Looking for the Classifieds?

[CACAdmin]

Looking for the Classifieds?

OK… so you’re familiar with Fish-Keeping Forums and you’ve decided you want to post some things or creatures in the typical forum Classifieds. But where are they? :confused: There are sections to list what your looking for, what you’ve spotted, group buys and misc (non aquatic stuff) but where do you post your fish or equipment, etc. for sale?

The answer is on the CAC Auction (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ClassAuction/). Auction? :err: Yikes, you say. I don’t want to auction them off, I just want to list them for sale! Well actually the CAC Auction is a combo Classifieds and Auction site. It handles both. And it’s easy to place your ad. It’s form driven. Once you register (yes:yes: , I said register… we can't help that because it’s separate software to the vBulletin software we use to run the forum), you simply click ‘List an Item’ from the menu and fill out the listing form. There is no charge, no hidden costs, it’s FREE to list your stuff or to bid/buy on the auction (well, you are under contractual obligation to pay the Seller). You can browse all you like but when you want to buy an item or bid on it, you do have to register first. So why not register now? When you see something you want you just bid or buy (quick and easy... you'll already have the one-time registration part out of the way :Smile: )

But how do you make sure it's just a Classified Ad and not up for auction? Easy. Simply select 'List an Item' from the menu but click the box 'Check if Buy Now Only' in the listing details and enter your asking price in the 'Buy Now Price' field.

When you list something on the CAC Auction, you get a professional looking ad, you get to include up to 2 photos ::D: (they can be directly uploaded from your computer or linked to an on-line site where you have them such a photobucket (your choice):yes: ). And don't worry, if you make a mistake you can edit your ad.

The next thing that comes to mind is that you might not want to get involved in shipping what you have to sell (there are even some items none of us wouldn’t want to tackle shipping… like a tank:rolleyes:). No problem, the shipping options drop-down choice box includes a ‘Pick up Only’ choice. What if you are willing to ship but not just anywhere? We’ve got that covered too. There is a text box that will let you type in your own Shipping options.

What about feedback? It works rather like e-Bay. You have the opportunity to leave feedback on every transaction (purchase or sale).

Any questions, just ask, we'll be happy to help. In the meantime, check out the CAC Auction (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ClassAuction/) and the CAC Auction faqs (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ClassAuction/index.php?a=28&b=141).

[Melody]

Business listings are welcome too! As long as it's for a specific item, you are free to list without charge, or opt to add attention getters for a small fee.

That last book about Whatsitcalled fish won't sell? Auction it! Do you have a few of this and a little of that? Auction it! Discontinued items? Display models? Clearance? Auction auction auction! It offers opportunities for the creative too, such as kits and bulk items. The economy has made it even more important to avoid stagnant stock. Use the shelf space for sellers and get the investment back from the rest. Sell locally or open your establishment to the whole country!

Just like advertising in this forum, it's perfectly targeted marketing that revolves entirely around your niche. That is always much more lucrative than blanket marketing to the masses on the off chance that one of them keeps fish. An assured ROI is crucial, especially in tough economic times. Every cent of your marketing budget or time investment will be well spent with this audience of eager buyers (addicts even lol). They are visiting the auction because they want to buy what you have, but they won't know you have it unless you list it!

:ChargeIt:

[Pamelajo]

Jay,
How private/secure is our info given for registration? How many have access to it?

[Melody]

I can answer that! One - Jay is the only one who takes care of the auction and must know who is who for legal reasons. Like the membership here, administration requires a different log in for the auction so I couldn't get at it even if I wanted to...lol...and as you know, our other staff has no access either. We take very precaution available to us to protect against hackers as well.

Good question!

[Pamelajo]

Thanks Mel!

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for asking, Pam. And thanks, too, Melody for answering in my absence. :Smile:

As Melody said, the administration of the auction is seperate from the forum with me as the only administrator. I am the only with with access to any of the registration info on the auction and this is not shared with anyone. If you browse existing ads you will see that the only info listed is City, Province and Country. (This allows a buyer to locate an item nearest to them.)

Even your email address, if you choose to set it to 'Private' (which I recommend), will only be shared with the buyer/seller of the current purchase/sale for enable completion of the transaction.


I am committed to ensureing the information you provide when registering is kept absolutely private and is not shared with anyone. We take every precaution available to us to ensure that your information is secure.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, either post them here or PM or email me directly.