"Suggestions: private on-line sell / trade page" Topic

We have a large number of historical gamers in our area, and a few of us are thinking about setting up some kind of "bulletin board" that is private [most likely] where we can post items we want to sell or trade. This would reduce the time / money on packaging and mailing items.

I'm thinking it'd be best if people could post their own items and maintain their own lists, and that others [except mods] couldn't alter them.

Aside from that, I'm open to suggestions.

Don't like Fb et al, since it is hard to keep visibility on posts, hard to work with the system [facebook…] or there's other complications.

I applaud your intentions but would suggest you go into this with eyes wide open. "Private" doesn't guarantee trust — friends can be awkward if disputes arise. And what about "shonks"?

Even if only posters control their own listings, fraud is still possible: someone might claim to have something they don't or take payment and disappear. Disputes over what's represented & what actually is produced are possible.

Also, no buyer protection exists in a simple bulletin board setup. You'll likely need rules about payment methods, shipping, and disputes.

And ultimately, who will be responsible? If you – lots of work. If not you & it goes "pear-shaped" you may well get the blame.

Couldn't you just run "Bring & Buy" events on club nights? Seller, buyer & goods are all there together.

I know you mentioned Facebook, but have you considered starting a local gaming group fb site and allowing members to post things for sale?

@79th PA
Facebook sucks. And not everyone is a member. And I would have trouble encouraging people to join as frankly it isn't that good.

@ochoin no the region doesn't have any events that "everyone" goes to. But there are a lot of tabletop gamers in a relatively small area. In that regards, we are quite fortunate. That's why we have 3-4 cons a year.

Stalkey and Co,

maybe have a bring and buy at the conventions if you don't already. NJCon had a room overseen by one of the volunteers, you marked your stuff gave them the master list went off to play then came back to pick up your money and any thing that was left.

io groups would work as well.

Unfortunate. My local groups have had a lot of success using fb.

There have been some local stores that have allowed a wargaming flea market every quarter or so. Perhaps that is something to explore.

About the only thing all people will have is email. That's a clunky method but it's available. People could post to a group email and if interested in items they can email that person separately. Buyer beware and sales are all on those people directly.

You could try a messaging app like Slack or WhatsApp. Private, easy and you can do it on your phone or computer.

Allows uploading of files if you want to post a list, or you can just type out your stuff for sale. Our club uses Slack a lot and we like it – makes scheduling games very easy.

Now I'm just too curious where this land full of historical gamers is?