| Author | Content |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
 February 06, 2008
08:18 PM Post #4504638
| I would envision starting off simple, and add features as we go.
Trying to create an auction system with as many features as ebay has is impractical. It would take me months to develop such a complete system and such an effort would be too much for me.
But if we started small with a minimal set of features, the ones that were really NEEDED, we could get the ball rolling and test the waters, and then add features as they are asked for.
The question that naturally comes next is, then: what features exactly would be required to just get this off the ground? |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 06, 2008
08:34 PM Post #4504721
| The fewer the better. With e-bay, the features are nice, but it seems just a way of sucking more cash out of the vendors. A simple auction, and a buy it now feature, along with a store link, pictures available of course. |
drsaul
Hereford, TX
(Zone 7a)
February 06, 2008
08:38 PM Post #4504745
| I agree! The simpler the better. |
maggidew
(Maggi) Big Sandy, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 06, 2008
08:46 PM Post #4504796
| That works for me, plain and simple.
We used to raise a lot of birds and used Eggbid (formerly EggBay) to sell the birds not needed for Ken's future breeding program. It's pretty simple. http://www.eggbid.com
I noticed that Eggbid had other sales categories that were not bird related. Most of them saw little to no action. I think that with a name like 'Eggbid' people were using it as a bird buying/selling site and ignoring the other categories.
I would think carefully about a name for the site if you envision offering categories that are not directly related to gardening such as products for home, pets, etc. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 06, 2008
08:49 PM Post #4504814
| A small gallery photo and brief description that when clicked, leads to the ad. If you set this up at the outset, it will be easier to add an efficient, searchable database later on.
A feature that adds up cost of sold items, applies appropriate tax if any, adds shipping, totals the final amount + sends a copy to both the buyer and seller.
The ability to pay with Paypal, charge card or money order. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 06, 2008
09:00 PM Post #4504879
| One more thing I feel is vitally important...there must be a direct link to/from Dave's Garden |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 06, 2008
09:01 PM Post #4504887
| Absolutely!
|
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 06, 2008
09:54 PM Post #4505148
| Gallery pictures are very nice, but aren't essential, I think. (Having said that... it's true that on eBay, if there isn't a gallery picture I rarely even click on the auction. I like to see what I'm bidding on and don't want to have to click to another screen to see it. For starting out simply, though, I think it could wait.) I looked at http://www.eggbid.com, since Maggidew mentioned it. They don't have gallery pics, and their listings are very neat and easy to read. They do have a symbol note at the end of the listing on the main page saying whether there is a picture in the auction, and I think that is very helpful.
The ability to put pictures IN the auctions is essential.
|
Joan
Belfield, ND
(Zone 4a)
 February 06, 2008
10:14 PM Post #4505237
| It's been a good long while since I sold anything on ebay, but I do buy things on ebay quite frequently. When I'm looking to purchase something I always check to see if the wanted item is listed anywhere as 'Buy It Now'. If at all possible, I do that rather than bid and wait for an auction to end. Would this feature be a good one for this auction site?
|
ZZsBabiez
Lodi, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 06, 2008
10:31 PM Post #4505343
| I don't know.. how about stores? Dave's Garden Stores? a monthly fee.. ??
I'm just the opposite, I don't do a buy it now, I rather take a chance on getting it cheaper. LOL
|
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 06, 2008
10:38 PM Post #4505391
| Some ideas...
~ Dmail - already in place
~ Categories
~ Feedback system for buyers and sellers- something like Garden Watchdog's will do
~ The ability to search for specific items/names/categories/sellers/sellers' locations/time ending
~ Store fronts are nice, but can come later (if ever). However, it would be nice for a seller to have the ability to make an about me sort of page with links to their offsite stores.
~ Being able to choose between making an item "Buy it Now" or a traditional auction
~ Being able to sell multiples of the same item within the same auction, so I don't have to list each individual plug of monkey grass separately (just as an example)
~ Semi-automated (so the admins don't go crazy!) dispute system - ie, forms to fill out so the basic information is already there.
This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 8:44 PM |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 06, 2008
11:28 PM Post #4505642
| I would never offer anything at auction or buy at auction prices...just not the gambling type. I either buy now or don't buy at all. Both features offer people both options |
dbrooks
Yuma, AZ
February 06, 2008
11:35 PM Post #4505670
| I think pictures are essential, if you cant show a picture of the item, how do I know that is exactly what I am getting. ran into way too much trouble on ebay with sellers who did not have a picture of the item.
I also like the Buy it now function.
I also think that the feedback part of ebay is going to be essential for this to work, and needs to be thrown in right from the start.
Multiple items sales within the same listing is great too, so you don't have to pay for multiple listings.
A search engine will key.
Davie |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
February 07, 2008
12:29 AM Post #4505914
| I like having a Buy it Now option--I don't really have time to keep an eye on auctions to make sure I win them--I did it once on Ebay when there was a plant I really, really wanted and it was only available through an auction, but in general I'd rather not waste my time with that and I'm much more likely to buy things if you can just buy them.
I also wonder if there could be a link with Plant files--like how you can see if a Plant Scout vendor has a plant available or if someone has a plant available for trade, could we also see something on the Plant Files page saying that so and so has this available on the auction site? Or if that's not possible, maybe it could at least allow vendors could add things to their list of things for sale/auction using a link from Plant Files, then that could create a link in the auction listing that people could click on to go to Plant Files and see info on the plant. That could make it easier for the vendors to provide info on the plants they're selling, and it could also drive more traffic to DG if you get non-DG'ers who are buying things on the auction site and then follow the link to Plant Files. |
dorothian
Bad Axe, Mich / Flor, FL
(Zone 5a)
February 07, 2008
12:49 AM Post #4505972
| I like INSTANT BUYS where an item is listed with the number of available plants. You can buy 1 or 5 or 8 or however many the vendor has for sale at the stated price and save money on shipping. We do this on LA at times and it works very well. As some of them are sold, the number of available plants automatically goes down until all gone. |
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
 February 07, 2008
10:41 AM Post #4506823
| Would DG charge an individual for listing a auction, like ebay does? |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
February 07, 2008
11:41 AM Post #4507024
| I'm sure there would have to be fees of some sort, but I think the idea is the fees wouldn't be outrageous or increase every 5 minutes like they do on Ebay. |
schickenlady
Newport, NH
(Zone 5a)
February 07, 2008
12:55 PM Post #4507357
| Laws |
angel_tree_baby
Clay County, FL
(Zone 9a)
February 07, 2008
02:25 PM Post #4507772
| I like to have photos because sometimes something is advertised as one thing and the photo shows that it is something completely different. Also, in general, for things like used books, or other non-plant items you can see the damages or lack of damages and make an informed decision whether you might want to purchase that item. I think this also helps the seller to prove that they disclosed the damages or scratches etc on a item to the buyer.
I also would like to see the Buy It Now feature for some items too. |
paulgrow
Allen Park, MI
(Zone 6a)
February 07, 2008
04:24 PM Post #4508239
| I like the buy it now feature.
Very important a feedback system to weed out the bad buyers and sellers. |
growin
Vancouver, BC
(Zone 8b)
February 07, 2008
04:43 PM Post #4508325
| I don't believe this was stated before but "location" is very important. Import/Export restrictions can be a huge hastle so it's important that a listing be clear to where it is for sale. If I list a plant on eBay, I can only list it within Canada. Seed can be different. "Originating location" and "available to" locations prevents potential complications with USDA, Ag-Can, CITES, etc. |
notmartha
Bay City, MI
(Zone 6a)
February 07, 2008
05:03 PM Post #4508420
| dave have you ever checked out tinkers site?
they have an auction there, its free to use and has a scrolling auction ticker! |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 07, 2008
05:56 PM Post #4508609
| A zonal/regional/state/country search feature should lead buyers where they want to go.
If you live in Timbuktu and want to grow Cannon Ball Trees, type in either Timbuktu in the region category or Cannonball Tree in the plant search category. Voila!!! You'll be up to your ears in cannonballs come 2020. :-) |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
February 07, 2008
05:59 PM Post #4508617
| Is the auction limited to only subscribers of Tinker's? |
stumpenursery
Florence, AL
February 07, 2008
06:12 PM Post #4508658
| I think this is a great idea. I've had stores on Ebay and Etsy. Ebay wasn't to bad, but Etsy is awful, cut throat. I don't have time to sit the computer all day, never would have anything to sell if I did.
Now I just buy on Ebay, But it now and auctions.
Pictures would be a must and description. Some people on Ebay can't get that right. Being able to contact seller with questions would be nice.
The fees, couldn't be any worse than Ebay.
Pam |
notmartha
Bay City, MI
(Zone 6a)
February 07, 2008
06:46 PM Post #4508835
| no terry i dont think so! |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
February 07, 2008
06:54 PM Post #4508868
| I tried to login, and I couldn't get to anything without signing up for the thirty-day "free" trial - I'm guessing there is a subscription fee after that? |
maggidew
(Maggi) Big Sandy, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 07, 2008
07:02 PM Post #4508907
| I am sure by now we are seeing that a 'buy now' feature with a set price for the item is something a lot of people use, both buyers and sellers.
I am going out on a limb here to suggest that whatever feedback system is instituted needs to be:
1) flexible
2) monitored
3) mediated
I don't know if it is possible to require that the seller leaves feedback as soon as the buyer pays, but if such a thing were possible, it would be good or useful? Could the delay in leaving feedback upon receipt of payment delay/postpone the seller's listing of future items?
However, there also needs to be a way for the seller to comment on any feedback left by the buyer and vice versa. I am now in the habit of saving all correspondence from/to even the potential buyers as a safeguard against the craziness that seems to overcome some folks in any of their dealings online.
(I would also foolishly suggest a simple reading comprehension test for anyone who wants to participate in any online auction/buy now enterprise. I guess I would also require a spelling/grammar check feature for sellers. If they fail they can't use the site!)
I hope everyone realizes that last comment (in parenthesis) is somewhat, although not entirely, tongue-in-cheek. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 07, 2008
07:07 PM Post #4508934
| (LOLOL... I completely understand!) |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 07, 2008
08:52 PM Post #4509432
| Regarding "Buy it Now"
I like the idea but don't often use the system on Ebay because...
it costs extra...it shouldn't
It goes away at the first bid.Someone bids a buck and there goes your "buy it now"
Buy it now should stay until the bids approach the bin price.
On the subject of personal checks...
I have accepted personal checks for the 6 years we have been in business and have had only one 9.00 check bounce.She made that one good.That includes well over a thousand checks.That said to say this.All you
sellers who don't want personal checks are missing a good bet.Send me those customers.It saves Paypal fees.;>) |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 07, 2008
09:01 PM Post #4509455
| Appreciate the tip, JT. |
mystic
Ewing, KY
(Zone 6a)
February 07, 2008
09:34 PM Post #4509595
| I scanned the above post the one thing that I thinkwe need for sure is a photo for the listing I know on ebay if it doesn't have a photo I skip right over it. I agree as posted above a good description of the product and if it's new or pre-owned which really wouldn't apply to plants etc but it would to books and other garden products. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 07, 2008
11:16 PM Post #4510053
| I don't think we ought to get regional about all plants. Gesneriads are grown by people all over the world since they are grown indoors . Houseplants and many others wouldn't fit in a regional title.
I read in the paper today where sellers on ebay are the nasty ones and it is because the level of activity on ebay hasn't increased and that is changing things...i believe it was in the New York Times where buyers are refusing to buy when only the seller gets to give the buyer a bad name. And...guess what, that was my only experience on ebay and I haven't been back. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
12:48 AM Post #4510387
| It is fair if both sellers and buyers have the opportunity to comment on purchases. Let the chips fall where they may. I have 100% feedback, but not every buyer has left feedback. I, on the other hand, always leave feedback. I think it is essential for spotting bad behavior on either side, or good behavior on either side.
If some unhinged individual creates a pattern of feedbacks full of wild accusations, Dave should be able to pull their plug.
As you well know, eBay allows sellers to block problem buyers.
As in real life, you have the right to prevent disruptive individuals from entering your place of business.
Also, you have the right as a consumer to make a complaint, have the complaint investigated and take part in the banning of an abusive seller.
The oversoul of the entire matter is Dave and his staff. They are the ultimate mediators and judges of each problem that may arise.
All of this is business 101. |
growin
Vancouver, BC
(Zone 8b)
February 08, 2008
02:25 AM Post #4510621
| It's ok to say not getting regional but if I sell an Iris confusa and the buyer is in Texas and the USDA confiscates the plant - are you going to leave me a good feedback? I'd like to limit those who can bid to Canada only for plants and worldwide for seed. That, to me, is very important. This reduces potential problems in international trading. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
02:36 AM Post #4510637
| A regional search is great for members that are part of the international community, and it introduces individuals to plant resources in their own communities. An additional benefit of a regional (or city, state) search is the option for local pickup (thus saving the cost of shipping) and the opportunity to meet face to face at the business owner's location if convenient and agreeable to both. |
shellabella
West Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
02:45 AM Post #4510644
| I have seen many times on E-Bay listings for pants...in bold letters, "If you live in California, or Hawaii, DO NOT BID. Regulations state that I can't ship this to you. Please do not bid!"
Same thing about shipping..."WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE USA 48 STATES." DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE INTERNATIONAL BIDDER".
Each Vendor can put similar warning on thier sites depending on what regulations apply to them.
I do not know if these warnings keep all people from those places from bidding. But once the auction is over and you can see their address, just cancel the sale and refer them to the warning on the listing.
I can imagine that technically it might be difficult for Dave and his staff to block all bidders in California or Hawaii, or a country from certain auctions. |
shellabella
West Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
02:48 AM Post #4510646
| I also like to shop regionally because I know the plant has been raised in similar growing conditions to mine.
That's why I suggested in the other thread that I would like to see the city and state of the vendor listed, not something generic like "way down south"! That could be alot of places...lol! |
notmartha
Bay City, MI
(Zone 6a)
February 08, 2008
09:09 AM Post #4511018
| TERRY
(((((I tried to login, and I couldn't get to anything without signing up for the thirty-day "free" trial - I'm guessing there is a subscription fee after that?)))) i don't know how to do the quote thingy! :)
I Have never paid a subscription fee, They have raffles that you buy tickets for and that counts for any fees,at least so far for me it has so far.
Could you see the auctions and how they work there???
I purchase a lot using the "buy it now" feature on ebay(i dont sell just buy) |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
February 08, 2008
09:48 AM Post #4511130
| I could see the auctions, but I couldn't get their system to recognize me to list any item. Just kept sending me a in a loop to login again and again. (And it wasn't even Groundhog Day!)
To be honest, I don't know how Tinkers can offer a totally free auction feature, except out of the kindness of their heart for their members, and by keeping it limited to a rather small audience. (It's a labor of love, it would seem ;o)
I think the idea here is to give eBay buyers and sellers an alternative auction/buy-it-now site with lots of traffic:
- geared toward gardeners (at least for the most part - members can list other items);
- with a solid programming structure that lets auctions proceed smoothly, 'round the clock;
- keep the structure fair to all sellers (big or small) and to the buyers; and
- charge reasonable and fair fees to cover the expenses associated with building and maintaining it, as well as the administrative support necessary for keeping everything running smoothly and fairly.
I think that sounds like an exciting project to work on, doesn't it? |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 08, 2008
11:47 AM Post #4511715
| I would just always use Buy IT Now as my preference to both buy and sell.
I am verrrry excited about this possibility. |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
12:30 PM Post #4511910
| Dori, for future reference, to make a blue boxed quote:
[ quote ]Quoting you! [ /quote ] only remove the spacing between each bracket and letter. |
stumpenursery
Florence, AL
February 08, 2008
12:46 PM Post #4511983
| On the http://www.tinkersgarden.com website they won't even let you look at whats on there. How do know if you want to be member if you can't see what they have to offer? Not very neighborly. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
February 08, 2008
02:49 PM Post #4512445
| I took a look at Tinkers yesterday and had no problem seeing everything. You might want to check your browser and see if something is blocking the web site. They do use scripts, so you might need to temporarily give permission. I use a script blocker that lets me do that (for SeaMonkey-FireFox). |
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
February 08, 2008
03:00 PM Post #4512491
| I just opened up TinkerGardening about half an hour ago, I didn't have any problems either. It never asked me to sign up for the thirty-day "free" trial. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 08, 2008
06:51 PM Post #4513169
| I looked just now and couldn't make heads or tails out of the opening page...looks like a search engine of some kind... |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 08, 2008
07:07 PM Post #4513213
| curiosity got the better of me and I clicked the link. No way in the universe would I have thought this to be an auction site:
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Brinda
Yukon, OK
(Zone 7b)
February 08, 2008
07:17 PM Post #4513256
| Try this link http://www.tinkersgardens.com/ |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 08, 2008
07:24 PM Post #4513278
| Thanks, that's better. i tried to see the auctions and was told "access denied" until i signed up for the 30 free trial. |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2008
07:25 PM Post #4513279
| yep, the link stumpenursery posted forgot the S at the end so it was a search engine site or something odd trying to give suggestions, not their site. |
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
February 08, 2008
08:05 PM Post #4513412
| Try this one
http://auction.tinkersgardens.com/
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
February 08, 2008
08:07 PM Post #4513421
| I went in and registered and they didn't ask for any money. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 08, 2008
08:07 PM Post #4513423
| Thank you. I like it, smooth layout, everything I as a buyer need to know. Nice. |
stumpenursery
Florence, AL
February 08, 2008
08:10 PM Post #4513432
| sorry
|
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
February 08, 2008
08:11 PM Post #4513440
| But did you notice they don't have much to sell - 38 items |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 08, 2008
08:48 PM Post #4513551
| I noticed that. But Dave's Auction Site would have tons of things for sale, from all over the world. With that simple layout I can foresee a giant success!! |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
February 08, 2008
09:06 PM Post #4513618
| For what it's worth, I'm the opposite of gessiegail & NEVER use buy it now -- I love bidding wars & getting bargains. I get silk kimonos from Japan all the time because I'm the only one who bid the .99c starting price. |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 08, 2008
10:52 PM Post #4514131
| The checkout needs to calculate postage through USPS according to zipcode
I have taken all forms of payment for the past few years and have never had a returned check. Some people just absolutely refuse to have their credit card info on the net no matter how secure the site states. I have only had one problem with Paypal and that was after they started their multi-shipping page. Something went screwy with the postage and every time I got the window message to try again, I did and it was pulling the postal charges each time from my Paypal account until it racked up about $600.00 worth of postage! I had to get on the phone to Paypal and argue with them but I had the money back in my account the next day. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 09, 2008
12:45 AM Post #4514590
| You can bid on anything. I know a lady here in Taft who buys and then sells totally on ebay and makes a living doing it...that would be so boring for me. She spends 12-14 hours a day on the computer. |
Equilibrium
February 09, 2008
01:29 AM Post #4514678
| As far as features go, I'd like a state of the art search engine. |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 09, 2008
11:01 AM Post #4515458
| A printable history of monthly charges and dollar volumn sold would be a nice feature. |
daylily2396
Simpsonville, SC
(Zone 7a)
February 09, 2008
11:17 AM Post #4515519
| Definitely photos but the seller would have to post their own photos.
Paypal option. I have my website linked to paypal with add to cart or buy it now and paypal automatically calculates shipping amount as I have defined it. http://www.DaylilyAndHostaGardenS.com
The location of seller along with their garden license or inspection number.
An automated email system to alert both buyer and seller of end of auction, sell price, name of variety and contact info for follow-up and shipping.
Feeback system.
Categories of plants and current price levels. One may choose not to look at $50 plants, only $5 plants. LA sets up price categories.
Sort functions by price, ending time and seller.
|
gardenwife
Newark, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 09, 2008
11:37 AM Post #4515605
| Buy It Now is a good example of supply and demand. If someone wants to take a chance on someone outbidding him on the item, he just bids. If he wants to be certain the item is his, he'll use BIN. I think it's a good system. From a seller's standpoint, offering BIN, especially with extra incentive like free shipping on BIN purchases, that means I'm going to turn the items faster. I'd like to see a system that has both options available.
And I'm all for pictures -- I don't bother looking at items that don't have them. Sure, a lot of sellers just grab some stock image of an item (electronics especially), but there's just something about seeing a photo that adds legitimacy to an auction. I know from selling that the auctions I've put up with lots of detailed photos of the actual item bring in better money; it's a trust thing, I think. |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 09, 2008
11:49 AM Post #4515661
|
| Quoted: | | Definitely photos but the seller would have to post their own photos. |
Agree but being able to link to PF should definitely be allowed of they don't have their own image or even if they do. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 09, 2008
12:25 PM Post #4515786
| At this point in time, and because most sellers have PayPal in place, it would probably be best to stick with the PayPal system. That being said, there may come a future time when Dave is able to arrange for, or actually captain, an in-house payment system tailor made for the new auction format here. All of this takes time, and we should be patient as the system is gradually set up, tweaked and established.
What is happening here is similar to your local hardware store pulling up stakes, lock stock and nuts and bolts and moving across town. All of the established sellers are engaged in a gamble. They're moving from the client base they've established over a long period of time to a location of which many of their customers will be unaware.
Fortunately, the search engines crawl Dave's on a regular basis, so this could be an unseen blessing. For the last few months, I've been tracking eBay traffic on my eBay site. Surprisingly, it was no where near what I thought it was. Fortunately, I've also been paying a small fee for a website tracking service. As it turns out, I have more traffic coming to my site from OUTSIDE sources than I am eBay. It was a very useful reality check.
So, transitioning may not be as frightening a prospect as one might expect. The perception that eBay offers sellers more exposure to a wider customer base is untrue. As I've studied the search engines, I've seen eBay presence (plant-wise) in equal measure to references to Dave's Garden. In other words, sellers should not be worried about loss of exposure. The system for search and find is well established. Try it yourself. Go to Google type in the word "Brugmansia Plant" and see what appears. There is simply more of Dave's than eBay.
The confluence of attributes that have already been established in regard to web presence, the willingness of the membership to participate, the administration's track record for stellar management, a downturned economy, the creative and generous spirit of both potential buyers and sellers, the skill with which this very site was created, all lend themselves to a successful venture. There is no better time for finding a bargain, participating in sales that tend toward enabling members being able to get more bang for their gardening buck.
I've studied the various discussion forums and know there is room for everyone to attempt entrepreneurship. Whether it is beekeeping, canning, plants, woodworking, candlemaking, quiltmaking, needlework, supplies for the horse lovers, pet products, etc.; within each field of interest an opportunity, a good deal, a cottage industry awaits. When the going gets tough...Well, Belushi runs out into the quadrangle. :-)
Creative buying and selling can save money, bring income and allow individuals to continue in their beloved hobbies and pursuits without having to sacrifice them, because money is tight. Those creative pursuits make life worth living and allow for creative energy to flow. A good thing...as old Martha would attest to. Bid collectively behind the scenes for a dozen of something, then split the stuff into six each and pay each other back. Buy something, cut it in two, then give someone one of them for a gift. Buy a quilt from a member in Kansas, instead of one from a department store. Buy toys from a member who is retired and makes wonderful, all wood trucks and cars in his woodshop. Heck, I LOVE those things! And so do children. If you're into car repair or restoration, buy a Studebaker hood ornament from a member, or a set of metric socket wrenches from a widow. There's more to it than commerce.
Above all, continue to have fun with this and keep as open a mind when transacting business as you do when discussing various matters on the forums.
|
Tntigger
Greeneville, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 09, 2008
02:49 PM Post #4516305
| Quoted:
Definitely photos but the seller would have to post their own photos.
Quoted:
Agree but being able to link to PF should definitely be allowed of they don't have their own image or even if they do.
If you don't have a picture of something,say a plant in bloom,how can it be fair to put a link to someone else's picture in your listing?
That is the big problem with ebay,sellers taking a picture off of DG's to sell their stuff,thanks to someone else's picture.
Dora |
Joan
Belfield, ND
(Zone 4a)
February 09, 2008
02:58 PM Post #4516339
| Some photos in PlantFiles are there courtesy of other vendors. For that reason, I have reservations about linking an auction to PlantFiles. |
schickenlady
Newport, NH
(Zone 5a)
February 09, 2008
03:52 PM Post #4516528
| I take it we will be able to use our own HTML and picture service? Still have a gallery picture for a fee? I use my own picture hosting ex.
http://www.geocities.com/schickenlady/tat5.jpg |
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
February 09, 2008
04:14 PM Post #4516613
| I think if a person post a picture it should be there own. I don't like the ideal of using someone else's photo. If you can't take a picture then don't post one. Unless you have permission from the owner of the picture to use it then it should be stated picture was used with permission from the owner and state the name.
Now that's my 2 cents worth |
gardenwife
Newark, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 09, 2008
04:15 PM Post #4516619
| I would think linking to a Plantfiles photo would be okay provided the copyright holder grants permission, wouldn't it? There are numerous image-hosting sites which will allow their members to link to photos. Photobucket and Flickr come to mind, and I know there are others.
This message was edited Feb 9, 2008 3:16 PM |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 09, 2008
04:21 PM Post #4516634
| I wasn't really thinking so much as a particular PF image, just the PF itself as an informational guide but that would probably put too much 'strain' hosting those links? Better yet, people should know by now how to look up their plant info by now anyways. I was just thinking since this was a DG sponsored site, directing attention back to a relevant DG PF would be OK, perhaps with rules that direct links to other's images is not allowed. |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 09, 2008
05:47 PM Post #4516908
| another thing about pictures.Ebay charges after the first picture.It would be nice to be able to post at least a second picture free.That way you could post a picture of the flower and a picture of the actual plant you were selling. |
notmartha
Bay City, MI
(Zone 6a)
February 09, 2008
05:48 PM Post #4516912
| is this only for plants and garden items or will other items be allowed? |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 09, 2008
05:52 PM Post #4516924
| Ones own picture should be used. I would not want to buy a plant from anyone if they have not seen their own plant bloom and I certainly don't want anyone linking to a photo I have in PF. The ones I have in plant files are the ones that I sell and I pay to use Plant Scout. I don't mind competition but I should not have to compete against my own photo's.When you can't see the plant in "real life", it is the pictures that sell on an auction. |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
February 09, 2008
05:53 PM Post #4516926
| Most likely other things as well as plants and seeds.
The classified ads are the same way: mostly plants, bulbs and seeds, but occasionally other stuff gets advertised. As long as it's legal and legit, it's probably okay; it's up to the seller to decide if this is the right audience for non-gardening stuff. |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 09, 2008
05:57 PM Post #4516935
| I discovered over a couple of years ago how to post pictures on eBay from photobucket. I have never paid eBays picture prices except for gallery. I used to not even use that until I was reading forums one day on eBay and saw so many people post that they did not even open an auction link if they didn't have a gallery picture. After this I started using it and I must admit that my sales did increase a bit. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 09, 2008
08:32 PM Post #4517463
| I would also like to be able to either embed multiple pictures in a listing, or be able to link offsite to pictures. On eBay we put our pictures on a separate webpage and then link to them in our auctions. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 09, 2008
10:48 PM Post #4518167
| I can't see any reason why we , as sellers, can't post our own pictures. As long as I am not a commercial seller (and only a hobby seller) i am allowed to use First Class and pictures from the organizations I belong to such as AVSA, Gesneriad Society, etc. The person's name is always on the picture that you are using.
We don't need to be 'messing' with our own plants files as that would mean that possibly you are using one of my pictures that I took and donated to plant files or I would be using your pic without permission.
gail |
concretebrunett
Brookeland, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 10, 2008
01:34 AM Post #4518677
| The most important feature in my opinion is a category listing. I personally am only intersted in cacti & succulents, so I would want to be able to go immediately to that category and not have to wade through hundreds of listings of orchids, bromiliads, lillies, whatever. |
twiggybuds
Moss Point, MS
(Zone 8b)
February 10, 2008
10:16 PM Post #4521848
| Second chance offers is one feature I like. I had several requests for it last spring on Ebay.
|
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
February 10, 2008
11:13 PM Post #4522153
| cut and paste is needed.Ebay's Turbolister does not have that feature.If we had cut and paste we could work from a list and upload just as fast as we can with Ebay's bulk uploader. |
growin
Vancouver, BC
(Zone 8b)
February 11, 2008
03:23 AM Post #4522910
| I can't reiterate more the importance of "originating" location and "available to" locations. I bid on Sunflowers on ebay and won them from a seller in the UK. It said "Worldwide" and now I get an email outside of ebay they won't ship it to me. That doesn't mean "Worldwide" at all. eBay didn't seem interested in dealing with it so I left negative feedback and so will they. A sour situation for such a happy flower. Had the seller specified not available to Canada, I wouldn't have bid. So much for my 100% feedback. |
Hyblaean
Niles, IL
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
10:13 AM Post #4523417
|
| Quoted: | | I also wonder if there could be a link with Plant files--like how you can see if a Plant Scout vendor has a plant available or if someone has a plant available for trade, could we also see something on the Plant Files page saying that so and so has this available on the auction site? Or if that's not possible, maybe it could at least allow vendors could add things to their list of things for sale/auction using a link from Plant Files, then that could create a link in the auction listing that people could click on to go to Plant Files and see info on the plant. That could make it easier for the vendors to provide info on the plants they're selling, and it could also drive more traffic to DG if you get non-DG'ers who are buying things on the auction site and then follow the link to Plant Files. |
I really like this idea. I would definitely buy (maybe sell) using this feature. |
concretebrunett
Brookeland, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 11, 2008
03:12 PM Post #4524605
| Ooooh, definitely a link from PlantFiles!!! Awesome suggestion!!! |
Dave67
New Port Richey, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 11, 2008
10:27 PM Post #4526370
| I am also a fan of second chance offers.
As a buyer, it takes away the sting from being out bid.
And for the seller, they get to sell two items from one auction.
|
shellabella
West Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 11, 2008
11:28 PM Post #4526741
| Oh yes I LOVE those...lol! |
brigidlily
Lumberton, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 12, 2008
12:16 PM Post #4528261
| I know I'm in the minority, and I know this is going to happen, but I'm against it. Marketing and competition change things, and I like Dave's the way it is. I don't plan to cancel my membership or anything, but I just don't like this. Just my two cents. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 12, 2008
02:28 PM Post #4528807
| Understandable. This isn't everyone's cup of tea. But, there's a saving grace. Having the site separate from Dave's means you won't have to confront the situation every time you head "Home".
It's like TV...just choose not to watch. Flip the channel...
:-) |
halo
Citra, FL
February 12, 2008
02:43 PM Post #4528874
| Im sorry if this question has already been answered, but will it be only for Davesgarden members? |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 12, 2008
02:46 PM Post #4528889
| People will need to join DG in order to post an auction (bidding or selling) but they won't have to subscribe.
They may need to pay a listing fee of 20 to 40 cents if they aren't DG subscribers.
dave |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 12, 2008
02:59 PM Post #4528937
| Good idea.
It will also encourage new folks to use the reference materials and The Watchdog. An educated consumer is the best customer. |
aggiegrl
Lufkin, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 12, 2008
06:27 PM Post #4529751
| i didnt see this already listed, so i thought i would jump in! lol i have been doing WAY too much bidding on the LA and the one problem i have is trying to keep straight which plants/sellers i have already paid and which i havent. that is why i like paypal, easy and quick, can pay right after auction closes. anyway, the feature i would love to see is that you can click on a link to show that auction as "Paid". would really help me keep everything straight!
tracie |
Joy
Kalama, WA
(Zone 8b)
February 13, 2008
01:59 AM Post #4532064
| I totally agree with you Tracie. That has been a problem I've had on the LA as well. Would love to see that feature on the one here.
Joy |
Melissa_Ohio
Southwestern, OH
(Zone 6b)
February 13, 2008
01:59 AM Post #4532065
| Buy it now is the only way I buy on Ebay. It would be nice if you could also incorporate ( as it gets bigger) the ability when you search for an item, and 100 different ones come up, the ability to sort by "buy it now"
Is there ANY way to prohibit people from incorporating their costs into the shipping fees?
I got burned once on a dress for my daughter, she loved it, had to have it... the shipping was 99.00.
So often the shipping fees are made to look like it's priority shipping, then the package comes and it was shipped standard mail, and the seller made a profit of 3 or 4 dollars on shipping. |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
February 13, 2008
03:23 AM Post #4532145
| I think that our "dBay" would be a much more civilized place than ebay to begin with. Probably very little skulduggery & very vigilant customers! |
Riverland
Northeast, LA
(Zone 8a)
February 13, 2008
03:46 AM Post #4532167
| Easy navigation within the site. At the the lily auction I keep having to put in my password even though I never leave the site. So please let me sign in once for my navigations. I don't mind signing in again if I am making a purchase. The Lily auction makes me sign in everytime I look at what I am bidding on or what I have bought after I look at an auction. I always have to sign in twice even with auto signin to get to my completed auctions there.
Another problem there is after bidding on a plant and you do not win it it is no longer in your bidding history just gone. Only the things you are currently bidding on are there and the things you have won. I have no idea what the item that I did not win sold for. I hope this makes sense. |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 13, 2008
11:23 AM Post #4532931
| Skulduggery will be punished by having auction privileges revoked for the seller, at the administration's discretion. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 13, 2008
12:11 PM Post #4533164
| Aha! See? I told you. The sword will fall.
Of what benefit is it to a seller to shop for getting thrown out of town?
I expect the shaky start will give way to a thriving and mutually beneficial enterprise. Our gardens will be better and we'll all be at Home Depot loading twice as much soil into the trunks of our Hummers. (NOT)!!! :-) |
Seed_Sprout
Fountain, FL
February 13, 2008
10:23 PM Post #4535502
| One thing I'd like to see added:
When making listings on eBay there is a box for handling cost that is not seen by buyers. This is added to the shipping cost when calculated. This is where I would put the cost of shipping supplies. Probably 90% of the time this helped me when we did not correctly estimate the weight of the plant and would go in the hole even more if this feature had not been there. I realize that a feature like this could cause shipping charge gouging but an honest seller will use it for what it is intended.
One other thing and I'll be quiet until I think of something else...LOL Would there be a problem putting a link to ones own web site in the auction ads here at DG? When I first started listing on eBay years ago, I saw hundreds of sellers do so (some still do and get by with it) I think the second time I tried it (At that time I did not know it was against their rules), I got all my listings pulled and a slap on the hand but they (eBay) sure encouraged you to link your web site back to the auctions and gave you all the fancy tools to do so. They didn't even have to be your auctions! I would not mind at all linking back to the auctions here. One simply can't grow everything and I will always need another outlet for selling other than locally and the web site. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 13, 2008
11:26 PM Post #4535754
| I would LOVE to be able to link back to my Website! I have some nice gardening information there and would like to share it. BTW I don't sell from my website. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 14, 2008
10:42 AM Post #4536860
| Forgive me if this has been mentioned before, if it was I don't remember seeing it.
Will it be possible to have a "Sellers Forum" so that the more experienced people can help us inexperienced ones with tips and suggestions? |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 14, 2008
11:14 AM Post #4536968
| That's a great idea, threegardeners. :-) |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 14, 2008
11:23 AM Post #4537013
| That would make me verrrry happy! |
GreenThumbsTN
Chattanooga, TN
(Zone 7b)
February 14, 2008
05:30 PM Post #4538599
| another thought on features, the end of auction/purchase mail t othe seller needs to include the buyers address and vice versa.
I have been testing other auctions sites and just had an auction end on one of them...there was no information other than the buyers email. if the buyer had had their spam filter set too high, they may never have heard from me. a physical address is a must in order to be able to process and ship.
there also needs to be an option to set sales tax rates (we are require to collect them for everything that is shipped to Tennessee) and our state requires tax on both item and shipping. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 14, 2008
05:37 PM Post #4538641
| ...and the all essential shipping calculator.
On the sold page: A drop down box for: Payment received, feedback left, print shipping label (directly to PayPal), mark as shipped. Very helpful. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 14, 2008
05:41 PM Post #4538656
| Can you print shipping labels from PayPal when you are doing anything except eBay? I think that may have been a special arrangement between the post office and eBay and maybe not anyone can do that. I could be wrong, though. Do any of you sellers who sell outside of eBay print shipping labels through PayPal? |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 14, 2008
05:46 PM Post #4538677
| If I sell outside the eBay environment, I use "Click and Ship", a service provided by the USPS. I can also choose to bill and ship independent of the eBay environment through PayPal by using the "Request Funds" feature. |
GreenThumbsTN
Chattanooga, TN
(Zone 7b)
February 14, 2008
05:50 PM Post #4538693
| anyone with a paypal account can print labels to anyone else from paypal by clicking on the 'MultiOrderShipping' link in the upper left. a new window opens and one of the choices in the edit section is to 'create a new order'.
the good thing about this tool is that it also has an option to schedule carrier pickup and it creates a scan form, so for those of us that are able to use carrier pick-up, it's very convenient.
i print all my labels with this tool, regardless of where the order originated. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 14, 2008
06:01 PM Post #4538749
| Ok, excellent. We always use Click 'n Ship when we do stuff outside of eBay, so I didn't know how that worked. Thanks! |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 14, 2008
06:18 PM Post #4538807
| Probably, the greatest challenge is going to be making the work flow as smoothly as possible from one task to the next. It takes time to get it right, and since the specific needs of this site are somewhat different from eBay...bugs will come. I'm sure the whole thing will be a pleasure to use when it is finished. The Dave's site is well conceived and executed, so...
And, as we go along, some of the more experienced sellers can offer suggestions to newcomers as to how they might set up their pages, make labels, and keep track of their orders.
Maybe an auction advice forum? |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
February 14, 2008
06:21 PM Post #4538812
| :))) |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 14, 2008
06:39 PM Post #4538867
| I am laffin' as i type to say that some of us may never catch on as to how to do this! I have had both sets of scales from USPS for months and still don't know how to use click and ship (LOL) |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 14, 2008
06:50 PM Post #4538909
| A nice Flash animation of how to do it step by step might help! |
msrobin
Caneyville, KY
(Zone 6b)
February 15, 2008
05:24 PM Post #4543299
| Again, a day late...just got into reading about the DG auction. I love the idea and all the suggestions I could come up with, have already been mentioned. I would buy a lot of plants and seeds, but would probably not sell any. However, I would love to sell garden art. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 15, 2008
05:53 PM Post #4543377
| This thread is continued here:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/813932/ |
drumlin
Prospect, CT
(Zone 6a)
February 27, 2008
08:28 PM Post #4598125
| I used to be the Fraud Detection Manager at the old (even pre-eBay!) Auctions.com. Let me tell ya, there are a lot of weird people out there. There must be a way to register buyers and sellers, and by all means keep an eye on those items. Marijuana is an interesting plant, but you don't want to get caught with it on your website! Keep a running search for naughty items. Also, you'll probably want some sort of seller and buyer rating system; two or three negatives and you're out, for the good of everyone.
Hey Dave, got any part-time jobs for an old "sleuth" type? |
MaurreanBarger
Mason, TN
March 02, 2008
09:34 AM Post #4611947
| Hi guys. I'm new here to Dave's Garden, but I wanted to let you know that I work at a web development company and am familar with some of the issues you'll be dealing with when adding the auction to your site.
For instance, it may be FAR, can i say that again, FAR cheaper to look for an 'off the shelf' solution for what you're trying to do. This would be a program already created that you could use instead of recreating the same functionality. I'm in no way suggesting you let us do the work, but if you'd like me to spend some time investigating a possible solution, I can do that. |
Calif_Sue
San Jose, CA
(Zone 9b)
March 04, 2008
02:40 AM Post #4620319
| Maurrean, Dave is building from scratch, on another auction thread he wrote:
My policy is "no third party software" on DG. I may occasionally use a library or some-such but every feature is custom built for DG. That's why the whole site is smooth and consistent. |
margaran
(Maggie) Jacksonvill, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 20, 2008
05:36 AM Post #4685670
| Perhaps this has already been addressed but... I'd like to see the ability to choose an item of which there may be many, select maybe 10 of them from one or more buyers, and bid to get 1 or X number of these at a certain price. It keeps me from having to bid on multiple auctions when I want only one thing at no more than a certain price and I don't have to stay awake all night.
Thanks,
Maggie |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
April 03, 2008
10:10 AM Post #4750373
| That's a brilliant idea, from a buyer's standpoint... but I don't know how tricky it would be to program and implement... you'd essentially have to automatically withdraw your bids from the other auctions when you won the item you wanted in one auction. And most auction sites don't let you withdraw bids (?). I think we may just have to hope for a "buy it now" price that we like. |
Hyblaean
Niles, IL
(Zone 5b)
April 03, 2008
10:52 AM Post #4750636
| I think (i've done this twice on ebay now, hardly the expert here) that it bids on one auction at a time until your max dollar amount is reached and then it will bid on the second one in your list until your max is reached and so forth. It doesn't get you the best price possible, but will keep biding until you win one for under your current set limit, or you get outbid in all the auctions. |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
April 03, 2008
11:41 AM Post #4750927
| Ah, that makes more sense, Hyblaean... thanks for taking the time to explain it! That would be a really cool feature.
I realize it might not be part of the initial roll-out, but it would be a great thing to add on later! |
margaran
(Maggie) Jacksonvill, FL
(Zone 9a)
April 03, 2008
06:20 PM Post #4752658
| Thanks Hyblaean for 'splainin' things. I loved that feature when I wanted a cat tree and they had dozens of the same one for sale. I put in what it was worth to me and eventually, 2 people were happy- me & the seller,,,& probably EBay!
Maggie |
Hyblaean
Niles, IL
(Zone 5b)
April 05, 2008
10:35 AM Post #4761084
| My pleasure Maggie and Critter! :D I'd love to see that feature, too. I'm not sure how hard it is to code? It might be asking the impossible since Dave is only one guy, but it would be really nice to have. I mean, since we are doing a wish list :>
I'd also like to see:
A my favorites section with: saved sellers
items I have bought previously
prior searches
also- and this might be way out of realistic- but, savable searches that work like an rss that come right to my mailbox and show me a list of things that are available as soon as they are available (I've got this in outlook with ebay embroidery kits by Erica Wilson- it's a really nice feature)
|
margaran
(Maggie) Jacksonvill, FL
(Zone 9a)
April 06, 2008
07:47 AM Post #4765084
| HMMPH! Anything E-bay can do, Dave can do better! |
Hyblaean
Niles, IL
(Zone 5b)
April 06, 2008
01:53 PM Post #4766562
| hehe :D
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=7096 |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
April 06, 2008
02:18 PM Post #4766663
| Oh, that's neat! |
DonnaA2Z
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
April 14, 2008
09:39 PM Post #4810000
| I've skimmed through the above posts, sorry if any of these things have already been suggested or brought up already.
1) Will it be open to vendors that are members or those associated with vendors?
2) An individual charging sales tax isn't going to work with the government IMHO.
3) A minimum bid is should definitely be a feature for the seller.
4) A maximum bid might be a feature for the buyer.
5) Allow more than one photo... three should be good.
6) What kind of guarantee is there going to be for any seller or buyer? Is DG going to mediate disputes?
7) What kind of payment methods would be used? Not everyone uses paypal.
8) What exactly can be sold on the auction should be limited to what this site is about I think. I mean, I think, selling computer parts as an example, would be beyond the scope.
Donna
|
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
April 14, 2008
09:44 PM Post #4810035
| Yeah, that's all been discussed.
Now I think we're just waiting for Dave to finish the interface. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 08, 2008
12:35 AM Post #4922538
| Did I miss something on how to combine invoices?? I finally gave up and just sent a total for 2 items, but there must be a better way.
I love the feature that subtracts the number of items sold, if you list 6 and sell one, it shows the balance, wonderful, so you won't get oversold.
This message was edited May 8, 2008 9:00 AM |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
May 08, 2008
01:12 AM Post #4922626
| Patience, azalea, patience.
You've sold multiple items? Let's go with that for now ... |
