| Author | Content |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
 February 6, 2008
12:21 PM Post #4502434
| We received three emails this morning calling for us to create a new auctioning place based on the Dave's Garden system. I'd like some feedback from the sellers out there who are petitioning us here at DG to create this. Please discuss your ideas in this forum and let's see where this goes.
Dave |
june_nmexico
Albuquerque, NM
(Zone 7a)
February 6, 2008
12:27 PM Post #4502464
| Are they proposing to auction plants or gardening-related items? |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
February 6, 2008
12:34 PM Post #4502484
| June I think it would encompass any garden-related item - books, seeds, bulbs, plants, and any/all gardening supplies and tools. |
Tropicanna
Clemmons, NC
(Zone 7b)
February 6, 2008
12:35 PM Post #4502490
| Love it!!!!!!!!!!!! Great idea!
...oh wait...only thing that might get weird is the fact that, because this is a community, people might be reluctant to give neg. feedback to an active member. I personally have had at least one occasion pop up where I had a really bad experience with a vendor and I would promptly have given a negative review in Garden Watchdog...but it was an active DG member, and that would have been awkward. So I didn't. I 've heard similar situations from other folks. Just a thought
but that's from a buyer's perspective :) And I still love to buy from decent vendors... |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
1:30 PM Post #4502721
| I hope this becomes a reality.I would love to move Country Garden's Ebay sales to Dave's.I believe it would be a better sales platform as well as keeping everything in the family.Possibly make DG membership a requirement for sellers but not for buyers. |
mimi825
Saginaw, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
1:39 PM Post #4502786
| This is a fantastic idea. As a buyer I would love it. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
1:51 PM Post #4502875
| I'm ALL for it. And I believe anyone who belongs to a plant society, horticultural discussion forum, has a favorite plant vendor, or a gardening buddy should inform them of this forum, offer them a link and instruct them to pass it on.
Let's do it people!
I would love to add Arghya Gardens in total to Dave's.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 12:52 PM |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 6, 2008
1:58 PM Post #4502911
| I was in the process of writing a letter to Dave's about this very subject. Now I will just post here.
I too would love to add Seed Sprout Nursery's eBay sales to an auction for garden related items on Dave's. There is a need for it now more than ever. Almost every gardener knows about Dave's Garden and who doesn't know eBay? Dave's has always been a pleasant place to visit and to the best of my knowledge all members are treated fairly. |
Tir_Na_Nog
February 6, 2008
2:00 PM Post #4502920
| But what do you ebay sellers think about tropicana's position---about being reluctant to post negative feedback on sellers?
How far should that go since we come to "know" people on Dave's? Should we have ratings? Should it just be a star rating with no commentary? ???? |
WillisTxGarden
Willis, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
2:07 PM Post #4502985
| As a buyer,...I too think it's a great idea! The chance of an opportunity to sell such items on DG via such an auction is very interesting to me.
I'm not currently a seller of plant - related items but I have considered it.
Since I have tried/still try to buy related items on Ebay,...it seems more appealing to have a similar venue right here at DG. |
angel_tree_baby
Orange Park, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
2:14 PM Post #4503041
| I think it would be a great idea if there were a way to hide the person's actual garden web identity when bidding and giving feedback. This would help to keep people's feelings from being hurt via being outbid by another member or having thier gw rep ruined by neg feedback etc. I don't personally have a problem with it but I *know* these issues will probably come up once it got going. This would also protect people's actual identity which is listed under the address exchange (which is linked to the GW IDs).
Other than that it would prob be good revenue for the site and great all around since it brings plant buyers and sellers together. |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
2:16 PM Post #4503059
| Great idea! I have many gardening books I would love to pass on.
By the way, I love the easy-to-use Lily Auction site.
[HYPERLINK@www.daylily.com] |
chefmike92
Clermont, FL
February 6, 2008
2:20 PM Post #4503096
| Im new here but one reason i joined is that it seems like a big family. I think an auction would take some of the "kindness" out of daves. I think if you want to sell there is the classified or Ebay. If people start selling i think the seed swaps and plant trading would start to decrease just for the fact that auctions are contajus. I have and do sell on ebay. Just my opinion i dont like the idea of selling to my family and i would have a problem with leaving anyone neg feedback. I there is a system there needs to be feed back to warn of problem buyer/sellers or there will lots of new members trying to take advantage of the "i screw you and you cant tell" way of selling.
Just my thoughts
hope to here all others
thanks for reading
mike |
WillisTxGarden
Willis, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
2:21 PM Post #4503111
| Isn't there a feedback system in place already,... that addresses interactions between two DG members (trades)...and interaction between a DG member & an outside vendor ? How could it be much different ? I mean,...the purpose of such feedback is, at least, two-fold.
1st-to alert DGers of the potential of a problem...and 2nd, to hold the
vendor or DGer accountable for their actions
The only problem I could see is the failure by anyone,... to be honest/factual about any transaction. The feedback system on Ebay is generally suseptible to that possiblity...so the ability to "respond" and tell/explain the other side of the story is in place. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
2:21 PM Post #4503113
| It might be helpful if members had one user name for discussion and a different one as a registered buyer. |
angel_tree_baby
Orange Park, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
2:31 PM Post #4503188
| Gordo, that is what I was thinking. That would eliminate any problems in breaking up the family like atmosphere.
Willis, The difference is when people are merrily trading or actually spending money..somehow *some* (not me LOL) people get real competitive with auctions and very angry when it comes to money being involved. Just having separate IDs would prevent any escalations..I think that is why ebay makes personal info unavailable to the general public. When you are buying something I think it is between you and the seller and not really anyone else's business who you are, where you live (where the merchandise might be etc.) |
WillisTxGarden
Willis, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
2:34 PM Post #4503215
| Since the trading of items or outright giving away of items would likely be between those of us who are not vendors...why not have the opportunity of obtaining a plant/seed etc via an auction offered by an "on DG site" vendor? As angel_tree_baby mentioned,...and like some auctions on Ebay have,...the identity of any bidder could remain
unknown...(DG identity or any other). |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
2:36 PM Post #4503226
| It sounds like a good idea. As long as it is in a separate forum, and the sellers specify right up front if they are willing to ship to other countries. |
Syrumani
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
2:44 PM Post #4503270
| I find myself agreeing with Mike. I think if Dave's starts an auction area, it would detract from the friendly trading that goes on.
However, as an occasional seller on eBay, I think the fees they - and paypal - charge can be a bit high. IF Dave's has an auction area, would there be seller fees involved? (I know, too early to tell, but I had to put it out there)
I think there should be a buyer/seller alias. I also think there should be feedback . . . I count on that, to tell me that I'm either doing something right - or that I need to work on something. It's like spinach - feedback can make you stronger (if you choose to eat it!). |
Len123
Adrian, MO
(Zone 6a)
February 6, 2008
2:48 PM Post #4503286
| I would wonder how that might affect the forum chats. for example if someone was asking for a recommendation for a plant and someone recommended one and mentioned that they or someone else on the forum just happened to have one listed in the auction. It would seem very awkward to me. would the discussions degenerate to selling forums or remain as unbiased comments and suggestions? |
mistygardener
Saint James, MO
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
2:48 PM Post #4503288
| I think it is a great idea, and one that I know Dave and his team can work out the details where everyone is 'safe' from repercussions and 'infecting' family relations here on DG. My main thought that comes to mind right now is that I would hope that there would be some rule on the amount charged on shipping. eBay is known to have many people that gouge so hard on their shipping charges. |
jazzzy704
Fenton, MI
(Zone 5b)
February 6, 2008
2:55 PM Post #4503313
| MY NEWBIE 2 CENTS,
I do think it is an interesting idea. But I am concerned about the trading and sharing that happens to be the best part of this community. It seems as soon as you add DOLLARS to the mix or the chance to make dollars to a happy community it ceases to stay the SAME!!
It happens in families and I fear it could happen here.
The "ON SITE" knowledge that every plant has a price changes the trade. It is no longer "a plant or two for what YOU'VE got "but "a BUCK or two" or "why trade when I can PROFIT" !!
It also takes the easy going, share your experience and pull up a chair flavor of Dave's to a place where after I buy from YOU I may never want to answer, or message you, or wish you a sad or happy comment because of some failure in the DEAL!
An Old saying " don't do business with family" maybe the right adage for this venture.
I think after this bit of analysis I am NOT for this here. I think it better played out in already available OTHER sites!
Julie |
TeresaInCAL
Valley Springs, CA
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
2:58 PM Post #4503322
| I think having a DG auction area is a WONDERFUL idea! Since the new changes at Ebay, I'd like to not sell/buy there anymore at all. Ebay is getting WAY too big for their britches, and needs a reality check.
I don't believe having auctions would detract from the trading that goes on at all. Considering the fact that as of now, anyone can sell anything, at anytime on Ebay, but there are still TONS of people trading, and giving away plants for postage. I don't think that would change.
There would *have* to be some kind of fees to cover the additional administrative costs. It would be a large undertaking. I wouldn't mind paying, as long as it was reasonable.
As far as there being any bad blood between buyers, and sellers, I think it would be just the opposite! I'd think that the two people knew each other, it would HELP keep everything on the up and up. Why would anyone want to screw over someone they knew? That's just NOT what plant people do.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 11:04 AM |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
2:59 PM Post #4503329
| I think if we did this project, it would be a completely separate website but built on the DG platform.
Then the project would be kept separate from DG as much as makes sense.
This would avoid overly-commercialising DG. |
mistygardener
Saint James, MO
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
3:00 PM Post #4503334
| Everyone must remember that Dave & Team strive hard to keep this a family oriented site and things wouldn't change because of this because it would not be allowed. I can see both sides, but I think that people here would work hard to make sure that their name stays 'clean' because they do care about this site. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
3:03 PM Post #4503346
| Many of the qualities essential for a secure trading environment are already here at Dave's. The Watchdog is in place, and buyers would have the advantage of researching honest retailers from within their midst. Disagreements would be hashed out as they have always been.
As far as selling to family goes, I would rather know my family members are making safe, secure transactions among one another, rather than from unknown entities that might rip them off without conscience. The familial relationships here are a more compelling reason to deal honestly with friends and customers alike. That kind of motivation is missing on some of the major auction sites.
Auctioning at Dave's gives the shopper the advantage of research information for plant species and sellers, and it offers sellers the unheard of opportunity to listen to their customer' comments and criticism via the Watchdog and discussion forums.
With both a member ID and a seller's ID, identities would remain separate and distinct from discussion and selling.
The cost of placing items for auction, processing sales, payment, etc., can be worked out after the membership decides whether they wish a Hoticultural Hub to exist or not. Why prowl the web for what you need, when you can use one stop stopping to your advantage? You want rakes? We've got rakes. You want books? We've got books. Greenhouses? Plants? Pots? Soil? Special sales notifications? We've got them AND a place where you can inform your gardening pals if you were treated with respect or sent a box of mushy bulbs and given an argument.
How much better can you equip a fellow gardener?
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 2:05 PM |
charlenesplants
Buffalo, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:07 PM Post #4503357
| I personally think that it could take away part of the reason I joined. I found the kind free offering of seeds for newbies. I found that plants that I had were desired by others going to th RU's. I found that I met lots of nice people at the RUs and came home with many plants.
I believe that trading would become more money biased. If you had a plant that would give off lots of new plants quickly and easily like for instance a brug, you would be inclined to "list" it instead of trade it.
If you met a newbie online, you would point him/her to the auctions to get started instead of the friendly offerings now made to newbies.
In a trade, you would be tempted to see what the "value" was in the auctions instead of just enjoying the yours for mine or yours for postage attitudes we have now.
I got brug cuttings for $1 from the classifieds here. At an auction, I probably couldn't have afforded them.
Everyone here had the same chance I did to check the classifieds and many others bought the cuttings.
The seller was obviously not out to "get rich". The buyers were obviously very happy to get the cuttings at such bargains.
At the RU's people don't take count of item for item and value for value. If we had an auction going it would be tempting to only trade for equal values or to save the "good" things for the auction.
The most fun on this site can be had at the RU events. The trading going on before an RU can be so much fun and no one keeps count, and everyone is happy about the trades given and recieved.
As far as Dave goes, there would be much more money in an auction than currently made now. It is a matter of what kind of site is desired. I came here for the friendliness and knowledge I found while browsing. I joined because I liked what I saw and wanted to see more.
On auction sites it is all about making money by the sellers and finding bargains or hard to find items by the buyers. Here we can find the bargains and the hard to find items often for the trade of something we have propagated ourselves at no additional cost.
Charlene |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
3:09 PM Post #4503367
| I have often yearned for something like this. Like the Lily Auction, but with a wider variety of garden plants and items. I actaully think to make it work, it needs to be bigger than just Daves or the Daves community. If someone is going to leave ebay to sell on it, they want a wide range of customers I would think, you should not have to have signed up and paid to join Daves to shop the auction. I would imagine, If anyone has talked to Mike Longo at the LA, Im sure he would have some input. Or maybe its a little on his turf, I dont know...certainly it is with daylilies. |
drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:12 PM Post #4503378
| If anyone interested in buying on the auction site has to:
1. pay a small fee to register and receive a purchasing number (that should take care of our identities). Also maybe Dave could set up a login for that forum using our registration number.
2. The only place for complaints or recommendations would be on that forum which a registration number or login is required.
3. Make it a rule that auctions or purchases can not be discussed in any manner, for any reason,(good reviews or bad) on any forum, that should take care of inner family gossip or problems. If the rule is broken, the party or parties involved would lose their registration number or login number.
I think it would be great to be able to bid on items and save money.
And of course, if you don't want to participate, then you continue on with Daves as usual.
Debbie
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 1:15 PM |
charlenesplants
Buffalo, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:14 PM Post #4503388
| While I was typing Dave posted the fact that the whole idea would be put into a separate website.
I think I would like that idea quite well. As it would be not too different from how it is now with ebay's availability to us as well as the normal trading done here.
I quite selling on Ebay because they just got too greedy.
I would love to have a place to list some hatching eggs like I used to do on ebay. I would love to list some of my plants that no-one requests from my offerings of trades at RUs or on RRs.
Keeping it separate would be the key to keeping this site just what it is. I really like this site and was very happy to find it as it is now.
Charlene |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
3:16 PM Post #4503399
| So, as a completely separate website, both buyers and sellers would be able to choose usernames other than their DG usernames, right? That might answer some of the concerns expressed above.
I like the idea, especially if it can be done with lower fees/overhead than eBay... but will you be willing to undertake the conflict resolution stuff, or will that just be handled through feedback & rebuttal with a "buyer beware" approach? (My eBay experience is really limited, you can tell.)
You wouldn't be able to discuss "Dave's Auction" business (or whatever name it was given) on DG as a seller any more than you can now discuss your eBay or LA or other types of sales. But perhaps people (sellers especially) could, if they wished, list their auction names on their DG home page... that way, if I think somebody I "know" on DG might be selling daylily seeds, I'll know how to find them!
|
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
3:23 PM Post #4503427
| I'm getting the sense that many gardeners feel they are destined to be mistreated by merchants and they are simply out to make enormous profits. Many eBay sellers grow and sell just to keep their gardens producing. Their profits, for the most part, are invested BACK into their gardens with whatever is left over used to supplement their income. They buy from other gardeners as well. It is not so much a method to gain wealth, rather it is a way to become somewhat independent, network with gardeners around the world, preserve rare species, send their kids to college, whatever.
If you've been made to feel your complaints have been unheard among the large plant companies, you're more likely to find comfort and resolution where the overall motivation is to do whatever is civil to accomplish your overall goals. Small sellers do listen and try to make it right. They have more to lose than the fellow with 20,000 customers.
Generosity of spirit certainly will not dissolve among the membership. Trading and RUs will not disappear. Our hearts will not harden, because we sell plants in a responsible manner to people we wish to treat with respect and wish to come again and visit.
|
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
3:28 PM Post #4503448
| Here's another thing to consider.Many "plant related" sellers are leaving Ebay this month
and many of you depend on Ebay for your new varieties.Those of us who are sellers,and who leave Ebay,will have to hope you wander through our websites from time to time.
One other thing to consider.You don't usually find the "latest and greatest"for nothing.These come from the websites and from the auctions.I doubt that you would see much difference in the amount of trade for cuttings and seed.The four major players in
brug sales also trade cuttings and give away lots of free seed. |
Gerris2
Wilmington, DE
(Zone 7a)
February 6, 2008
3:29 PM Post #4503450
| I would sell seeds on such an auction site associated with DG. Sounds great!
Joseph
|
Syrumani
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:29 PM Post #4503454
| I'm with critterologist - if it's on a separate website, and with lower fees than eBay - I'm in! |
charlenesplants
Buffalo, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:39 PM Post #4503500
| I really don't know if ebay's fees can be justified by their costs, but I really don't think so. I know they are very big and have a lot of employees. They went public with their stock several years ago and so now they are goverened somewhat by stockholders interests. I started out with them when they were only a few months old. I quit selling with them because it got to be difficult to make a profit anymore due to their high fees.
If you do an auction site Dave, you will have a greater start than ebay with all of your faithfuls here on this site. It is something that will get bigger than we can imagine if opened to the general public. People are always looking for places to list their items for sale at fair prices and for fair fees. There is no doubt that it would be a complete success.
Would you still be interested in spending the time it takes to run this site if you were making "BIG" bucks from a "better than ebay" auction site?
In fairness to you, I know you would make it a great site for all, I just hope you would be able to maintain both sites.
Charlene |
LariAnn
Miami, FL
(Zone 10a)
February 6, 2008
3:40 PM Post #4503508
| I'm ready to participate whenever it is set up. Great idea! |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
3:42 PM Post #4503517
| Pros -
- A natural site for it - we have vendors and buyers in the same place, all passionate about
the same things.
- I think it would be good for the vendors and excellent for DG as long as it is done well
- This is a good time to do this! A lot of sellers are very dissatisfied with eBay right now, and would be happy to switch to something better.
Cons -
- Bad feelings among people who are bidding on the same item (I like the idea of hiding bidder names in this case)
- People feeling compelled to give good feedback for bad transactions because they are dealing with "friends" (I think anonymous bidders are also a good thing in this case)
- Anonymous bidders are hard for sellers, though. If a bidder has a bad buying history, the seller needs to know. I like the idea of assigning people numbers when they sign up to the site.
- If you don't do anonymous bidding, the addy exchange needs to come down. Even if there is a sister site, many many people are going to use their same ids on both sites (even though they know they shouldn't), and that becomes a safety issue.
Thoughts -
- There needs to be links somewhere on the site to what plants can/can't be shipped to
different states/countries. It is obviously not the site's responsibility to monitor all of the transactions to make
sure the wrong person didn't buy a plant, but the information needs to be there for people to find.
- Is any subscriber welcome to sell anything, or is that limited to registered/vetted vendors? Can they sell "anything", or does it need to be garden related? How broad is your definition of "garden-related"? (Is this going to be "dBay", or something limited to vendors who are already in the Garden Watchdog?) |
boojum
Shelburne Falls, MA
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
3:45 PM Post #4503528
| As a separate website, sure. BTW, I hate competition and usually buy things with set prices from e-bay and the lily auction.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 2:48 PM |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
3:46 PM Post #4503532
| In many ways, the eBay model is a good one. List your item, sell it, receive feedback (buyer and seller), block problem buyers, boot out irresponsible sellers, hash out problems in a sane and civil manner.
As far as listing goes, pay for your ad and photo at a flat rate then hand over a small percentage to cover the processing fee.
The model works. The problems arise when imbalances in protection for buyer, seller, or both during the resolution process are ignored, explained away without true resolution, or abused by being excised completely, because the enterprise is so enormous civility is overlooked for the bigger fish (profits) to fry.
The other problem is jacking up listing fees and commission without reason. The auction format is a non-tangible entity that cannot be transported here or there. Thus, no extra fees because the cost of fuel is in the region of Orion! I don't need to pay for seminars on how to sell, TV ads, catalogs of other sellers' wares, special services and someone else's ad below my counter. I just want to get my plant from point A to point B as smoothly and agreeably as possible.
The administrators here have shown themselves to be intelligent, thoughtful mediators with a view to satisfying the needs of the gardening community as a whole. I cannot see that either diminishing or disappearing unless the ills being suffered at eBay are contagious. If anything, it is a stern lesson regarding what NOT to do to individuals who have placed the meat on your table. |
bivbiv
Central FL, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
3:49 PM Post #4503542
| Well said, gordo!
I vote YES.
Traders will still be trading, and sellers will still be selling...except in a better place. I think Dave's got the right idea about setting up separately.
And, frankly, let's not forget that Dave's employers would love to make some money, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Seems like a good way to do it. I foresee the DG plant auction site becoming the horicultural eBay. I think it would also become an international site. |
gardener2005
Baton Rouge area, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:52 PM Post #4503555
| I`d like it if they could keep it really seperate and the auctions and anything to do with auctions wouldn`t become a every day topic of the regular discussions of gardening topics.
Karen |
gardener2005
Baton Rouge area, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
3:59 PM Post #4503589
| Ebay has a forum just for buyers and sellers and other topics of interest concerning ebay and ebay auctions so maybe a similar kind of seperate forum set up for Daves Garden auctions would be a suggestion.
Karen |
LariAnn
Miami, FL
(Zone 10a)
February 6, 2008
4:00 PM Post #4503593
| Those who set it up/run it (Dave?) should have an internal system whereby they rate sellers and buyers based on valid and invalid criticisms lodged. For example, if a buyer unjustly negs a seller (based on a private inquiry by admin), that buyer would get an internal neg from the system. Eventually, that buyer would be banned by the system admin if they continued the unjust behavior. Similarly, a seller who repeatedly stiffed or otherwise shortchanged a buyer would get negged by the system admin and eventually might be banned from selling altogether. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
4:02 PM Post #4503598
| We could start with the working model, then tweak it to suit the memberships needs.
Maybe we could call it "The Horticultural Hub at Dave's Garden".
If you can't find it here...it just ain't to be found! LOL!
|
cathy4
St. Louis County, MO
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
4:03 PM Post #4503600
| As a frequent ebay seller of non plant items, both for profit and charitable, I think a DG's auction site would be lovely as long as it is separate. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
4:11 PM Post #4503626
| I just want to add, if it is as user friendly as DG is now, I'd even consider selling. I have always wanted to on e-bay, but frankly, it scares the daylights out of me. |
grrrnthumb
Marysville, WA
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
4:16 PM Post #4503645
| I appreciated this point:
"The model works. The problems arise when imbalances in protection for buyer, seller, or both..."
Ebay does balance anonymity with accountability. Because feedback goes both ways, and becuase it's a major site, people have a lot invested in one user name and are motivated to keep it clean. I've been a victim of shill bidding by vendors and appreciate that Ebay's system helped catch them. I'm worried that with multiple user names here that accountability goes away, and abuses like shill bidding, buyer non-payment, seller non-performance, etc., would skyrocket; then it's no longer a true auction site.
I would vote for keeping the same user name. I think it keeps both buyers & sellers honest when they can't hide so easily.
In order to draw the masses I think security is a priority; 'bid with confidence' has to really mean something.
I would really love to see one big horticultural auction site here. :^)
- Tom |
jazzzy704
Fenton, MI
(Zone 5b)
February 6, 2008
4:16 PM Post #4503646
| Hello All,
I think a separate site IS absolutely the way to go "Dave's Garden Auctions" OR???
I read all of above and everyone has great input. So true that most of what is traded is everyday
garden material. No one is going to take a Dark Blue ( Like it would ever happen) day lilly and trade it!!
No it would be sold to the highest bidder. But to those who say "we are more considerate than those at eBay"
Most of the eBay sellers of plant material belong to DAVE'S! The fact that people don't want to replace a plant or blame the seller or customer rightly or wrongly for plant failure is just a fact of life. Whether it is our fault or theirs there always seems to be bad feelings. If WE believe WE are RIGHT and the other party is to blame no amount of repairing ever makes you TRUST as you once did.
And lets face it we trust each other with lots of facts of our lives and homes. Showing pictures of animals, kids, yards, professions and having a great deal of our guards down!
Add money, a bad deal, a bum rating, a negative experience and well ANY THING COULD AND WILL happen.
I say keep it separate. keep it anonymous and keep it far from the LOVELY GARDEN BENCH I call Dave's!!
Julie |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
4:22 PM Post #4503663
| I really like the idea of anonymous bidding (using numbers or whatnot so sellers can keep track, which I agree is necessary). Although I don't really want to bid against my buddies, it's not really fair to the seller either if I drop out of the bidding and they end up getting a lower price for the item... taking names out of the system takes care of some of that... although some people may figure out over time that #978527 = critterologist = Jill, it's not so immediately obvious.
I realize I could choose a userID for the auction site that's completely unlike my DG username and just keep it to myself... but I think Marylyn is right that a lot of people won't do that, and I'm just trying to prevent conflict if possible.
Or am I wrong in thinking that anonymity is either useful or a workable means of avoiding conflict spill-over into DG? |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
4:25 PM Post #4503673
| Tom, does accountability go away as long as an anonymous number always translates to the same username internally? I'm not suggesting that the system only know me by a number, just that it's a number and not my username that shows when I place a bid or maybe even when I leave feedback... the system knows who I am, and the seller knows who I am, but everybody else does not need to know who I am... ? |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 6, 2008
4:25 PM Post #4503676
| I think a lot of you have too many fears. I sell on eBay and my web site. I also belong to the Plant Scout here on Dave's Garden and several other organizations. I probably have only made 2 or 3 post on the forums since being a member of Dave's but I do read a lot and enjoy the photo's and plant files. Although I am a seller and own my own nursery business. I still attend round-ups. I still give away tons of seeds and plants each year. I am not out to make a killing...only a living. I know many people on Dave's Garden and many of you have been one of our customers for several years.
Feedback keeps a buyer and seller honest unless either or both parties are posting for spite or retaliation. I am sure if Dave and staff go ahead with this idea they will do it in the same spirit as Dave's Garden was created. I don't think it needs to be a part of this site but a sister company off site as Dave has mentioned in an above post. Ebay owns a lot more than their auction site and there is no reason Dave's can't branch out if so desired. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
4:25 PM Post #4503677
| I admit I am the worst when I see something someone else has that I want. Then I initiate a trade...worse yet, i couldn't find the plant to buy for the person wishing for a certain plant (this morning).
The bottom line is: this trading among our friendly community wears thin in a hurry. It is very time consuming and have been thinking about not posting anymore on Dave's even though I love the people. It is my own fault that I get involved in too many trades taking the fun out of belonging to the site.
I would rather buy on Dave's. An auction or a 'buy me now' would be great and know that we would all benefit from such a site at great prices. (both as a buyer and as a seller)
Just my two cents worth but if we don't adopt such a plan, I feel I have to drop out as I can't seem to control my 'want' for plants and initiating trades which are just too expensive and time consuming for me. Remember that sometimes the person sending to me gets the short end of the stick and sometimes I get the short end of the stick.
I will be watching closely to see where this might lead for all of us. I hope it is a possibility. I paid on ebay not long ago 65.00 plus shipping for strep leaves which are great, but I assure I also have strep leaves that I would gladly sell for less than I paid on ebay.
****edited to say that it is hard work to post pictures for everyone to enjoy and I don't think that Dave's gardens is a place to "earn a living". To me buying and selling for less than ebay would benefit everyone who puts so much effort into Dave's site having these beautiful pictures to share all the time.(I hope no one is offended but i don't think if you don't post pictures all the time and trade that anyone can know how much fun and hard work it is)
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 3:38 PM |
Tntigger
(Zone 6b)
February 6, 2008
4:49 PM Post #4503757
| I sell iris on ebay every year I believe I would be very interested in another place to auction them.Ebay fees are going to extreme right now what with listings and final value fees. Paypal fees are not as bad.
I think a new selling id is good, but also I believe a member should keep their original DG member joining date. That way you know how long someone has been a member here.
I completely agree with gordo's comments,everything I make selling is put right back in every year plus a whole lot more,lol
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 3:53 PM |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
5:05 PM Post #4503810
| Gardening is a verrrry expensive hobby for sure and a new site like Dave is talking about sounds too good to be true. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
5:05 PM Post #4503813
| Another interesting prospect is inviting the best hundred of Dave's finest from the Watchdog to participate. Same listing fee and percentage across the board, regardless of company size.
Whether you sell three kinds of Brugmansia from Georgia or 10,000 bulbs from Chicago, the rate remains the same. You succeed or fail of your own merit. Merchants who have proven their way to the top of Dave's best hundred list should be available to the membership in a more expansive way as well. They've helped to butter everyone's bread as we've done theirs.
They've earned the right to sell to a targeted group as much as even the least member.
Tired of hunting for trusted bulb sellers? Find them here.
Can't find an Amorphophallus Titanium at a decent price? Check out The Hub.
Separate makes sense. Yet, aren't the discussion forums already doing business in disguise? We're recommending sellers and sources to each other all the time. Why? Because we care about our fellow gardeners, and we know where to send them. We're constantly rewarding business to sellers who struggle to please us. They, in turn answer us with good product. We need to unite in one place.
Think about this as well...How many varieties of Brugmansia are offered by the large plant nurseries? And how many new varieties are being produced there? Very few, indeed. It is the little guys who are producing the new double flowering varieties, the seed from them and the cuttings of them for your garden. The same, I venture to suggest, is true of many other plant species. And what of Passiflora! Where have the long unavailable species seed come from? The little guys. A few bucks here and there, and you've participated in preserving a species as well as financed a fellow plant lover's opportunity to climb around on the Organ Mountains in Brazil collecting P. kermesina seeds in the wild.
There's more to this than exchanging plant material for profit. It is also about a movement of people toward the preservation of what is best in their world. It is about retired guys doing mad science and producing Hibiscus to die for, or a middle aged lady making phantasmagoric quadruple Brugmansias right in her own backyard. It's about escape into the wonderful and forgiving world of nature for relief from anxiety and maybe, finding the company of a like minded friend. It's about retired ladies in Florida sharing precious pollens with a young and generous family man in Germany. The progeny of our collective curiosity will hopefully delight our fellow gardeners and perhaps, become the genetic foundations upon which those coming after us will build. If we are careful, considerate, diligent and wise, our work and plants that have come from our work will survive us.
I believe many of us have this view and despite the frailties of our humanity, it will continue to thrive in this venue or any other. If it predominates, if everyone hold that standard high, success is assured and this world is just that much more attended to and cared for. Generations to come will see something of YOUR face in the flowers they anticipate each Spring or leave to the care of THEIR children. Obstacles on the road to fulfillment of those possibilities can surely be removed if we work together. |
hart
Shenandoah Valley, VA
February 6, 2008
5:07 PM Post #4503821
| Why does it have to be an auction? I'd much rather see something along the lines of the online stores that were available on the old garden.com of years ago (or the ebay stores.) Because of the high price of shipping these days, I would be more likely to shop in a store where I could buy several items and combine shipping than bid on a single item.
I would love to have a one stop shop for plants and other garden items vs having to scour the internet looking for a particular plant. |
forevereden
Louisville, KY
February 6, 2008
5:30 PM Post #4503887
| GREAT IDEA!!! I have lots of items I can auction or do some type of buy it now. It would bring alot more traffic to the site too. I am ready to sign up! |
WillisTxGarden
Willis, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
5:39 PM Post #4503927
| I appreciate Seed_Sprout's observations as well as Gordo's...as well as others
Many good recommendations and observations have been made
Overall,...the spirit of goodwill among the vast majority of the gardeners
has been the driving force that has made DG such a success. Why should that change? The point have been made that a number of sellers on Ebay are DG members...reputations among them AND among DG members are directed/determined by their interactions with others in a fair, honest manner...with goodwill OR their lack of doing so.
I tell ya,...every level/facet of society will contain the potential of wrong doing...it exists on Ebay...but I still buy things there,...it exists among the enormous list of Vendors...but I still buy plants,seeds,etc. from these sellers...(in both these cases,...obviously,..if something dishonest or undesirable occurs... "I won't be fooled again" (The Who) It exists at the work place,...yet, I still go to work there...it exists outside of this "sanctuary of normality & goodwill"...(t least for me)..at DG...and ,yes,... occasionally inside.
Maybe some of you will laugh and think me too idealistic...but I believe that the very nature of the majority of DG members...of friends and acquaintances I've made here at DG...their desire to share information, empathy and support...as well as the organic gifts...That's what makes DG what it is.
I'd like to point out:
Money is exchanged when seeds or plants or whatever is offered...for postage being paid by the recipient...the trust is there regardless of the amount agreed upon. I can't recall seeing a thread(s) that alerted all of us of the dangers of offering seeds or such for postage paid...and the person(s) being ripped off...maybe it has happened...
I doubt that it is often. My point is,...that money being involved in a transaction - whether as a DG member's offer as described,...or as a transaction on a DG-related auction site...does not have to mean rampant dishonest transactions need be expected...because of the very NATURE of the majority of DG members. We can & will police this "sanctuary"...to protect it...as will Dave & all the staff...for sure...that is,...if it becomes reality.
I just can't bring myself to believe that the "down-home/family"
goodwill among members,...the sharing, caring, trading of all kinds,etc. will diminish because an auction venue...(affiliated with DG) becomes a vehicle/supplier of what we want/need to enhance our hobby/passion/fascination ...however you choose to describe what brought you here to begin with.
I believe there will be a way to protect all of us...to make it work.
I whole heartedly agree with Gordo's posts (especially the last 3-4 before this post) My 4 cents worth
edited to correct grammar
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 3:41 PM |
starlight1153
Seale, AL
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
6:10 PM Post #4504006
| I have lots of plants that folks want that I would like to sell to help out my project. I personally do not like the idea of an auction on DG.
I think like a few have mentioned that feelings are gonna get hurt. Folks using a different name is not going to help cuz as soon as transactions are completed folks have names and addys and even as much as everybody trys to keep on an even keel here on threads. , bad words and gossip do go on behind the lines.
There are also alot of folks that don't know how to take care of a plant or what to expect and I have seen some really good folks have their reputations and plants trashed just because of somebody thinking they was getting a bandbox plant and not one grown from a home gardener. Lots of folks have different ideas of what they expect and can be very vocal when it doesn't go there way unfortunately.
I have things and as soon as ready that I will be posting on the classified. I have noticed lately that it getting a bit busier and some new folks posting things. I think the classified is a good idea. What I would like to se e possible is the classified expanded.
Have the classified section where folks can pay their five bucks for the two weeks advertisiment lie now. For those of us that small businesses or organizations trying to get going, have off the classified a store place where folks can rent spots and post their items and prices they have. Have a link from off the classified for those that have little stores from off the classified.
Have those stores for only folks selling plants and garden things, all other stuff have it stay on the classified. For the little stores have like on the co-op that it a buyer beware and no feedback. That way if there a problem at least it can be done privately though those folks private emails and not reflect negatively on DG and the community atmosphere here.
If business want feedback let them put themselves on the big list where they have web sites and such for folks to go to like now.
Have the little stores for those of us that have some stuf f to sell but don't have web sites .
|
PudgyMudpies
Stockton, CA
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
6:14 PM Post #4504022
| I think the classifieds are enough, but if it is something you decide to go with, then I like that you would keep it as a separate site. Another thought might be that sellers use a screen name that is completely separate from this site. That would eliminate the feelings of posting negatives about active members. Am I correct in assuming that the rules here would stay the same, that sellers would not be able to promote their business on the threads? |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
6:16 PM Post #4504028
| Another point. Those of us who work hard producing websites are forbidden by eBay to list the address of our websites if they offer sale items. We are also forbidden to contact customers to inform them of sales, etc. I have written a few letters to eBay asking that the list of customers who have us bookmarked as "Favorite Sellers" might be made available to us so that we may at least contact them if we have items we think they may be interested in, or if we're running a special sale on items we have in multiple, whatever. All are verboten. We earned Favorite Seller status, but can't offer our customer any reward for it. If you do, you're bounced if found out.
Individuals who have toiled to create websites are restricted from posting a single seed on them simply because we sell on eBay. We are refused access to the greater world community of gardeners. Having paid the price of advertisement, I am still beholding.
If this kind of merchandising were the norm, any retail establishment that placed an ad on TV, the newspaper, radio or even a handbill would be disallowed business beyond the scope of the advertiser's ability to reach a limited audience. When you place merchandisers between yourself and what you think you can deliver, cause dependency, then fiddle with service and billing, you're not creating business opportunities. You're creating business prisoners, who grow when YOU say they grow...or not.
I want to keep my website and offer what I wish from it, and I also want to have a source where I can target as many people of like mind as myself. I don't like being punished for attempting to expand my creative energy beyond the scope of someone I've hired to do just that. eBay is not the world. It is part of a greater world where individuals are just as interested in my product.
It is Sophie's choice. I get to be punished by the hirelings, or risk being shunned by the megalith. It is a mindset I neither accept or believe. Like the Donald says, its business, and I am not satisfied with peanuts while the elephant awaits. My goodwill, as expressed through my business, should not be subject to either fetter or abuse...and neither should anyone else's. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
6:26 PM Post #4504064
| Not to start an argument or anything... but you CAN mention/advertise your outside website on your My eBay page. You just can't do it in your auctions. And I regularly get newsletters or e-mails from sellers on my favorites list about things that they have for sale on eBay. You can set that up through eBay. Of course they aren't going to let you use their system to advertise specials on your own website.
I like a lot of your other points, gordo. :-) |
drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
6:28 PM Post #4504069
| gordo, I know I must be very old. I did not understand a thing you just said. Must be for the young folks. LOL
starlight please don't tell me that gossip goes on behind the lines at DG. Everyone here is so friendly.
The reason I don't go on ebay, is because I am oldfolks and don't understand everything, I don't trust it. That's why I would love to have an auction associated with DG, because I trust it.
Aren't there already auctions at DG? I think so. And I've never heard anything negative about them. Maybe I am just naive. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
6:32 PM Post #4504087
| I may not be the sharpest knife in the kitchen, but I am getting lost in all this discussion. What do you mean by saying, "Take the top 100 list under Garden Watch dog" to participate. I thought this was about members of DG selling and buying...not necessarily vendors who have been in business all their lives????? Someone help me, please in understanding what Gordo meant. |
bivbiv
Central FL, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
6:33 PM Post #4504093
| Re hurt feelings. We're adults, not children, and should act in a mature manner. I can't imagine getting my feelings hurt over an auction. |
drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
6:36 PM Post #4504105
| gessie, you make me laugh :) "not the sharpest knife in the kitchen" indeed. LOL
Debbie
|
art_n_garden
Colorado Springs, CO
(Zone 6a)
February 6, 2008
6:41 PM Post #4504128
| I for one am very leary of the idea of auctions. I wouldn't mind a separate yet related site as some mentioned, but I don't want a marketplace in my internet home just like I don't want to live next to the Costco going up next door to my neighborhood.
True, it would probably become HUGE and draw more subscribers, etc, but at some point Dave has to draw the line to maintain his mission of "by gardeners, for gardeners." What would be do if it became as big as ebay? In the past, 'large' scale arguments have turned me off of Dave's for months and years at a time, I don't want something like this to do it again. I know that it's not necessarily going to go bad, I'm just scared of new things obviously. My two cents is, if it's going to happen make it completely separate and seller/buyer id's need to be the same as here. |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY
(Zone 6a)
February 6, 2008
6:43 PM Post #4504135
| DGbay? Kinda has a nice ring to it... |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
6:47 PM Post #4504155
| If Dave decides to exclude flea collars, Nintendo Wii, and naughty lingerie, I'm sure it will still be by gardeners, for gardeners and a great place to be.
;-) |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
6:49 PM Post #4504163
| gessiegail wrote..."I may not be the sharpest knife in the kitchen, but I am getting lost in all this discussion. What do you mean by saying, "Take the top 100 list under Garden Watch dog" to participate. I thought this was about members of DG selling and buying...not necessarily vendors who have been in business all their lives????? Someone help me, please in understanding what Gordo meant."
If I understand Gordo's post correctly,she meant to have the "top 100" invited as well as DG members.Many of those are large companies and not necessarily members.I assume this was to increase the size of the auction base. |
drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
6:54 PM Post #4504178
|
I think an auction would be great. If I want to participate, I can. If not, I don't have to. With the awesome way Dave has set up DG and it's governing rules, I'm am sure he can take care of the details to accomadate us all. |
Syrumani
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 6, 2008
6:54 PM Post #4504182
| If it is completely separate from DG, then seller/buyer id's can/should be different.
Also, if someone wanted to sell something garden related on the other site, I don't think it should be a requirement that they be a member of DG. If someone lists something for sale, maybe there could be a review period prior to the item being displayed on the site. That could give the people who are chosen to work the site time to verify that it is a garden-type product.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 4:55 PM |
grrrnthumb
Marysville, WA
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
6:56 PM Post #4504189
| Oh man, no flea collars and naughty lingerie?? ;^)
Gessie I think it would be a site for both vendors & for individuals. The small-time vendors you find in the gardening business are the best place to find the really cool unique plants that we all love so much.
Ebay just raised the prices on vendors, so it is they who actually started this revolt and it was their emails that got this discussion started. :^)
- Tom
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 2:58 PM |
Garden4ever
Plymouth, WI
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
6:58 PM Post #4504196
| Awesome idea! Would love it. |
june_nmexico
Albuquerque, NM
(Zone 7a)
February 6, 2008
7:01 PM Post #4504208
| Just following this with some interest. I do believe anyone selling anything on DG should be a member of DG. Otherwise I believe we leave ourselves open to having our e-mail addresses sold or used by outside vendors to sell us more stuff. The last thing I need is more junk e-mail.
|
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:02 PM Post #4504211
| Well, they have proven to be reliable, responsible sellers. If their products and service are top notch, disallowing their participation withholds good opportunities for members to be exposed to great buying experiences and stellar plant material.
The discussion forums are rife with members recommending sales from those same vendors; sales they've stumbled upon and reported about. Why not let them participate?
It is fair to offer them an opportunity as well. They've been in the trenches, handled themselves well, and made the top 100.
|
budgielover
Pinellas Park, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:05 PM Post #4504224
| Gordo,
It's for good reason that ebay sellers are not supposed to contact buyers. I do both but as a buyer, I would not want to be inundated with emails from every seller I have ever purchased items from. I would never get done reading. LOL
We were typing over each other. I don't understand your reasoning in selecting just the top 100 vendors. If a vendor is a member of DG, they should be allowed to participate regardless of their ranking. I am not a vendor as in a business but I do sell on Ebay to support my dirt addiction and would be interested in selling through an auction on Dave's. I do limited trading only because I already have so much that I don't need much more but I put alot of time and money in them and can't afford to give them away for postage all the time.
Jan...
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 6:11 PM |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:10 PM Post #4504236
| Yes, I know Jan, but you WOULD want to hear from a seller you've developed a good business/ somewhat personal relationship with. Someone who knows you would absolutely love a quadruple, blue Brugmansia and has one saved just for you! ;-) |
grrrnthumb
Marysville, WA
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
7:10 PM Post #4504237
| I think the only way for it to work is to let everyone participate. If you limit participation in any way then it will eventually limit the overall pool of buyers. A smaller pool of buyers means lower sale price, less profit, and less sellers (both individuals & vendors) will choose to come over from ebay.
This is a classic business model where "go big or go home" applies.
Liz I would love to get sale notices from you personally (plants@hulsetile.com put me on your list!), but not really as a general ebay policy from others. Unsolicited = spam. |
glendalekid
Tuscaloosa, AL
(Zone 7b)
February 6, 2008
7:13 PM Post #4504245
| I've been selling on eBay for three years -- but not garden related items or plants. I sell only Buy It Now store items as I can't afford the auction fees. But even so, the BIN listing fees have gone up 300% in 3 years. That listing fee is charged every single month that the item is listed as a store inventory. I always combine shipping, but I am being forced out of eBay by those who don't combine shipping and then charge a nominal fee for the item. I can't do both -- low combined shipping and non-existent "profit" in the selling price. After I have paid the monthly listings fees and my monthly store rent, then my Final Value Fee to eBay is 10%, soon to be raised to 12%. On an item that with shipping totals just under $6.00, my PayPal fee is 18%.
I have opened on another venue, and as soon as I get things rolling there I will be exiting eBay stage left. The venue I have gone to requires sellers to combine shipping, thereby leveling the playing field for us all. Also, they do not charge a listing fee, continuing or otherwise, just a monthly "space rent" type fee. The the sale fees they charge are half of eBay's and only a fraction of PayPal's.
I have never left a neg feedback for anyone, even the non-paying buyers. However, now eBay has decided that sellers leave neg feedback too often and thereby intimidate buyers -- I suspect that the high rate of neg feedback from sellers is for non-paying buyers, but apparently eBay does not take that into consideration. So, new policy on eBay is that a buyer can ONLY receive positive feedback. I do not think this will work very well.
You all should go take a look at what people are paying for auctions fees -- it's outrageous -- if you're selling small items, it's almost impossible to make a profit. The auction listing fees are totally out of sight, and not to be believed. Remember, too, on eBay auctions if the item doesn't sell, the seller has to pay those fees all over again. For sellers it is always a gamble with "their" money, never eBay's as they just keep collecting and collecting.
I would love to see a site such as the one being discussed. I buy many plants and seeds from the internet. On eBay my purchases are often Buy It Now, but when I do bid on an auction I establish what I am willing to pay, put that in as my top bid. If I get outbid -- so be it. I would also love a site that charges the sellers reasonable fees and requires combined shipping. This would allow sellers to offer items that perhaps are not on everyone's "hot list", but someone, somewhere would love to have it.
I totally believe that Dave is savvy enough to develop a site like this, run it for everyone's benefit, and still make a profit for his company. Sellers would have a far better place to sell their products, and buyers would have a far better place to buy. I totally understand the possible problems some of you are mentioning, and I agree that these details have to be worked out. But I honestly believe that Dave is capable of doing just that and making this a win-win situation for both sides.
JMO,
Karen
|
DesertDreamer
Tempe, AZ
February 6, 2008
7:14 PM Post #4504249
| Strongly support an auction capability. We need another outlet for items, and I think the community aspect is actually a good inducement to provide value for customers.
DD |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:14 PM Post #4504250
| grrrnthumb ...I'll remember that when the Chief x Super Spot crosses are ripe. :-) |
budgielover
Pinellas Park, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:14 PM Post #4504252
| Yes I do and I have asked a few select sellers to put me on a mailing list or let me know if they get a certain item in. I just prefer to have that choice. |
marea
Albany, OR
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
7:20 PM Post #4504276
| YES! I love the idea of a separate auction site set up by Dave's & would jump right in with plant listings!
marea |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:21 PM Post #4504282
| What's really interesting is that we've already conquered the fear factor and are working out details.
There's no doubt this community can make it happen.
And Dave's got about 300 CEO's working for nothing! LOL!!!
This is great... |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
7:23 PM Post #4504289
| To bring some of you ,who aren't Ebay sellers,up to speed.It isn't the increase in fees that bother most of us.Ultimately you, the customer,get stuck with that.The problems that concern me most are the proposed changes in feedback...no seller feedback to be allowed.The second big problem is that now Paypal (Ebay)may hold our money for 21 days after the transaction is paid for.That won't happen to me but one time.The third thing I just found out about today.Ebay now plans to list by price,in ascending order, instead of their normal list by ending date.That means I can list my 25 cent cutting and Gordo can list her 9.95 brug and I get top billing and stay there.The 9.95 plant goes to the bottom of the pile.Am I the only one who thinks that makes no sense.
We NEED another auction site.I do agree that seperate from Dave's is a good idea. |
boojum
Shelburne Falls, MA
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
7:26 PM Post #4504300
| I can see why there is a revolution in progress! We've all been duped. |
dahlianut
Calgary, AB
(Zone 3a)
February 6, 2008
7:31 PM Post #4504326
| As one who is familar with the large incidence of ebay scams, I'm a little concerned about policing and how scams will affect the overall reputation of DG. |
shellabella
West Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
7:43 PM Post #4504392
| Lol! I started writing this a while ago, but got distracted and this may be a bit repetative by now...sorry!
I do believe my top 6 favorite vendors on E-Bay for plants are already DG members anyway, so why not shed the E-Bay baloney and just do it here!
As a potential cutomer what I would want and use is this:
1.One site that has everyone's "stores" with only plants/garden related items. All vendors should have "stores".
2.One search engine that acurately searches all the stores. ( A good list of tags with definitions should help this for the vendors and users. I do not get consistent results with the e-Bay search engine even tho I know how to use it.)
3.Auctions are ok by me ...I love multiple item or Dutch auctions.
Buy it Nows are great too.
4.Every vendor lists their town and state. (I prefer to only buy plants from those who have similar growing conditions or those who have plants that I know they have raised successfully in those similar conditions. I don't like long shipping routes in the middle of summer or winter.)
5.Garden watchdog is a very important feature and these "stores" on the new site should be included for feedback.
If you are in business or you deal with people you already know you can't please everyone all the time so just handle it with them and Garden watchdog.
6.Seperate Id's? Word will get out anyway as to who is who especially among groups of friends on DG.The only thing I can think of is doing it for safety reasons since the total membership should be able to use the site to make it worth while for the vendors. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings happen here anyway sometimes and the persons just handle it , or they go away. That's too bad, but we are all adults and the nice communication is what is great about this place and I trust those with good hearts not to abuse someone else. Real concerns should be aired and known about in the proper place which is the Garden Watchdog.
7.Shipping...Rules on what to charge ie: cost plus percentage with built in shipping calculators or stated shipping up front.
I loath those people on e-Bay who offer a really cheap price on something and jack up the shipping to an outrageous amount! I can look up shipping and I expect to pay a reasonable amount for time and packing materials, but not highway robbery in the shipping department! I never buy from them.
If everyone knows what the shipping parameters are supposed to be then the buying public would police this themselves quite well.
8. Payment options .. I always use paypal when possible, I prefer it for sure. However as a vendor I don't know if paypal is cost effective for them. Maybe they would like to offer alternatives. Keep Shopping cart/invoicing the same or similar from vendor to vendor.
8. Keep the site simple easy to use and easy to browse..all "stores" have similar format.
9. Advertise the new site in the DG newsletter and forums so everyone will check it out. The classifieds took a while to catch on, I don't know why. Keep the classifieds for those who want to sell a couple of items and aren't in the "business" or who have other non garden related things to sell.
10. Folks should have a way to contact the vendor easily with questions about the item or transaction.
11. Accurate descriptions of items being offered. I love it when multiple pics of actual item are shown, and when size, condition etc is in description.
Hope this happens, I would love it!
|
LindaCA
Concord, CA
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
7:55 PM Post #4504485
| Hi,
This is a wonderful idea. I am so excited. I do buy from e-bay once in a while but would much rather buy from DG members. As a matter of fact I do know some of the e-bay sellers from DG and would rather order from their web sights.
I am sort of a shy person and always feel guilty asking for plant cuttings or seeds. I would much rather buy from the auction. I also hesitate to offer cutting or seeds what if the person is disappointed or the seeds don't grow. I don't post often but love DG and feel like part of a family.
I know what ever you decide to do will be honest and friendly. Count me in as a buyer.
Linda |
pajaritomt
Los Alamos, NM
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
8:04 PM Post #4504563
| I used to buy from ebay, but I quit. It was just too hard to verify the quality of a whole lot of things that I was interested in. In the end, it was cheaper to buy from a discount place -- like instead of buying books at ebay, I buy them from the booksellers on bookfinder.com. On things like dishes, it is possible to verify exactly what you are getting, but plants? I am less sure of that.
Also, what makes ebay work is the feedback system. Don't even consider a system without feedback.
I don't know how the Lily Auction works, but I know people like that. I haven't tried it though. |
Mahnot
DFW area, TX
(Zone 7b)
February 6, 2008
8:06 PM Post #4504576
| Dave, where do you want the aspirin sent to ?
Yes, yes, and yes - I would love such an addition to DG.
Funny, but I was just wondering the other day why you
don't have such a feature. Auction, Buy-It-Now, or
whatever. You're a smart cookie and will figure out
whatever is best and easiest to use, and is DG friendly.
I've been ripped off on eBay several times and not once
did I have it resolved where I got my money back.
I've bought from large and small stores in the mall and
been both pleased and agitated. So what's new ?
People are people wherever you go - it's just that a
larger majority of the nice people congregate here.
Like someone said here earlier, there will still be swaps
and RUs and seeds for postage. The kind and generous
folk here will continue to nourish new gardeners and gift
those not in a position to buy, or just send to the many
friends they've made here. But it would be nice to be
able to buy a plant from someone here that you don't
know well but you know is a true gardener and will
accurately describe their plants' habits.
Yes, please, Dave - I will buy and be happy !!!
And thank you for thinking about it. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
8:07 PM Post #4504580
| Thanks people for answering some of my questions about what gordo was saying.
I most definitely think one should have to belong as a subscriber to DG to even be allowed to sale on the site. If someone from Ebay wants to come over and join us, then great. But every subscriber of DG should be able to participate and why do you care if the top 100 watchdog companies should be targeted. They aren't necessarily the best...ratings are all relative. I have gotten a lot better cuttings and plants from DGers than I have the biggest vendors in the US> |
glendalekid
Tuscaloosa, AL
(Zone 7b)
February 6, 2008
8:16 PM Post #4504631
| I agree the sellers should not have to be subscribers. It's a small price to do business. The buying, though, would have to be open to everybody, even the general public, otherwise the customer base will be too small.
Karen
|
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
8:24 PM Post #4504664
| Note that there are other threads in this forum! |
tortoisekeeper
Cookeville, TN
(Zone 6a)
February 6, 2008
8:24 PM Post #4504666
| I think Dave's should stay a trade or postage only site. Even the classified goes against everything Dave's stands for.
Betty |
Garden4ever
Plymouth, WI
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
8:27 PM Post #4504684
| Even though it isn't perfect, the feedback system keeps people more honest. Personally I have never had a problem with the 57 purchases I made on E-bay.. primarily because I always check the seller rating. If they are a poor rate, I go with someone else or wait until something else comes around. Seems to work for me. I am sure people will still have occasional problems, but this is the way of the world. There is no perfect system. Keep us posted, Dave! |
maggidew
(Maggi) Big Sandy, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 6, 2008
8:30 PM Post #4504702
| I see a lot of comments about not wanting a Dave's auction to interfere with the free exchange of plant material between members.
We sell plants locally and have sold a few on eBay, but we still have sent plants and cuttings to DG members and others, either in trade or for postage reimbursement. That is unlikely to change, for the most part people who garden and love plants are generous.
I know that I set aside: 1) plants for trades and postage; 2) plants for roundups and swaps and; 3) plants for sale, very often in that order of priority. As we come to depend more on the plant business to provide income in our 'retirement' years those priorities may change, but I cannot envision the change that would have to come about my very soul that would lead me to stop trading/giving plants altogether.
That aside, I think there should be separation of auction and discussion forums, but I for one want to stay identifiable as Maggi, whether it's Maggidew here at Dave's or as Maggi's Garden Magic elsewhere. Whatever problems people have had (if any) with my past performance or my plants, I will not hide my identity here or anywhere. I would rather take the knocks from detractors than go incognito.
As for the feedback issue, I believe that an honest exchange between members via D-mail (or email) should resolve any issues of plant quality, timely shipping, etc. There are always folks who will be reluctant to complain about real problems, just as there are those who will complain (ad nauseum) about imaginary problems.
I am sure that as a strong community we can build an auction that is fair and reasonable for all involved, without sacrificing the 'family' feeling here at Dave's Garden.
I know that Dave's discussion forums reach far beyond the garden and I think it would be unwise to exclude from any auction format those folks who have other interests.
|
Mainiac
Cape Elizabeth, ME
(Zone 5B)
February 6, 2008
8:32 PM Post #4504712
| I ask for an auction a year ago and I am still in favor of it. If you don't want to buy, don't buy or look. I like being able to sell only to DGer's. They are the best! |
flowerjunkie
Cypress, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
8:47 PM Post #4504800
| Well said maggidew!!!!
I also want to say..well? What CAN I say? Maggie said it all and I can not say it better than that.
Daisy |
Lily_love
Central, AL
(Zone 7b)
February 6, 2008
8:57 PM Post #4504869
| Hi everyone,
Although I'm not a seller, I do support maggidew's view and phylosophy on the topic. Though, it's paramount on Dave and his Staffs to navigate this venture into a benificial venues for everyone's interests. At first I noticed the thread's header, I bypassed putting in my $0.2 But, there was a pop-up inviting me here to give my vote.
I vote yes.
Kim
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 6:59 PM |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
9:03 PM Post #4504899
| We should also consider the international membership and create a special area for them. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 6, 2008
9:06 PM Post #4504917
| Please do. |
flowerjunkie
Cypress, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
9:15 PM Post #4504974
| WoooHooo! Watch out e-Bay! Here comes Dave! Is this the right time to talk about buying shares?
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 7:38 PM |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 6, 2008
9:20 PM Post #4505003
| Where are the sellers who initiated contact with Dave? For those people on Dave's who grow unusual plants, there is really not a good place to sell except at plant shows so I am really behind this move.
I am sitting here with gorgeous Sinningia hatschbachii 'Iporanga' and Koellikeria erinodes 'Chopada dos Guimaraes' and would love to have an avenue for all of these plants I grow from seed. (just as an example)
However, I do remember Dave wanting to hear from the sellers who are wanting this move.
I still feel that for that community feeling that anyone who wants to sell should belong to this gardening site.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 8:22 PM |
lilmac442
Millington, MI
(Zone 5b)
February 6, 2008
9:32 PM Post #4505057
| I have been a buyer and seller on eBay for years. I sell only occasionally and on a small scale. The combination of seller fee and postal rate hike have made it not profitable at all for us "little guys". I would love a less expensive alternative to eBay. I basically sell to finance my buying,lol. as long as they were separate entities I think it would be a great idea! I know there will always be stinkers out there, but I believe gardening folk to be mostly honest, and if you do right by them, they will do right by you. I hope this come together...I need a new place to shop! ; ) |
slcdms
Ripley, MS
February 6, 2008
9:33 PM Post #4505062
| I would think that to have an auction site for "gardening only" would probably not be very profitable. It would be somewhat seasonal and still have to be maintained all the time.
Why would it have to be for gardening related items only? I know people sell things on speculation through the winter but if the crop fails then they have to return payments, I don't think it would be fair to limit Dave's ability to make an auction site for certain things only. I know there should be rules as to what does sell, but being only "gardening related" would keep sellers and buyers from good deals on other things too. As long as it has a good search system you could still find the "garden related things" you are looking for easily what would be the objection for looking for a nice lamp-or a historical romance book?
Sandra |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 6, 2008
9:52 PM Post #4505140
| Any garden related items would be included. We're talking, pots, rakes, shovels, fertilizer, fungicides, greenhouses, shade cloth, marking pens, labels, tags, weed blocker, hoses, fittings, in ground pump and lawn watering, sprinklers, and...maybe aspirin. Oy vay! I'm getting a headache! LOL!!! |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
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