Mike

As the title suggests, these are just guidelines. So, don't take this thread to mean this is gospel, just some ideas to help you sell more and for buyers to not get taken.

1. Everyone - Golden Rule
Treat others as you want to be treated. If you are selling a service, then make sure you complete said service in a reasonable time frame and keep in contact with your clients so they know when to expect the finished product.

As a buyer, pay in a reasonable time frame. Nothing is more frustrating to a seller than someone committing to buy and not paying for it when payment is due. Also, as a buyer you owe it to the seller to let them know if your finances have changed and you can not complete the transaction.

2. Buyers - Caveat Emptor
Buyer beware. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, ask clarifying questions.

• What kind of traffic?
• How much traffic?
• How old is the domain?
• Do you have samples?
• etc...

Check their iTrader. See what other posts they have made, talk to past customers (if they have any). If you're still not satisfied, pass on it. There will always be other "can't miss" deals.

3. Sellers - Disclose other sales
If you are selling the same service on SitePoint, DigitalPoint, or whereever, let people know. You don't need to post a link to the thread, but at least disclose where you are selling. There have been problems with recent sellers putting customers from another forum over their customers from WickedFire. This is intolerable. A customer is a customer, regardless of where they purchased from you.

4. Sellers - Post the type of sale it is
Is it an auction? Buy it now (bin)? Offers? What? Please clarify your terms up front. If you are selling auction style, it would be best to post the ending date, and include a time. For example "Auction ends on June 11th at 5:30PM CDT (GMT -5)". I like to include the difference from GMT for those not in my timezone, but again, it's just a suggestion. Also, for auctions, post if you have a minimum bid and minimum increments, ie. "Starting Bid is $5.00 mimimum bid increase of $1.00". This will help you and your buyers. It helps you the seller because you won't get a bunch of stupid $0.01 increases, and it helps the buyers because they'll know exactly what to expect.

Offers should have a minimum acceptable offer (just a suggestion, not required), unless you really don't care what kind of offers you get. Often I've seen "Make offer" and then a potential buyer posts "I offer $50" and the seller gets offended at such a low offer. If you think your item is worth $500 and don't want to deal with low offers, then post your minimum acceptable offer.

5. Sellers - Payments
Specify types of payments you accept, and the time frame you expect to get paid in. For example "I accept PayPal, Moneybookers, and eGold. Payment must be made within 3 days of [offer acceptance, auction end, whatever]" Also, it is advisable to add what will happen if payment is not made in that time frame "If payment is not received within 3 days, negative iTrader feedback will be left and item will be relisted"

6. Everyone - iTrader
Use it. That's what it's there for. If you have a bad experience, let people know. This is not eBay, you are not doing anyone a favor by hiding your experience. If you are worried about retaliatory feedback, don't be. Whenever someone submits a negative feedback all the mods are notified. So, if you submit a legitimate neg feed back and the other party retaliates and negs you for no reason, we can correct it (if the situation warrants, of course).

7. Sellers - New Members
While it is not a rule (yet) that you can not sign up and start selling right away, expect to get a lot of flack for it. People here want to do business with trusted members of the community. To become a trusted member, you need to participate in threads outside of this section. Create threads with useful information, and generally prove you are someone that people want to give their hard earned money to.

If it is suspected that you are just a scammer / spammer, you will be banned without warning and will NOT be unbanned. So, be very careful if you are a n00b and want to post in this section.

8. Sellers - PM Spam
Don't do it. If you are selling a product / service and you decide to use the Private Message system as you own personal advertising service, you will be banned forever, no questions, no warnings.

9. Sellers - Bumping Threads
Bumps are annoying and rude. "Bump, bump, bump" or "bumpity bump" or even just "bump" should be avoided. If you have a service / product for sale and people are not responding, do not just bump your thread to the top. If people are interested, they will do it for you by responding to your thread.

In closing...
These are just guidelines, not rules, but if you follow them, I can assure you that your selling / buying experience will be more profitable and fun.

Now, go make some fucking money!

__________________

Mike

Meant to add, as of this writing, there is not mod or guide appointed to watch over the BST section. So, if you have a problem here, feel free to contact me via PM or AIM (if I'm on) and I'll look into it.

If it is a spammer, then report their post so that all of the mods are notified and it can be dealt with quickly.

__________________

LazyHippy

There's been a lot of talk about sorting out the buy/sell section, Mike suggested if we want rules/guidelines then someone write them.

If this is a collaborative effort and we produce some rules we all agree on then it's going to be better for everyone. I'll kick this off, but input from everyone is needed.

Firstly, a question for the mods.

The forum rules state, "Spamming is also considered when you signup specifically to self promote a thread and your post count is under 10 total."

A user's first 10 posts are moderated aren't they? I'm sure mine were and I noticed someone refer to this today. So, how are these guys slipping through?

Secondly, what do people want?

Do we want to just improve the current system or do we want a complete marketplace? There's been a lot of talk about the problems with SitePoint's system - do you think WF should provide an alternative?

If technically possible, we could reduce some of the problems by insisting that for every 'for sale' thread posted the poster must confirm acceptance of terms and complete a form giving details of the service offered, pricing, timescales, etc... would that work?

Ok, rules/guidelines. These are just my suggestions - please make yours. Let's sort out something that will make buying and selling on WF a better experience for everyone.

1. NO EBOOKS! The attitude towards ebooks here is very clear. Do yourself a favour and stop trying to sell that shit. If you really must con other newbies into buying your crap, fuck off to the ebook guru cocksucker forum and don't come back!

2. Post Count. You must have made at least at least 10 posts before you can offer to sell your products or services. Your first 10 posts are moderated, so please don't try and ignore this. Also, please don't just make pointless posts to increase your post count. If you want to sell to us you must know something about something, why not contribute - you never know, you might like it here!

Do we want to also insist that they have been a member for x amount of days? If so can any new threads in the buy/sell section under this limit be moderated?

3. Costs and Time Scales. You must agree to clearly state the cost or your product or service and the time scales for delivery. If you chose to sell in an auction-style format please state the starting bid and any buy it now price.

4. Communication. Good communication is essential. You must agree to provide good communication to your buyers and potential buyers. Any problems or delays, let people know. Don't fuck people about, there are people here that have the skills to dig out your personal information and make it publicly available... or worse. Don't give them the motivation to do it.

5. Payment. If your iTrader rating is below 5 you may not ask for the complete payment up front. Until you have begun to establish your reputation here as a trader the maximum upfront payment you can ask for is 50% of the total cost. (What do ya think of that? Will it be bad for genuine sellers?)

6. Other Markets. You must disclose where else you are selling your product or service - be this your website, another forum or elsewhere. Links would be appreciated. We expect the same standard of service here that you provide to your other customers.

7. Disclosure of interests. Please state your involvement in the product or service you are promoting. Did you create it? Do you own it? Are you a representative of a company? Are you an affiliate? Will the service be outsourced? (Is this bit needed? Sellers - would that put you off?)

8. Affiliates. Either: You cannot promote a product or service here that you are affiliated to. Or: If you are an affiliate of the product or service you are promoting then you must clearly state this. Affiliate links must not be hidden, cloaked or in any way disguised.

9. Discounts. We do not expect a discount, if you chose to offer one you must clearly indicate where your product or service is available for the full price. Please do not imply a special WickedFire discount then direct people to pricing that is the same as you offer to other users.

.....

Ok.. I was about to include more rules/guidelines for trading - based in part on emp's post - but have just seen Mike has just written a great post about this.

Maybe all of the above is shit? not needed? Have I just wasted a load of time? Or, what needs removing/adding/changing?

Do we need strong rules or just guidelines? My personal opinion is that most of us don't need to be told what to do, but good advice helps. For people coming here just to sell then they need to know what is acceptable and what is not.

I'm no one here, but was kinda inspired (if that's the word - cheers guys!) to try and contribute on this issue. Mike's post gives great guidelines to the WF community regarding trading, but hopefully with more input this can add to that and provide clear rules to new sellers here.

__________________

LazyHippy

Great post Mike. After all the discussion about this I started another thread. I think maybe in addition to guidelines we need some firm rules for new sellers.

Really hope you don't see this as me treading on your toes or anything, after the ego trip the guys gave me by putting me forward for a non-existent position I thought I might as well try and contribute a bit on the subject!

__________________

Mike

Moved to this thread. Thanks for the contribution LazyHippy!!

__________________

LazyHippy

Cheers mate, it was meant as a basis for discussion about what, if any, rules we need. (Seems no-one is that bothered about it now though...) Hope no one reads this and thinks they are actually rules.

__________________

ebiz

One more possible guideline:

NEVER PM Spam somebody with your offer or PM spam them abusing them just because they asked you questions which you could not answer. The (!) Report button is your friend - Use it to the maximum extent possible!

Mike

^^

Definitely. PM spam will get you banned fast! If it ever happens, report the person and I'll be happy to whack them.

__________________

SleepyStarling

I think these are all good ideas. I just want to know what is acceptable before advertising my writing services, as my iTrader account is at 1 at the moment and I don't want to break any new rules.

Mike

No worries SleepyStarling. Post away!

__________________

ebiz

One more possible guideline:

When you are selling a service dont multiple bump your threads and also dont start threads in sections other than Sell,Buy and Trade for the sole purpose of advertising your services..

Mike

Good point ebiz. I'll add that to the list.

__________________

Tiger

Hey can we sell private label articles that are 100% legit, written by myself?

What's the scoop here on WickedFire and PLR article sales. Anything to gripe about that?

Thanks - T

LazyHippy

I'm not a mod, but I think it's fine as long as you do own the rights to sell them. You'll face some tough competition though - some shit-hot writers here already!

__________________

dean.m

I'm not an marketer but I enjoy reading this article. I am a writer who wants to learn how to earn BIG through content writing. Any other effective tips?

markus

Something I think is worth mentioning here;

Most important - quality of work
Close second - communication

For me, anyway

pspdropship

i haven't posted a lot, but i've been here for some time to learn from other people's post, but i do have something to sell, pls don't ban me for starting selling with little posts. thanks

priyaseom

Hi, Mike

I want to sell soem services, wan to start with some spl offer for celebration of 4th july
(USA independent day). i m new & dont have nay itrade point I m ready to work with 40% to 50% up frunt money, & if the quality of work is not good I m ready to pay back all the money, but as u said above no discount

I m not selling this services any wheare ales on full rate , I m new so i wan to establish my self with some good & quality work that's it. i have lot of things to offear , so i dont want to be banned & dont wan Break any new rules so pls guide me.

__________________
Landing page for $15

http://www.wickedfire.com/sell-buy-t...anner-7-a.html

Gpower

Hi Mike,
I must say that is a good one.I strongly believe that both sellers and buyers should have guidelines that will guide them in the conduct of any transaction in both online and offline scenarios.Especially online where physical contact could not be easily effected.Really you have done a good work by providing these guidelines and I do hope it will go a long way in guiding members.
However,I must say am a NEWBIE and have some services to render but I don't want to go against the rules of WF.Am burning with a desire to render the service in order for me to have satisfied clients as soon as possible.Since you said it is good for someone to make a minimum of 10 posts before he could be trusted,do you think I can go ahead and source for clients?
I want you to guide me as I don't want to go against the rules because I want to stay long here!I want to thank all members of WF for their great posts.I have been learning from you.
Thanks
Bye.

jrbrown

This thread is very helpful, thanks for keeping topics like this on the forums where new jacks like me can get the lay of the land.

goldspreader

I'm here to buy, not sell, and it seems a great place to do business. WF could steal a march on competitors (I haven't been here long but I've learnt not to mention names ) by including a running total of advertiser spend or supplier earnings - kinda like elance - that way it's not just the volume of itraders visible but the actual dollar amount of business that's done.

tauyo

nice commandments. i promise to keep them.

MeOnline

Thanks for this great tips very helpful for me Rep+

ozzky

Just the same with din.m.. I'm not a marketer too. But I had enjoyed reading your information tips..

leanneb

Great guidelines. It is a shame that some scam the system. I have been selling my writing services for a long time now and we have to shoot through hoops to get a real deal because of the scammers.

seiatwork

Thanks for the guidelines above. I'm made my first post in the BST and it is still to be moderated. Tried to toe the rules as much as possible.

all-in

Sorry if I have overlooked it, is there a limit on active sales threads and how many you can post per day?

Thanks..

__________________
"If, after the first twenty minutes, you don't know who the sucker at the table is, it's you."

socceruniform

For selling your product in the market, seller must have the information about the close substitute of his product and relevant price of the commodity available on other places. Similarly for becoming a good seller and making your customers not go away without purchasing, he must have the complete information about the market.

stevieg

is there a product limit that we can sell here?

WendyRose08

I have a question:

How long, on average, does it take for a post to be approved by moderators? A few of mine have had links in them so I assume that's why they need to be pre-approved. I'm just curious.

Wendy

Grindstone

Tits and a spoon pic always get n00b posts moderated quicker.

Or so I 've been told.

sripat0069

Hi,

I have a question. Is there any limit to what we can sell here?
I was wondering when one of my post taking so much time to be approved.
and if this is the case, how long does it take for post to be approved?

regards
sripat0069

RDion12

• If it seems to good to be true, it likely is!
• If you're dealing with someone for the first time, don't be afraid to ask for and check references. But remember, references are easy to fake. Be wary if all references come from the same service provider (this is especially true of AOL) or from free mail services (such as hotmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.)
• Always ask for a phone number and if you're uneasy about a transaction, give them a call. It's a lot easier to scam someone through e-mail than over the phone.
• Always send packages insured. It protects both the buyer, seller, or trader.
• Communication, COMMUNUCATION, COMMUNICATION!!! This is the number one thing to keep in mind when buying, selling or trading online.
• Save all e-mail messages. If a future problem arises, these e-mail messages may prove invaluable in proving the conditions of the transaction.
• It's not a good idea to post personal information, such as your address or phone number, or the other party's personal information, on the Internet. Although there are a lot of great people online, there are also people who would use the information maliciously.

• Once you have confirmed with the seller that you're interested in the item and the "money is on the way", don't back out of the deal. It's okay to inquire about an item and then change your mind, but make sure to let the seller know you're no longer interested.
• Make sure you know the condition of the item, including the box, tag, etc. I also like knowing how the seller is going to send the item - UPS, Priority mail, First Class mail, amount of insurance, etc. If you're not sure, then ask
• Let the seller know when you've sent payment. Request that they let you know when your payment arrives and item is shipped.
• Don't be surprised if the seller holds a personal check 7-10 days, especially if you're a first time customer or it's a large purchase.
• If you send a money order (especially a large one), send it certified mail. There's less chance of it being lost in the mail.
• When you send money orders or certified mail, save your receipts! If something does go wrong, it may be the only way to prove there was a transaction to begin with.
• Once the package has arrived, inform the seller that everything arrived in good condition (assuming it did). If there is a problem or damage, inform the seller immediately and save the box and all packing materials. This will help in filing a claim.

• Be upfront about the condition of the item and the box, tag, etc. Failing to do so can lead to problems later and a bad reputation.
• Once you commit to selling an item at a price, don't back out of the deal, even if you have higher offers. The exception to this guideline is when a buyer fails to confirm the purchase or send payment for an item. If you will only hold an item for a certain number of days, make sure this is clear to the buyer.
• Clearly state the amount charged for shipping and handling and how you plan to ship the item, including the amount of insurance. Also remember that insuring a package protects you and the buyer.
• Make sure you give the buyer your correct address. Typos can cause unnecessary delays and problems. I know this sounds silly, but it's easy to do - trust me!
• Make sure there is adequate packaging. If the item is fragile, have AT LEAST two inches of packing material on each side. Remember, insurance doesn't matter if the item wasn't packaged properly.
• Always include the shipping address inside of the box (works great as a receipt as well). That way, if the package is badly damaged, label is ripped off, etc., the package will still find its way to its destination.
• Let the buyer know when their payment arrives and item is shipped.
• Don't be afraid to hold checks 7-10 days for them to clear the bank. Just make sure to inform the buyer of your intentions, when the check arrives, and when the item is shipped.
• Save all of your shipping receipts. If there is damage to the package in transit, the receipt may be required to file a claim (assuming you insured the package).

Trading:

• The same precautions apply to trading as buying. Don't be afraid to check for references or get a phone number and call the other party.
• Both parties should agree upfront on the exact condition of the item and its box, tag, etc., the shipping method, and the shipping date.
• Once both parties are in agreement, ship the item on the agreed upon date. Send an e-mail letting the other party know that the item has been shipped.
• DO NOT practice what is sometimes referred to as "wimp trading". In other words, don't agree to send the items on the same day, and then wait until the other item arrives before sending yours. This is a great way to get you put on a bad trader's list.
• Make sure there is adequate packaging. If the item is fragile, have AT LEAST two inches of packing material on each side. Remember, insurance doesn't matter if the item wasn't packaged properly.
• Always include the shipping address inside of the box (works great as a receipt as well). That way, if the package is badly damaged, label is ripped off, etc., the package will still find its way to its destination.
• Again, save your shipping receipts in case a damage claim needs to be filed.
• Once the item arrives, e-mail the other party letting them know everything arrived safely (assuming it did). If there is a problem or damage, inform the other party immediately and save the box and all packing materials. This will help in filing a claim.

• UPS - UPS is my preferred means of shipping for large items, both in terms of size/weight and price. Insurance is cheaper than the post office (the first $100 is automatically included). They give you a tracking number, which makes it easy to track the package from their web site. Filing claims with UPS is also easier, as long as you save your packing materials and receipt. The disadvantage with UPS - they tend to be a little slower (especially across country) and more expensive for packaging under four pounds or $200 dollars in value.
• United States Postal Service - The Post Office is the shipper of choice for most people when mailing small packages. Their Priority Mail service costs $3 for up to two pounds and will get anywhere in the US within 2-3 days (usually, but it's NOT guaranteed). Insurance is $.75 up to $50 and $1.60 up to $100. If the package is fairly light, sending First Class mail will save an extra $.50 - $1.00. First Class mail is usually about one day behind Priority mail, and sometime not even that. Insurance prices are the same.
• International Shipping - It's possible to send packages overseas (including Canada) via both UPS and the USPS. I prefer the Post Office because you have to fill out fewer forms and not all UPS locations ship international packages. It's highly recommended that you said via Air Mail, since the package may take weeks (or even months) otherwise. Shipping times will also vary for international packages, but are rarely anything less than a week (unless you pay big bucks). Rates will vary among location and shipping method.
• Other - I realize that there are other forms of shipping, such as Express and FedEx. I only gave my opinions about the USPS and UPS because the vast majority of packages are sent using these two services.

__________________
[Annoying "monies on autopilot" sig here]

RDion12

GREAT ARTICLES. ATLEAST I HAVE ALREADY AN IDEA. ITS VERY AN HELPFUL TIPS. THANKS.

__________________
[Annoying "monies on autopilot" sig here]

emp

OK... came here to vent about .. anyway... going to add to this guide now.

AUCTIONS

End date
- Every auction will have a set end date. If it has no end date, it is no auction.

Starting Price
- Include a starting price if you want to. If you do not set a starting price, expect it to be $0.05.

BIN (Buy it now price)
- You may set a BIN or not. If you set one, expect to be held to it.

Thanks and good luck.

::emp::

PS: Yes, I will close threads that do not meet this criteria. Sick of this.

__________________
Latest post on Blind Ape SEO

3 link strategies that keep your blog fresh

RDion12

Thanks for sharing good tips. Very infomative.
Its really indeed very helpful.

__________________
[Annoying "monies on autopilot" sig here]

RDion12

Incredible article. Thanks for posting. keep on.

__________________
[Annoying "monies on autopilot" sig here]

radio

^^^ please ban. double spamming stickies. fucking annoying.

__________________

herman333

Thanks for the tips,very informative,very relevant. thanks for the post.

nanexo

What about the same people who continuously beg and harass sellers to get anything for free?
Even when credibility of the seller has been established

babyhackpro

thanks for share

Rainey89

Very informative thread with good tips which will come in handy considering I am new. Thanks

valuewriting

i could not found exact time frame or no. of posts before we can start making our own threads and send Pm's.
I tried my best but could not find..let me know if i am wrong.

premium

Can anyone please guide me as to when I would be able to send and receive PM's. From my understanding of this thread, I assume it is going to be after 10 posts. Is it right? Apart from the 10 posts, is there a times frame 'x' (as suggested in this thread) also associated with PMs? Any help would be appreciated
Regards
Premium

TechBiz

hello,










hello,hello

TechBiz

hello,

How R U












I m fine

TechBiz

hi,















hello













thanks

Refrozen

You're not even a good spammer.

__________________
WordPress makes you more money.

1. WP Smart Tools-(you need this)
2. WP Link Engine

Please use support@wpquickpolls.com and not the PM system if you need product support.

TechBiz

hai,














kese



ho














thanks

TechBiz

are







you



















ready























thanks