Auctions & Classifieds
 

Good news!

The auctions are live!

vBClassified - Bananas.org

Everything should be self explanatory.

If you have any questions or comments about the system, please post here or send me a PM.

I will be fine tuning it over the course of the next few days, adding the listings to the homepage (like how the recent photos work), and other tasks like linking to it from the various places where you would expect to see the link.
I will also be migrating the existing feedback system into the auction system, the target date for this is early March, so I need your patience while I get that sorted out.
For now, it's up, it's live, and it's working very well.

You may currently add up to 8 images to your listings!
First you'll submit the listing, then you get to add more photos at the very last step.
What's funny is that I was just adding a listing, and before I even got to add my additional photos, our member Jason had already placed a bid on my auction!

One really cool thing about the classifieds that I want to point out to you guys is that as new auctions and sales are created, each gets a dedicated pseudo-thread created in the existing Bananas for Sale or Swap & Wanted forum that we're mostly already familiar with, as well as appearing under the "recent posts" search ("other plants" for sale get created in the "Other Plants" forum)
Clicking to view that "thread" takes you right to the auction details page!

Posting an auction or a classified sale currently requires 30 credits.
1 BananaBuck = 1 Credit
You can cash in your BananaBucks for credits here:
vBClassified - Bananas.org

All existing feedback records will be migrated within about a week.

Enjoy the system and use it well!

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

Looks good. Will there be a link on the main navigation bar?

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

Yes, certainly.

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

Another important thing about the classifieds is that it ties into PayPal for you!
If you're selling an item, at the time where you are placing the details about the item up for sale, you can specify your pay-to PayPal address. Then, when the auction is over, the buyer will be automatically directed to PayPal to submit the payment to YOUR paypal account, all automatically, all from our site!
What about shipping, you ask? I'm working on a built in shipping fee module, so for the time being, you will need to invoice your buyers separate, should you wish to take advantage of the 'pay me now with paypal' option. I realize that shipping is very important, its not in there yet, but please be patient, I will bring it!

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

OK, the classifieds are linked up from the navbar as well as the featured ads and recent ads are placed around the site as well.

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

So am I interpreting it right that in order to offer a plant for sale now, we are being CHARGED Banana Bucks for what used to be a free feature? I guess I just can't understand why this has to continually being more complicated? You earn Banana Bucks, then cash them in for credits so you can then have them deducted from your account so you can place an ad? Sounds like a lot of running around in circles for nothing to me. Just having a hard time understanding why it is necessary to make this so complicated?

Terry

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

I'm still trying to grasp the banana bucks system but so far I'm understanding it to be something that can later be used for fun contests maybe. We get them when we're being active and helpful in posts which might help active members that want to sell their plants have visability and prevent people from coming in, creating a membership and not caring about being a part of the forum. They could possibly just use it as a place to advertise. I don't know... I'm just straining my brain out here in these freezing temps. we're STILL being bombarded with in Ky.

Deb

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

To answer your question, Terry, when an ad is placed, and you're charged for the placement, nobody gets them, they disappear into thin air.
The website just deducts your available balance. BTW, Terry, you could place over 50 sales with the amount of credits you have been given (it's still free).

I can point out many reasons why this new system is better than the way we had it before.
For example, there are now provisions to get you your payment immediately when someone buys one of your plants.
We did not have that feature before, and I think it's going to provide value to everyone that uses it (both buyer and sellers alike).

Thank you for your insight Deb, I appreciate the post.
You seem to grasp the concept 100%. I appreciate your taking the time to post that.

Re: Auctions & Classifieds
 

ditto jarred the bananabucks are free and hes complaining like hes paying real $$$ to post ....and true u do spend money on this site... didny know how to back u up but u just stole the words our my keyboard :P ahaha ok well nuff said jarred u put him in his place