I know this forum is different than most and I appreciate it for those differences. I don't use the classifieds often, but I would favor dropping the rule. Less hassle for you and as others have said if we occasionally get disappointed we'll get over it.

We could look to other sites to benchmark or compare. Brand G, Brand S&W, Brand H&K, all have active forums for sale. No restrictions are stated on H&K. Brand S&W has a rule that if an item is sold on another forum, to come to your ad and edit it. This suggests no restriction. Brand G has no stipulation I could find on where ads could be posted. So, we could surmise, guess, or propose that the general firearms enthusiast community does not expect a forum-specific-only posting.

The ham radio forum does not restrict forum for sale posts to only that forum.

I do see in most forums many rules on for sale posts being from bona fide members, with post counts, etc.

I am seeing more and more requirements that photos include a handwritten sign or card with a date and a forum name adjacent to the item for sale. This seems effective in combating fraud.

Even if we have enjoyed this Sigforum policy, for some time, I see no continuing benefit to forcing sellers to restrict their marketing to only one site.

quote:

The rationale is sound. The policy arose from actual problems caused by sellers listing their items both here and elsewhere, and occasionally, members of this forum would get an item they wanted, sold after they had expressed interest.

I understand the rationale. The rationale is sound. It's also common courtesy that if you are going to post something here, it should be available here and not sold elsewhere, creating disappointment and confusion.

However...

quote:

because enforcing this policy has been a near-daily struggle, and guys, I gotta tell you- I am tired.

It's probably not worth your trouble to prevent a little disappointment.

The bigger issue, IMO, is guys who don't monitor their ads or their email and don't ask for the ad to be closed or mark it SOLD.

I have always respected and followed the rule although my last sale here was in 2019.

I also understand your frustration in enforcing the rule.

My frustration with users cross posting would be with those that sell elsewhere and not closing or marking as sold their post here.

This is your house. Those that enter your house should follow your rules or leave, whatever the rules may be.

hank you for making SIGforum available to all who participate (according to your rules).

I say drop it- while I appreciate it as a member, it’s too much work for little gain. If I see something is excessively cross posted, I just pass on it…not worth the potential BS.

Para, thanks for your efforts here and trying to maintain order.

I rarely visit the Classifieds (three purchases I recall over the years and no offers for sale), but appreciate being able to look from time to time if I have need of something specific. The suggestion to close the Classifieds seems like a rather extreme reaction to me.

I've also used a few other sales websites, with exclusivity of listings seeming to be fairly rare. In many cases, good dealers note that their products are also listed elsewhere (or offered in their brick and mortar storefront) and items may be sold/no longer available. I understand that, so I'd understand if the exclusivity rule here is revised, particularly if it would ease the burden on you.

Does the forum software allow for a pop up box when posting ONLY in the classifieds that is a check box “yes” that poster certifies it’s not cross posted and violation of rules is grounds for possible short term suspension and up to and including losing the account.

Try the opposite approach. Members will assume that every ad could possibly be cross listed elsewhere. The seller could then start their ad with FSOOSF.
For Sale Only On Sigforum. That would be the sellers pledge and members could look favorably upon it
I suggested this years ago in the last discussion we had on this.
I still like the current rules the best but I’m not the one doing the work to keep it clean.

Get back hours of your life everyday.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:

Restricting private sales to members with “x” amount of time as a member and posts not in the Classified section.

Beat me to it... Might be the simplest route.

I seldom use the classified section but do peruse it frequently. I appreciate your rule on cross posting, but if it’s causing you trouble please make things easier for yourself. And thank you Para.

I wonder if there could be an automated mechanism to help filter this out. Perhaps when an item is posted for sale, a page or pop-up asks if the item is for sale elsewhere too. A yes or no choice is presented. If checked yes, the ad cannot be posted. If checked no, another pop-up appears with a warning and posting rights consequences appears with a cancel or continue choice. This way it’s on the seller. So if later a conflict occurs, the seller gets moderated status.

If you are tired of it then get rid of it. Caveat emptor. If one wants to buy from the classifieds they should know the item may be listed elsewhere and be able to deal with the consequences. Life's too short. Sit back and relax a spell.

The situation reminds me of "my rules" I installed years ago when I was a math teacher. The main rule was each kid had to complete their homework every day or face the consequences of failing the class.

The seemed like a sensible and productive rule. The only problem was that the lazy kids copied theirs and the good kids were gonna do theirs anyway. However, there was a small subset of kids that struggled with homework and had no help at home. Most were too honest to copy and ended up penalties on their grades.

I finally realized that the rule looked good on the surface, but took a lot of time from my teaching to check and enforce. I finally just decided to allot that time to helping the challenged ones instead of enforcing a rule that punished the ones that should never have been the target. Alas, the work is not a perfect place and there are no perfect solutions....

I'll speak for myself, and I am a federal firearms licensee.

I will continue to adhere to the policy of list here, list no where else, simply because I'd rather my personally owned firearms and accessories go to people I believe are trustworthy, namely the members of SIGforum.

I will sell stuff on other sites, but it won't be listed here at the same time.

I am a fan of the classifieds here


Another moderator or two should be able to keep the classifieds clean and tidy

This is the best forum to buy and sell on, I have never had a problem with anything here. I would do away with the rule simply due to the work it takes to enforce. Once the rule is removed, if there are sellers that are obviously causing problems, give them the boot.

As I recall the classifieds were a source of heartburn when you owned S&W Forum. I think buyers are more adjusted to internet sales and don't need as much hand holding as they used to. I'd keep the ban hammer handy for the inevitable miscreant with larceny at heart but otherwise let the classifieds police themselves.

Taking the chitchat out of classifieds has worked on other forums. The only acceptable response to a classified ad from a buyer is "I'll take it". Any other questions, picture requests etc go thru direct mail or im. Keeps the clutter out.

I generally don’t sell items here due to this policy. That, coupled with the hassle of shipping.

I have a good local classified that gets a lot of traffic and 90% of members are within an hour drive or so. That’s where I would rather list items.

Not sure that answers any questions. I guess, in summary, I’d probably list more here if we didn’t have the policy but I don’t mind the policy and do not have any trouble with complying.

I use the Classifieds here occasionally, and would really miss them if they were gone.
In 16 years, I haven't had a single unpleasant transaction in the Classifieds here.
Every single buy/sell transaction has been with like minded/fair/considerate people.
Many years ago, I did have one small issue with ordering something, and the problem was quickly resolved.

Usually, I'm looking to buy something that I think I want or need.

Very occasionally, I will sell something, I have a revolver up for sale in the Classifieds now.
When I do sell something, I bend over backwards to treat buyers like I would want to be treated.

Let me mention a recent purchase.

I ordered a Milt Sparks holster several years ago, and the actual wait time was almost 40% longer that advertised.
I did eventually receive that beautiful Milt Sparks holster, but the difference between the quoted wait time and the actual delivery was very painful.
So I made a personal "vow" to myself then, to always try and search out a used/preowned holster first, before ordering something new.

Recently, I was in need of a leather OWB holster for a HK P2000sk and placed a WTB ad here in the classifieds.
A Member emailed me, and had something very close to what I was trying to purchase.

The holster they had for sale was for a HK P30sk, and I was looking for OWB for a HK P2000sk, which is ever so slightly different shape in the trigger guard.
I didn't want to buy that HK P30sk holster, because if it didn't fit my HK P2000sk, I owned it now and would need to resell it.
So I asked the Member if they would ship the holster to my location prior to paying for it, for testing fitment.

The Member agreed to ship the HK P30sk holster prior to receiving payment.
It arrived a week or so later.
The HK P2000sk fit in the HK P30sk holster just as it should.
Payment of the sellers choice was made, everybody was happy.

Where else on the Internet can a transaction like mentioned above take place? Few to none.

My vote (if I have one) is keep the Classifieds open with whatever rules you deem necessary for proper functioning, and minimal effort for all of the Moderators.
I was able to purchase a brand new unused custom made Rusty Sherrick horsehide OWB holster for a very reasonable price, and with about a one week lead time.
Where else could that have happened other that the SIG Forum Classifieds? Likely nowhere.

Generally speaking, I won't buy a holster that isn't an exact fit for the gun model I own, in this particular case, the two different HK models are virtual twins and share fitment with other holster makers.
I would have been unable to do what I did anyplace else.