Pet Peeves in classifieds

[MouseKilla]

The template idea is a logical cure for many of the problems with the classified ads. The issues tend to relate to the ads being constructed of thoughts that are less than complete, forgot to mention how old, how much or where the animal in question is.

I have suggested this before but was told that these are ad "quality" issues and that bad ads just won't sell animals. This is unfortunately true, which is why you see the same incomplete and half thought out ads for the same old obscurely decribed animals over and over.

It seems that it's easier to have to wipe the whole section clear once a month or week or whatever it is now rather than have the template that forces the seller to complete a semi-coherent thought before placing an ad in the first place. Maybe there's a technology issue here too, I don't know.

Personally I'll click on an ad then briefly scan the text of the ad looking for those basic components before giving it a real read. If I don't see things like punctuation (for starters), some numbers (hopefully indicating an asking price!) and some sort of description I just click the "BACK" button instead of wasting time trying to unlock the hidden meaning behind the primitive scrawlings. lol!

Snake for sale.
Taking offers.

Some Dude.

[Matt_K]

Originally posted by MouseKilla
It seems that it's easier to have to wipe the whole section clear once a month or week or whatever it is now rather than have the template that forces the seller to complete a semi-coherent thought before placing an ad in the first place. Maybe there's a technology issue here too, I don't know.

Believe me man, we'd like nothing more than to NOT have to worry about clearing out the classifieds or worrying about people continually posting the same stuff over and over again.. The problem is, the Mods have limited 'powers'. It were up to us, that would have already been implemented, but we're working with limited help here..

-Matt

[MouseKilla]

I don't doubt for a second that it's you guys (the Mods) that are annoyed and burdened most in this situation, the recent efforts to clean it up despite your limited "powers" represents a much larger effort than I would be willing to put forth given the resources at your disposal.

[bob2004]

Originally posted by Katt

Personally, if a little thing such as lack of price or location turns someone off, then I'd rather they weren't buying my snake. If the animal doesn't interest them enough to email me or PM for more details, then I'd rather my snake went to someone who is wiling to go that extra bit.

Go that extra bit??? If the seller can't even put a location in the ad, and I'm looking at dozens of ads, you've lost my business. How hard is it to put your location in an ad? I'm baffled why this is such a problem. Wouldn't you want to attract as much business as possible? Haven't you read all the complaints about price and/or location on this subject? You have a funny way of looking at things, I certainly wouldn't run a business with that attitude.

[ChocoMeijin]

I agree with Bob, a seller would want to get his ad to as many people as possible to generate interest/sales. It doesn't make sense to not list something as basic as price and makes any interested buyes lose, well, interest. ^_^;;

My pet peeve is a seller who says they have to check on shipping and then never reply back after many e-mails! >_<

~ChocoMeijin

[concept3]

HAHAHAHA, agreed with bob2004 100 percent on this one

[Katt]

Bob, I'm not a business. I'm a hobbiest. Most of my sales go to friends, or to repeat customers. I find most replies I get from internet postings are junk. So if my funny way of looking at buying/selling, turns you off, so be it. Perhaps you haven't had the great experience of being screwed by buyers to know, it's better to start the screening process right at the ad itself. Or lack of even basic courtesy from many "internet buyers". It is enough to turn you off from wanting to sell again!

As for location, I can understand, it being a pet peeve, but thing is, shipping is part of Canadian herpetoculture. Shipping should always be something you think about when wanting to purchase an animal. So location isn't all that important. I have shipped and been shipped to many times, that it just isn't something I really think about.

As for price, I don't always post mine. Why? B/c I give better prices to friends, family, repeat customers, and people I happen to know and like. Posting a set price, ties me to it. Plus I may sell less than market and I don't want to post a low price and ruin the market for professional breeders and other little guys.

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Originally posted by HumphreyBoagart
I can think of one kind of money tree with that kind of return

LMAO! Small trees mind you, but still trees!

and other little guys.

Lol, I've always worried about using that expression cause I worry it might make someone feel like.... "that nobody reptile breeder". Lol.

I do agree I dont like it when people forget to put stuff like location/shipping/pics, but I dont mind emailing for pics if everything else looks good.

C.

[Katt]

Originally posted by CHRISANDBOIDS14

Lol, I've always worried about using that expression cause I worry it might make someone feel like.... "that nobody reptile breeder". Lol.
C.

I hope no one takes it that way. I'm a little guy. I keep a few snakes, that never pay for themselves! I like the expression myself.

Yay to the little guy!

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

KEN:

I agree with you and there is always "how to' s" to learn and then ship by.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=51454

KATT:

Originally posted by Katt
Perhaps you haven't had the great experience of being screwed by buyers to know, it's better to start the screening process right at the ad itself. Or lack of even basic courtesy from many "internet buyers". It is enough to turn you off from wanting to sell again!

I agree with that as well, screening is very important.

Tony

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Katt:

Im sure no-one will take offense. I know I'm a "little guy" but I hope that our snakes are sucessful with the breeding and they will pay for themselves. When im thinking I often use that expression though, lol.

C.

[emilsmee]

i think if your location is in your info (and is therefore posted in the upper right corner of your ad) then you shouldn't have to list where you live. i've gotten tons of replies asking where i live, and all they had to do was look up...

[Matt_K]

emilsmee

Registered: Jun-2004
Location:
Posts: 195

Your location isn't filled in.. Unless you're referring to it saying, 'canadian ads: snakes' or 'American Ads: Snakes' in which case, I think everyone is talking about a specific location.. Like, What Province or what State..

-Matt

Edit: Okay, your location WASN'T filled in when you posted that! LOL. Did you just change it?????

[bob2004]

Katt, your never going to filter out inconsiderate buyers no matter what you omit from your ads, it goes with the business. I'm sure your still getting your share. I do have experience with rude buyers via our family business. We had to put up with them for the sake of revenues.
Location is very important because I look for ads within driving distance to save on $20-$30 in shipping. Also, I don't like to have reptiles shipped in cold weather, something I'm not totally comfortable with. There are so many breeders around now I'd much rather pick up a reptile myself then have it shipped in cold weather, not to mention the stress of being on a plane. Wouldn't it be easier for the seller to include a location in their ad rather then play e-mail tag and waite sometimes weeks for an answer? I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks along these lines.

[emilsmee]

i forgot i took it out for a while, *oops*
i try to keep it off there unless i'm posting an ad for something. i'm not too keen on posting my location. paranoid i guess.

hehe sorry Matt... *place foot in mouth*