I'd like to welcome Mr Colin Lewis ("bonsaicrazy") to AusBonsai! I've split the following from another thread, and thought folks here might be interested:
bonsaicrazy wrote:==========
I'm launching a new website, "BonsaiForum Classifieds". It is a facility where bonsai enthusiasts, traders, artists, and so on can advertise anything they wish to sell or promote for a crazy low flat fee of one US dollar a week. No commissions, no bidding, just straight forward classified ads. Although the site isn't yet officially launched, it has already attracted a fair number of ads and had a couple of sales. Check it out at http://www.bonsaiforum.com
To get the site off to a kick start, I'd like to offer all members of AusBonsai who email me at bonsaicrazy@earthlink.net a coupon that will give them 50 weeks FREE advertising. Yes, 50 weeks FREE! All I ask in return is that you place at least two ads for a duration of five weeks within the next week or two. Let's face it, who hasn't got things to sell - used pots, books, spare plants - you name it.... Use the site to raise funds for the club, to fund your next acquisition - or to buy, of course! Email me before you go to bed Saturday and you'll have the coupon Sunday morning.
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Yeah, some people hate Paypal and others refuse to give credit card details over the web. Unfortunately, if you want to buy and sell online, it really has to be one or the other. Having said that, you can always discuss with the seller alternative forms of payment.Makkanan wrote:Best of luck with the classifieds venture.... anything that gets us more connected and interacting can only widen the spread of our passion and heighten collective skill levels.
Had a look at the four pages (so far) of listings..... most items will ship only domestically.....
I'm guessing the site itself is only a listing and not a broker for the items....(ie: accepts no liability for transactions gone awry......a few people have been burned recently on international transactions [e.g.: Robert Steven pots.])
There are a lot of people who hate PayPal.....do you anticipate any payment options NOT involving PayPal?
We don't get involved in any transactions between buyer and seller, we merely pprovide the point of contact. Mind you, if any seller failed to supply the promised goods, or supplied goods that were not as advertised, they'll be unceremoniously booted out with no refund!
At present, yes, most advertisers are US based and most of them can only ship plants domestically. There are a number of UK advertisers coming on line and they, too, will only be able to ship plants within Europe. Other items such as pots, tools, stands, suiseki, etc., could be shipped globally. When Australia, New Zealand and South Africa come on board, they, too, will probably only be able to ship plants domestically, but other items globally.
The system works when there are enough people on board to make it work - hence the offer of 50 free weeks.
Colin Lewis
ADVERTISE FREE on Bonsai Forum Classifieds
http://www.BonsaiForum.com
