Why is Our Selling Forum So Dead

penumbra

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Just curious. Does anybody visit the selling forum. I have never seen such inactivity on a selling forum as this one. Another member described it as a Dad Zone and that fits. Your thoughts on this?
 

sparklemotion

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I'm not convinced that this forum has enough active users to sustain a robust marketplace, especially as Facebook has been improving its user experience for sales on that platform.

I do see new "sales" posts here, since I mainly browse through the "new posts" feature.
 

RKatzin

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Location, location, location, the three most important necessities for a good marketing platform. I'm in the habit of visiting regularly and I've made some purchases, but it's way down at the bottom of the scroll and there's not a lot of action down that end.
 

bwaynef

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It shows in "New Posts," ...and I can't understand how anybody uses this forum without initially hitting "New Posts".
 

ysrgrathe

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By the time I see it it's usually gone. I don't browse new posts, I usually just read a few specific forums.

It might help if there were integrated features to track bids. Since the forum is low volume I feel like things are underpriced (and sell instantly), overpriced (never sell), or if the seller is unsure and wants bids they skip the forum and go on FB. I know I don't always even express interest for fear of coming across as a low-ball bid in a PM. That's less of a concern with an auction format.
 

penumbra

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I'm not convinced that this forum has enough active users to sustain a robust marketplace, especially as Facebook has been improving its user experience for sales on that platform.
I can't agree that there are not enough posters and lookers here, but I do understand about facebook which I hate and don't use. I have sold about 30 traditional bows over the past year. About half of them, the best and more expensive ones, I sold on the classified on an archery site I visit frequently. It is also where I have made several purchases. The cheaper ones I bought or sold on eBay. But I have never seen a more stalled out selling venue than the one here. It is a real shame but it is what it is and I guess I won't bother with it any more.
Thanks for your replies.
 
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I'm not convinced that this forum has enough active users to sustain a robust marketplace, especially as Facebook has been improving its user experience for sales on that platform.

I do see new "sales" posts here, since I mainly browse through the "new posts" feature.


Is there a specific sales market place on facebook that you're referring to?

Also, are there other proven private sale venues online?

I don't shop bonsai material online very often, it would be nice to get some more exposure... And I like this thread, it would be nice if the BN sales forum was more active.
 

Forsoothe!

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I've posted some "wanted to buy" and never got a hit, which seemed strange to me. I offered to trade something for something else posted and was amazed by the over-valued offer. I have a vendor who buys my surplus stuff who gives me a better deal than I can get hat the club auctions. I'd be very open to do some deals, but I feel very alone in the wilderness.
 

JudyB

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I have sold lots of stuff here, but I find that sometimes I can get closer to actual value on the FB auctions. But I have often offered it here first, then moved it over there if I don’t get a hit.
 

penumbra

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I think it would be great if more members just looked a bit more often. I know that I personally will have several bonsai pots and slabs for sale this winter through spring.
I do appreciate everyone's response.
 

penumbra

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You're relatively close to me, whatcha got up for sale or trade? ;)
Really nothing at present but that will change later this winter and next spring. I will be working hard on bonsai pots and trays and other pottery accessories.
Thank you for your interest.
 
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Is there a specific sales market place on facebook that you're referring to?

Also, are there other proven private sale venues online?

I don't shop bonsai material online very often, it would be nice to get some more exposure... And I like this thread, it would be nice if the BN sales forum was more active.
I too would like to know the where abouts of bonsai for sale through Facebook market place. I’m not a big facebooker but I do shop market place often, just never see any bonsai listed
 

sparklemotion

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Thats a joke right?

No, not really. There's plenty of users on this site for a robust community. But not all of them are going want to buy whatever someone happens to be selling.

It takes more eyeballs, plus more sellers/selection, which will lead to more interest and more eyeballs, and bring more selection, etc, etc.
 

PABonsai

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It is depressing. Personally I would love to see used tools or supplies, pots etc. I can't afford the couple trees I have seen in old postings but seedlings and stuff would be awesome. Hell @BunjaeKorea is selling supplies commercialy now. He should be a regular poster there. I'd buy.
 

Carol 83

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I have purchased both trees and pots from members here. I would rather buy from here than anonymous people on ebay, and I don't do FB.
 

PABonsai

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I think it would be great if more members just looked a bit more often. I know that I personally will have several bonsai pots and slabs for sale this winter through spring.
I do appreciate everyone's response.
I would be very interested in that. Are you actually a potter as well? That's pretty cool.
 
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