solve these issues without any policy, anyway. But, since that type of sense is misnamed, we will go with the rule and enforcement method.

I am sorry for any current shortcomings or failings on our part.

 

[Hiball]

I am sorry for any current shortcomings or failings on our part.

Nothing to be Sorry for Dave, This Website handles alot of Traffic and I expect its a Full time job Policing threads, Banning Spammers, Enforcing Classified Rules let alone trying to enjoy the fruits of your Labor and Reading threads that interest you Personally.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Nothing to be Sorry for Dave, This Website handles alot of Traffic and I expect its a Full time job Policing threads, Banning Spammers, Enforcing Classified Rules let alone trying to enjoy the fruits of your Labor and Reading threads that interest you Personally.

While I agree that there has not been any shortcoming or failing by anyone, I have noticed that the moderator numbers have doubled recently. Growing from four to eight, in addition to Ryan. Hopefully this will lighten the overall load and allow more attention to be paid to rule enforcement.

Dave, I am in complete agreement with your common sense statement. I've often wondered why that wasn't offered in the school curriculum.

 

[Bull]

Dave, I am in complete agreement with your common sense statement. I've often wondered why that wasn't offered in the school curriculum.

I try to get my kids to think about ethics and sense as often as I can. It's difficult. Mine is just one, small voice in their lives, and the competition is often richer, prettier, and louder.

 

[mtwaterguy]

I try to get my kids to think about ethics and sense as often as I can. It's difficult. Mine is just one, small voice in their lives, and the competition is often richer, prettier, and louder.

A noble pursuit, but I've found that if they weren't born with it, chances are they'll never find it.

 

[impactims]

This is where common sense comes into play, Nobody is gonna complain about Multiple threads weeks apart. The PROBLEM arises when some members think the Classifieds is there Personal Garage Sale and they list Multiple listings minutes apart.

So perhaps a minimum wait time between new threads in the classifieds is in order.

I have seen classifieds on other sites where new threads must be 72 hours apart. The software would not allow that rule to be broken. If you try an error message will pop up stating the wait time to start a new thread.

 

[Rickster]

Yes the one thing we need are more rules! A simple statement that says 'please group your postings together' is just fine. Can't always do it, everyone agrees, but whenever possible it's the right thing to do. Leave it up to the mods to police. They can send the offender a note and ask them to combine sale posts.

 

[Toolman12]

Thanks Rickster that is the way i am going from now on i have learned to use imageshack and now trying to put all posts in one long thread and marking sold on sold items but i can't seem to change the header to reflect new items so it looks like the same post all the time anyone have any suggestions ? and by the way do people like to have their name posted when they buy something i am confused on this see on some posts and not on others ?

 

[impactims]

Yes the one thing we need are more rules!

MORE RULES!!!???!!

Well, it's not like there are many as it is.

Don't get me wrong, I would rather there was no rule about this, but if people are going to complain.......

 

[SMKS]

Right now member kblazer87 has SIX ads on the first page of the classifieds. That seems ridiculous to me.

 

[impactims]

Ugh, right now member kblazer87 has SIX ads on the first page of the classifieds. That's ridiculous.

And NinetyTwoFifty has 9 ads is the last 5 days.

Look around enough and you will see it's common place.

Doesn't bother me though.

 

[SMKS]

And NinetyTwoFifty has 9 ads is the last 5 days.

Look around enough and you will see it's common place.

Doesn't bother me though.

It bothers me because people who are considerate and put multiple items in a single post get the short end of the stick. Their ads are quickly pushed down the list.


Also, there are other common sense things people should think to do to make the classifieds section work better.

When an item sells, don't bump it to the top by making a new post saying "sold," just edit the first post to indicate the item is sold.

Here's an example of what not to do (note - I just saw this example by Impactims, I'm not trying to pick on him specifically):

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128918

 

[impactims]

Well, look at it this way.

Whats the easiest way to find something you are looking for in the classifieds?

For me, and I know I am not alone, it is a thread title search. Searching entire threads brings up a bunch of useless stuff often times. Individual threads for various things makes it easy for a given item to be found. Not to mention being able to tell what is for sale just by reading the thread title.

This was my logic when I first listed ads in the classifieds without consolidation.

 

[Snappy]

Thanks Rickster that is the way i am going from now on i have learned to use imageshack and now trying to put all posts in one long thread and marking sold on sold items but i can't seem to change the header to reflect new items so it looks like the same post all the time anyone have any suggestions ? and by the way do people like to have their name posted when they buy something i am confused on this see on some posts and not on others ?

I post SOLD & the user name next to my sold items. I picked it up from an older member. I also keep the price posted. I think it's nice to look at the ad & see what's been sold right off the bat.I do believe in consolidating as much as possible and keeping my ads up to date. I try to follow the rules, have respect & use common sense.

 

[Hiball]

Well, look at it this way.

Whats the easiest way to find something you are looking for in the classifieds?

For me, and I know I am not alone, it is a thread title search. Searching entire threads brings up a bunch of useless stuff often times. Individual threads for various things makes it easy for a given item to be found. Not to mention being able to tell what is for sale just by reading the thread title.

This was my logic when I first listed ads in the classifieds without consolidation.

I can Promise You.. If your Items arent Overpriced they will Sell via the Classifieds, You could Title your Classified "Big Steaming Pile of Sh|T" and advertise tools and they would sell, Most Sales happen within the first few hours of the Listing... or Bump w/Lower Price. I know personally i check the Classified section probably 20+ times a day via my Phone/Computer etc.. And based off the "Members viewing the Classified Section" at the Bottom im not alone.

 

[Bull]

I always list a bunch of items at once, all in the same thread. I mix brands and types. I have sold most of the stuff I have posted here, and that's sort of a lot of stuff. I've never felt like I was getting pushed out of the way; besides, that's what a bump is for after 72 hours.

The classifieds are supposed to be hobby level. Because of that, I don't see speed as being of the essence. Most times, I can wait for the items to sell; it's a hobby, I don't need to move the $15 ratchet right this second to pay the landlord.

If items don't sell after a couple bumps, then I reckon that my price needs to be adjusted, maybe a few times. If they still don't sell, then I accept the fact that there is no buyer at this time and set them aside for a future listing.

 

[sumner52000]

When an item sells, don't bump it to the top by making a new post saying "sold," just edit the first post to indicate the item is sold.

I did this the other day with a few ratchets. I plainly typed sold next to the price and who it was sold to. I still had people posting third in line, fourth in line. No matter how hard you try sometimes people don't read.