Question for all

[Deleted]

I've been bouncing an idea around for a couple of months now. I haven't made any specific plans yet, but I'm beginning to formulate ideas. My question is simply, how much interest is there in a place to sell, buy, and/or trade nothing but kits, parts, diecasts, and related accessories? Nothing else but modeling related materials. Period. There would be absolutely NO COST to anyone, at any time, for any reason. It would begin fee, and remain free. All transactions would be strictly between the two parties. No warranties implied other than what the two parties privately agree on.

So, give me some feedback. Any interest in something like this?

I've posted this on the QuarterMilers forum as well.

[68383]

I guess it depends on trustworthiness of the people you deal with.

I steer clear of some eBayers, due to ratings. And I’ve seen some sellers on forums do well for a time, then flake out and mess up sales or trades.

I think it’s tough to police a lot of variables, and users will be looking to the site owner / provider to step in and make decisions when things go awry.

[mrmike]

Model Cars Magazine had a similar site and it went down the tubes. It sounds like a lot of work to keep going, plus you have to find people who want to sell their stuff and I'm sure some will be rather unreasonable. If it's something you really want to do, then go for it. Just be aware that you may have a lot of work ahead of you and such a website may not be worth the effort.

[Deleted]

The concept is no different than the classified section of your local newspaper, or any online site like Craig's List or Facebook classifieds. As stated earlier, no warranties or guarantees implied by the site, only between the two individuals. There would be a place for users to post their own comments about other individuals, good or bad (maybe). I've seen previous comments about the "site" having to get involved with disputes between individuals. eBay does because they are making billions of dollars and have a whole bevy of staff. Does Facebook settle disputes between a seller and buyer. Nope. Do we expect Marty or Al to resolve problems between seller and buyer? Nope. Other than what we read online about each other, do we know anything about each other? Nope. Do we take a chance on sales and purchases? Yep.

I've been bitten by a couple of guys in the past. I just choose to no longer do business with them. I never asked the forum I met them on to intervene and make a ruling on my behalf. I also have one line of thinking that tells me not to offer a specified place for individuals to post "bad" reviews of another person. That would be more in line with the "no warranties or guarantees implied by this site" way of doing business.

As far as the workload to keep it going, I just don't see that. All postings would be handled by the individual, exactly like the "Models For Sale" category on this very forum. And as far as using anything related to Model Cars Magazine to compare, I'd sure have to take that with a huge grain of salt. How is the publishing of the magazine going? Seems to me there are more than a couple of minor problems with that. How is their forum going? I know there is a huge problem there. I'm still waiting on a reply from Dave Ambrose from October of 2018. Yes, over a year ago. He GUARANTEED me he would get back to me within "a day or two". Six days later he informed me that he was, "reviewing this now" and would get back to me. That was October 20, 2018. I'm still waiting. I don't have to tell you guys that stuff. Anyone who is a member over there knows all too well the myriad of problems that exist with the magazine, the website, and the forum.

I'm more concerned with reading how much interest exists in seeing a site like I've described come into being. I'd only consider beginning such a project if guys showed some interest. Since I've posted this, I have received one positive comment on the QuarterMilers forum and 3 positive, personal emails. As of right now, no real negative comments. Maybe a little further explanation of the proposed "site" is in order. It would NOT be an auction site. It would be a forum type setting allowing "members" to post items for sale, trade, or wanted. Imagine the "Models For Sale" category of this forum expanded to an entire forum with areas for specific types of models. Members would be free to post any model related items they choose. Other members could then contact the first member and between the two, an agreement could be reached to buy, sell, or trade. Maybe that will help explain a little.

Finally, as for the "site" needing to become involved. The only time an Admin on this site would need to intervene would be to delete a listing that fails to meet the restraints of "only modeling related" items. It would be the responsibility of the listing individual to ensure they list their item in the appropriate area. Any individual violating the "rules" would simply have their membership canceled.


EDIT:  One final note. If it would ever become necessary, it's a really simple matter to lock the site for a period with an announcement, then delete the entire site.

[68383]

I hear you, but think it’s natural for people to go to a site or group owner when they experience issues. People look to a governing body to intervene when necessary. That’s how people get removed from things like Facebook groups for bad behavior.

A seller or buyer rating definitely influences my decision to do business. I may have missed it, but would that be a feature of your site?

I realize that word can travel quickly in a small community too.

[Deleted]

I don't have a really specific plan for a "rating system", but I have rolled that around a bit. That's why I stated, "There would be a place for users to post their own comments about other individuals, good or bad (maybe)." I was careful to include that, "maybe". The last thing I'd want to create would be a place for name calling and mud slinging. Yes, there needs to be something like a rating system or at least a place for members to post a "successful deal". Somewhere on this forum is a thread about guys who made good deals. I can't find it right now, but I know it's on here.

I hear you loud and clear about people who look for someone else to intervene on their behalf. I won't go all political right now, but this country of ours has way too many people that want/expect the government to be involved in every aspect and decision of their lives. I'd treat this site I have in mind much the same way I feel about government involvement in my daily life. I use this expression quite often when talking to people around me, "Put your big girl panties on and DEAL WITH IT". Now, with that being said, if one particular individual is constantly singled out as not living up to agreed on terms, I'd have to cancel his account. The same would be true of an individual that is constantly accusing OTHER guys of bad dealings. There are absolutely going to be a few bad apples. They just need singled out and removed.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that on a daily basis, the "site" and it's Admins wouldn't need to be involved. The intervention would only be required after a series of problems. I had to deal with similar situations when I worked on computers and networks. One of the really challenging times was during a period where I had a contract with a Community College. "Certain" students constantly caused me problems in the computer labs. They insisted on visiting "banned" websites and a group of foreign exchange students from Asia insisted on making major changes to the settings on my computers. I installed cameras in the labs, found which students it was, issued semester long bans from all college computers for violations, and the problems stopped. Yeah, bad apples exist everywhere. Weed the few bad ones out and move on.

And believe me, I'm NOWHERE NEAR ready to actually start creating the site. I've got hours and hours of notes to take before I even think of starting to build. The fact is that I have a problem listing all these kits I have on eBay for obvious reasons. Creating a personal website to advertise them is going to take some SERIOUS coding due to the need for PC based and smartphone based viewing. I don't feel real comfortable listing every kit I have for sale in the forum's "Stuff For Sale" category. So that led me to the idea of using an existing online service to create a place for me, and everybody else, to post stuff.

I think your observation that "word can travel quickly" is key to the success of what I have in mind. Right now I have several members of this site I have bought from, sold to, and traded kits with. I have NEVER been burned by any member of this forum. Right now I have a situation where a kit I sold didn't arrive to the buyer in good condition. It was my fault and I expect to resolve the problem in the near future. I don't think the buyer would pressure me to "make good", but that doesn't matter to me. I goofed up and I need to take care of it. I neither expect or want the buyer to make any of the situation public, before or after I rectify the situation. It's between the two of us and I never want someone I deal with to feel I did them wrong. I think that reasoning and sentiment is true for every member of this forum. I would hope that would carry over to what I'm hoping to be able to offer to everyone.

[Deleted]

A couple of things. First, I think I've figured a way to allow for a "rating system" while preventing too much negativity. I'll have to try it once I begin putting things together. Good idea, Dave.

Secondly, I'm not deliberately attempting to be obstinate or argumentative. I will read every comment and idea carefully and give consideration to all.

Lastly, if anybody has ideas or suggestions for something like what I'm proposing, let me know. Since it will be open to everyone, I need to consider all the suggestions I can get.

Thanks, guys.

[Deleted]

Just a quick update. I've decided to definitely create a place to buy, sell, and trade model car kits and accessories. I have selected a name for the place and have begun the basic configuration. I believe I have a way to rate members. Right now I'm attempting to establish a system of approving members.

I'm still open to any and all suggestions.

[tubbs]

wow!! lots of reading, have to say I skimmed thru most of it and will have to revisit. we do have the for sale section here. I think here, everyone's is very trustworthy, some a little slow, (me). I don't quit understand this, but after I read it again, maybe it will be clearer.me personally, I don't think the "wanted" section is used to its fullest potential, but looking at the "look what I got" section, seems you guys are active in trades with each other.

I am looking for more detail stuff lately more than kits nowadays, stuff form Harts parts, Fireball, VCG and other aftermarket places. I really have to build more of what I have than get more backlogged with kits.

[Deleted]

Be sure and read it all sometime, Al. I'm really looking for feedback on this. I could use all the help I can get.

An update on the status. I did a bit more on the creation side of things today. Not yet ready to open for business, That will still be a bit down the road. I'm tickled that I'm making small, steady, progressive steps on a regular basis.

By the way, Al. Check your messages, please.