Flea Market (Buy / Sell) Guidelines

[kansei]

Selling:
All members selling items on TMF (themazdaforum) must abide by the following community guidelines.

Thread Titles: Thread titles in the Flea Market subforums should be prefixed to indicate what the intent of the thread is. For example, "For Sale" should have titles beginning with "FS: ", "Want to Buy" threads should begin "WTB: ", Gauging Interest threads should begin "GI: ", etc. Listing item prices in the thread title is suggested but not a requirement.
Photos: A photo with approved documentation (see below) for each item for sale must be included in the thread within 24 hours of posting the thread. Until the photos are posted, the thread is to be regarded as a Gauging Interest thread and no financial transaction should occur. More than one photo for each item can be posted, any only one photo is required to have the appropriate documentation.
Photo Documentation: Photo documentation consists of a piece of paper that has written on it "themazdaforum.com", your forum name, and today's date. At least the date must be hand written. No digital editing of the photos to "create" the piece of paper, the paper must be real and truly in the photo. See attachments to this post below for examples of proper photo documentation.
Payment Methods: TMF strongly suggests the use of PayPal or another payment method that offers buyer and seller protection. TMF cannot be responsible for any losses associated with buying and selling items on this site. Sellers can accept whatever payment methods they desire, but no punishment for using an accepted form of payment may be issued. This includes charging buyers PayPal fees on top of your for sale prices, which is in direct violation with the PayPal Terms of Service agreement at the time this was posted.
Shipping: Sellers can ship using any carriers or can only accept local pickup for an item. If local pickup is the only acceptable means of obtaining the item, this must be stated in the first post of the for sale thread.
Prices: Prices for all items for sale must be listed. In Gauging Interest threads, prices are highly suggested but not required. Prices may be listed as "or best offer". Sales are not to be conducted in an auction format, but prices can be adjusted down from the initial price to help increase the chances of sale.
Feedback: After a sale has completed and the item is received, all sellers are asked to submit feedback (positive, neutral, or negative) via the iTrader system in place on the site. More details on this will be added later.
Exceptions: Vendors are exempt from the photo rules when selling new items, as we don't expect them to have all the items in stock. When a vendor is selling a used item or otherwise conducting a sale that is not a part of their business, they are to follow the same rules as every other member.


Buying:
All members buying items on TMF should abide by the following community guidelines

Dibs: It is up to the seller to decide whether or not they choose to allow a "dibs" system for their items.
Offers: In "or best offer" sales, offers should be sent via a private message to the seller. In the subject of the private message, refer to the item to reduce confusion.
Payment: Ideally, work out the payment details immediately and get the seller paid as soon as possible. TMF highly recommends use of PayPal for all payments so that there is some buyer protection in case the seller turns out to be a scammer.
Feedback: After a sale has completed and the item is received, all buyers are asked to submit feedback (positive, neutral, or negative) via the iTrader system in place on the site. More details on this will be added later.

[kansei]

*reserved*

[kansei]

This set of community guidelines is now open for suggestions. Any and all off-topic talk will be deleted. Please post your suggestions for changes or additions in this thread and not via private message.

[SpooledupRacing]

The only one I vot eagainst is the phot to be within 24 hours of the sale post..

IMO if you got time to put an item up for sale u have 5 minutes to take a picture and submit it with the item for sale thread.

For instance if I am looking for a header NOW

and I see somone has one for sale but there is no picture I am to consider it either not up for sale and no transaction should be made or take a risk..

I say if u want to sell it take the pic and post it with the item..

:)
thank you for hearing me out good job CHRIS!!!

[njaremka]

The only one I vot eagainst is the phot to be within 24 hours of the sale post..

IMO if you got time to put an item up for sale u have 5 minutes to take a picture and submit it with the item for sale thread.

For instance if I am looking for a header NOW

and I see somone has one for sale but there is no picture I am to consider it either not up for sale and no transaction should be made or take a risk..

I say if u want to sell it take the pic and post it with the item..

:)
thank you for hearing me out good job CHRIS!!!

i agree with the photo thing - no picture, dont start a thread

everything else sounds fine

[kansei]

I definitely agree on the 24 hour part, that was just posted in the thread so I figured I'd include it. As far as I'm concerned, post it as a GI thread if you aren't ready (with pics) and change it to FS when you have the appropriate pictures.

edit: just attached the example photo documentation pics, thanks again for that everyone.

[SpooledupRacing]

Honestly I dont like GI threads.. because that gets the price to inflated for those who cant afford the big bucks..

I mean look its yoru part.. if you want to sell it sell it and post a price, if you dont want to sell it dont.

The biggest reason for GI threads is for the seller to see how much coin he could make off of the item..

IMO they take up space, they are not needed, and they overly inflate an item way to quickly..

example of a GI thread

Seller

I may be selling these cool taillights would anyone be interested

"in sellers head" I wonder if I can get 100.00 for these

replys

6-7 people saying they would like them

in sellers head
" wow everyone wants them I should ask like 200.00 I bet they will sell

Seller posts

ok now for sale 225.00 shipped



ok I ranted a bit but I think u know what I mean lol .... I hope lol

[Raider]

iLisa is missing the forum from her pic.

[pdhaudio83]

guys, i agree with the post photos right away, most the time I'm sure thats the way members go. However, just in case of extenuating circumstances, photos can wait upto 24 hours. if someone repeatedly takes the 24-hours, we may take action or change said rules.

Also, I think since scams are abundant around the web, that in the rules we can include a STRONG RECCOMENDATION to use paypal as the forum has no control over sales... maybe a disclaimer that we aren't responsible for any actions, however, we may try to help parties come to an agreement if they can't do so on their own.

[pdhaudio83]

Honestly I dont like GI threads.. because that gets the price to inflated for those who cant afford the big bucks..

While I agree with you on most things, I think fair market price will prevail, if people want an item, they'll pay. If they don't want to pay the asking price, they won't.

If someone is extorting a member threatening to sell to another member, thats another story, but a lot of times its a risky lie game.

[iLisa]

iLisa is missing the forum from her pic.
i fail.. but that apple looks good... ;)

[SpooledupRacing]

guys, i agree with the post photos right away, most the time I'm sure thats the way members go. However, just in case of extenuating circumstances, photos can wait upto 24 hours. if someone repeatedly takes the 24-hours, we may take action or change said rules.

Also, I think since scams are abundant around the web, that in the rules we can include a STRONG RECCOMENDATION to use paypal as the forum has no control over sales... maybe a disclaimer that we aren't responsible for any actions, however, we may try to help parties come to an agreement if they can't do so on their own.



I agree with the paypal thing..

TMF cannot be held responsible for any transaction taken over the forum, in buying or selling an item we EXPECT you to be professinal abotu it and expect you to treat this adult like..

Recommending paypal is great because they will help out with the transaction way more then this forum should ever have to get involved in..

[kansei]

Well they don't have to take up space, because anyone can just change the thread title from GI to FS pretty easily.

I've posted a few GI threads and ya they basically went nowhere, but just so you understand there are other situations that warrant a GI thread, here's some examples:

I have a Mental Addiction Motorsports catted 2.5" midpipe on my car. When my car was smashed up at the end of November, I wasn't sure if the car was going to be totalled (came very close) or if I'd even keep the car if I got it back. In preparation for putting the car back to stock to sell, I put up a GI thread on the midpipe just to see if it was worth my time to climb under the car at the shop in the cold and snow to take the midpipe off. If no one on here (only 30 or so members at the time) wanted the midpipe, I wouldn't bother. I was going to give it away for $75-100 vs the $400ish for the catted midpipe from Protegegarage (it gets pricey when you add in stainless steel and a cat).

Another example is the 4-1 long tube header sitting in my garage. Again, middle of winter, but this time I was a 6 hour drive from my garage and just wanted to see if anyone would be interested in a straight trade (no money) for the stock exhaust manifold and pre-cat. I obviously couldn't get the pics or ship it out for a couple weeks so I just figured I'd give people a heads up that I was willing to do such a trade.

As long as there's valid reasons for GI threads I see no reason to "outlaw" it :)

[kansei]

iLisa is missing the forum from her pic.

thanks, removed it.

Also, I think since scams are abundant around the web, that in the rules we can include a STRONG RECCOMENDATION to use paypal as the forum has no control over sales... maybe a disclaimer that we aren't responsible for any actions, however, we may try to help parties come to an agreement if they can't do so on their own.

I'll put that in.

Edit: a glaring omission from the guidelines is a section on how we'll handle transactions that end badly. Post up an suggestions you guys have for this section and I'll compile it later today.

[SpooledupRacing]

OK I will conced to majority over ruling lol..

I guess you guys dont have such desirble items as S5 rear taillights for RX7's that go for 250.00 just cause a couple people may be interested..

I understand.. we shall see how it all plays out.. everything can be tweeked if need be correct?

[kansei]

OK I will conced to majority over ruling lol..

I guess you guys dont have such desirble items as S5 rear taillights for RX7's that go for 250.00 just cause a couple people may be interested..

I understand.. we shall see how it all plays out.. everything can be tweeked if need be correct?

yes nothing is ever set in stone, that's why this thread is open for discussion.

zomg S5 taillights should be required by law on all RX-7s, no wonder they go for so much $$

[SpooledupRacing]

yeah I still need a pair but cant afford the 250.00 used for them when dealer new is 300.00 pair

[pdhaudio83]

Edit: a glaring omission from the guidelines is a section on how we'll handle transactions that end badly. Post up an suggestions you guys have for this section and I'll compile it later today.

I'll ramble:

-Any transaction that ends in dissatisfaction of either party is not the responsibility of TMF to correct, however, we will attempt to work with the parties. HOWEVER, the following steps must have been completed and you must have proper documentation (emails, PMs, anything else) that proves you have attempted to correct the situation.

1) You must attempt to get in touch with the buyer/seller immediately. Document and save e-mails. Emails are preferred to PM. If you've completed this step, goto #2.
2) If the transaction was performed via Paypal, you must file a complaint with Paypal immediately according to their TOS.
3) Once you've taken these steps, TMF MAY DECIDE, once notified, to attempt to bring satisfaction to both parties. Take note: any empty threats (lawsuit, bad PR, etc) against either party will immediately result in a review that may end in a ban. TMF does not take "joke" threats lightly. Turn over all documentation to an administrator who will review the case. Be ready to provide images, e-mails, and surrender all documents. TMF may, at its discretion, continue the case or not get involved. If we decide to continue to investigate, any opinion of ours will be final and no outcome will be reconsidered. Any outcome could result in a few things: satisfaction for both parties, an attempt to rectify the situation, or a partial ban.

TMF will always try and err on the side of holding judgment, but on occasion a members past behavior or activity may effect the final outcome.

IDK... ?

[SpooledupRacing]

Good good thats sounds legal lol..

one other thing...

tmf wont stand for that kinda shit either.. if you have a bad rep u get banned ;)

I like that one best hehe

[chiefmg]

I would like to point out that PayPal can't help you if the person is a scammer and cleans out their account. I know this from personal experience from 3-4 years ago, shortly after I joined a Protege forum a guy was selling some parts that people wanted. Turned out there were three of us who paid for springs, I don't know how many people paid him for other things. I filed a complaint with PayPal which still shows as an open issue on my account. So basically I don't think people should be given a false sense of security.

I have used US Postal money orders for a lot of my purchases, I figure if nothing else I can always get the Feds involved for mail fraud.

[Riff.Raff]

dibs on the apple....

[njaremka]

dibs on the apple....

sorry, i ate it already ;)

[njaremka]

this thread needs to be a "Sticky" in the "For Sale" section

[KrayzieFox]

Indeed. So when people that work at a dealership wanna sell their supercharged RX-8 come on here they can completely disregard it cuz they're a sales rep and have special privileges.

[njaremka]

Indeed. So when people that work at a dealership wanna sell their supercharged RX-8 come on here they can completely disregard it cuz they're a sales rep and have special privileges.

he-he - i'll have my eyes open for that dude....:smashfreakB:

[chiefmg]

I liked how the guy got all huffy when people were calling him out.