[coachfreak]

Like I said I have been thinking about this for awhile

Okay, I got two domain names (looking at 2-3 more), looked into dedicated servers, auction software, and vbulletin for question/comments/authentication

I would personally like to test it as a classifieds site first, then as it grows launch "buy it now" or auction-style site (but how is this different from the market plaza or the similar members only sections of other forums?)


Okay, going back under my rock

[t1r4m1su]

I love the idea of making this handbag dedicated web site !
I'm so ready to quit eBay since they add the 7 days listings limitation system and now 30 days? Can they get more ridiculous than that?
Anyway, here's my 2 cents:

- Add best offer function
As this might sound strange, I found that many of my items were sold with the best offer function. This will increase the chance of the item getting viewed and bought

- Want it now section
Just to tempt people to sell their collectibles if the price is right? :)


As for 4 pictures per listing, I found that is reasonable since many people use templates anyway. Maybe lower price per additional pictures will work too? (like $.05 instead of fleabay's $.15?)

and to chip in on the fees, I think 1% up front and 1% final value is the most reasonable. In fact, maybe adding $25 per year membership will work too?

That's what I have in mind. Please make this new site happen guys !

[artjen]

I would love an auction lsite like this!!!

[gro3602]

This would be a huge undertaking for someone, especially one person.

Think simple.

If it works it can be changed and expanded later.

As far as id verified, just think of the time, paperwork, etc.

To start: (Suggestions)

Sellers must be id verified by eBay. Let the sellers and ebay do the work.
When sellers "apply" for your website, they need to add a "secret" code on their "about me" page - which would prove the eBay seller id is the same as the person applying. (Therefore you wouldn't have applicants using someone elses ebay id.....)

During the application process, you must check the applicant's eBay id. Check feedback, etc.

I think this should be an exclusive, members only, tough application process - to get rid of scammers and only allow legitimate sellers.

When the item is listed, a link or posting no. should be stated where a potential buyer can refer to the authentication.

Originally Posted by cgsunbabe

This is VERY similar to what I am thinking. There has to be a fee up front. The scammers won't pay money up front. Honest people will. As a long time seller and buyer I know that people are willing to pay an extra few dollars to KNOW that the items are authentic.

If the site is dirt cheap than what deters people from coming to make a quick buck? As stated in my other posts all items would be authenticated PRIOR to listing via a forum of sorts. Scammers are GREAT at finding ways around things (buy 1 real Vuitton speedy, buy 8 fakes...use the code to list multiples). Even the best computer programs are easily fooled.

Here are my thoughts on the $20 listing fee (including relist the item and modify as MANY times as you wish on that item). Yes the fee seems high, but I promise if you think about it makes sense. Scammers will not pay money for bags that they know are fake. Buyers will send a little extra if they trust that the site ONLY carries the real deal- SELLERS you will make the money back if your customers feel safe buying.

I can see areas for discounted fees. The site MUST be member moderated. If you are an "expert" in a certain brand, sign up as a authenticator. Authenticators will recieve points that reduce the fees owed.

The site needs to be a site that can stand up against Vuitton and other designers. That means EVERYTHING must be authentic. We must weed out the scammers. There would be an automatic probation for ALL new account for the first 3-5 items bought and sold. There will NOT be a million policies that don't make sense. There will be a few rules, if you don't follow them you are banned.

In addition we need a way to verify ALL members, any ideas?

This keeps us safe. Can we please chat about something other than fees (I promise that we will figure that out fairly). What features are important? What features do you love about eBay? What features do you hate?

[imonpurseblog]

Originally Posted by gro3602

This would be a huge undertaking for someone, especially one person.

Think simple.

If it works it can be changed and expanded later.

As far as id verified, just think of the time, paperwork, etc.

To start: (Suggestions)

Sellers must be id verified by eBay. Let the sellers and ebay do the work.
When sellers "apply" for your website, they need to add a "secret" code on their "about me" page - which would prove the eBay seller id is the same as the person applying. (Therefore you wouldn't have applicants using someone elses ebay id.....)

During the application process, you must check the applicant's eBay id. Check feedback, etc.

I think this should be an exclusive, members only, tough application process - to get rid of scammers and only allow legitimate sellers.

When the item is listed, a link or posting no. should be stated where a potential buyer can refer to the authentication.

All great ideas, Gina

[cgsunbabe]

I agree 100%. All memberships will be verified thru a 4 step process. Meaning that by the time you are granted access I am totally sure of your idenity. While a pain the bum, honest people have nothing to hide.

I have spent the morning talking with professionals about the auction site. Ladies- I think it will be a GO!!! On Monday I will make a post outlining the new site.

I strongly encourage those of you that are interested to continue listing your ideas. The site will be based on member control, for ONCE a site will exist where your opinion DOES count!!!

My goal will be to put in the appropriate tools to screen members, fully authenticate items, and manage a system that is both safe and easy to use for both buyers and sellers.

To those of you that have PM'd me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support and offered help is very much appreciated!!! We are so lucky to have so MANY talented, brilliant, wonderful women on this site. You guys really are the best


Trish

Originally Posted by gro3602

This would be a huge undertaking for someone, especially one person.

Think simple.

If it works it can be changed and expanded later.

As far as id verified, just think of the time, paperwork, etc.

To start: (Suggestions)

Sellers must be id verified by eBay. Let the sellers and ebay do the work.
When sellers "apply" for your website, they need to add a "secret" code on their "about me" page - which would prove the eBay seller id is the same as the person applying. (Therefore you wouldn't have applicants using someone elses ebay id.....)

During the application process, you must check the applicant's eBay id. Check feedback, etc.

I think this should be an exclusive, members only, tough application process - to get rid of scammers and only allow legitimate sellers.

When the item is listed, a link or posting no. should be stated where a potential buyer can refer to the authentication.

[sarahloveslouis]

Originally Posted by cgsunbabe

I must be alone in my hatred of the FVF. I understand why they use it. It has always felt like a punishment for making more money :) I hate watching my seller fees go up as my items sell.

What fee structure do think makes the most sense? The hosting (lots of data being stored and updated), support, admin moderators, authenticators, website trouble shooters, advertising and MUCH more must be thought about. I really want to make it an honest site, avoiding the chances of allowing scammers (eliminating them through enforced authentication).

I have done a few internet sites in the past, nothing this big (I will be paying someone else to do it). I am a power seller, with a strong back ground in sales and advertising. I have never done anything like this before- I need imput.

Feel free to even say that it's a bad idea. It seems like there is a strong need, and that if it's built right people will feel safe coming to buy and sell.

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but what about a low, flat monthly "membership" fee, plus 1-3% of final sales price?

[HandbagAngel]

Trish, what a wonderful idea and great effort! About membership, do buyers need to apply for membership too?

IMO the key of success is reliability, which includes security and stability.

Cannot wait to hear more about its progress.

[cgsunbabe]

Yes, everyone would need to apply for membership. It need to be a safe place for everyone. The site will be using a feedback system very similar to eBay. If there was not required membership for all users, we would see lots of non-paying buyers...once scammers get in they are VERY difficult to weed out.

I fully agree that the key to success is reliability- a business cannot thrive without security and stability.

Originally Posted by HandbagAngel

Trish, what a wonderful idea and great effort! About membership, do buyers need to apply for membership too?

IMO the key of success is reliability, which includes security and stabilitIy.

Cannot wait to hear more about its progress.

[cgsunbabe]

Originally Posted by sarahloveslouis

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but what about a low, flat monthly "membership" fee, plus 1-3% of final sales price?

I have not made a firm decision at this point. I deciding between a small one time membership fee (to verify member identity), and a small monthly fee. I probably lean more towards the one time membership.

I am also trying to decide if I like flat listing rates, or a final value fee. I personally would rather use only one. I hate the FEE-bay system. I can guarantee that it will be very reasonable.

I have a plan to eliminate fees completely for my authenticators, and reduce fees for my active community moderators. I will go into all of this Monday.

Thanks for the imput!
Take care- Trish

[Geminiz06]

Maybe the Flat 25 dollar fees could be just for high priced luxury items...Where the Final value fee- would have been a lot more ex. hermes/bal bags

But if your selling something like a kooba...Then a 25.00 fee wouldnt work..KWIM
It would be tooo much. So there would have to be a range based on how much the item initially is. Also free relisting- I hate it when I have to pay on top of my item not selling...it sucks.

***Also I think that the watching function is a double edge sword... Meaning- In a way its good for us sellers to see that our item has a probability of selling- But I have put up many items- that have had upwards of ten watchers- and then noone BIDS!!!! Which totally erks me. Because- since most buyers wait till the very last second (literally) to BID- you have no idea whether your item will sell or not. And then it's not like a seller can see who was interested- all they can do is relist.

I think that a person should only be able to (watch) an item for 24-48hrs. Then if they do not bid within that time- it will come off of their watch list and the sellers list. Also I think that the buyer should be able to see how many watchers the seller has on that item- That way if they really want the item- And they dont want to forget thats its there- then they WILL bid within the 48hrs.

This way the item will start getting bids throughout its auction- not just within the last few seconds- where everyone is in competition to see whose PC is the fastest. I hate having my auctions close like that- and I hate losing auctions of items that I have wanted like that.

Also I think that alot of times people dont bid- just because they see that noone else has taken the plunge- before they have. This way the possible buyer will see that there are many people who are interested, so this might encourage them to BID earlier, rather than later. Whoooo I have been wanting to vent for a while now...lol thanks

[cgsunbabe]

No worries, I agree. $25 flat listing fee to too high for most items. I will probably simply use a FVF. Relisting will always be free.

As for the watch list. I will think about it, perhaps a feature could be added to block your item from watch lists.

Like I said I post more Monday.

Originally Posted by Geminiz06

Maybe the Flat 25 dollar fees could be just for high priced luxury items...Where the Final value fee- would have been a lot more ex. hermes/bal bags

But if your selling something like a kooba...Then a 25.00 fee wouldnt work..KWIM
It would be tooo much. So there would have to be a range based on how much the item initially is. Also free relisting- I hate it when I have to pay on top of my item not selling...it sucks.

***Also I think that the watching function is a double edge sword... Meaning- In a way its good for us sellers to see that our item has a probability of selling- But I have put up many items- that have had upwards of ten watchers- and then noone BIDS!!!! Which totally erks me. Because- since most buyers wait till the very last second (literally) to BID- you have no idea whether your item will sell or not. And then it's not like a seller can see who was interested- all they can do is relist.

I think that a person should only be able to (watch) an item for 24-48hrs. Then if they do not bid within that time- it will come off of their watch list and the sellers list. Also I think that the buyer should be able to see how many watchers the seller has on that item- That way if they really want the item- And they dont want to forget thats its there- then they WILL bid within the 48hrs.

This way the item will start getting bids throughout its auction- not just within the last few seconds- where everyone is in competition to see whose PC is the fastest. I hate having my auctions close like that- and I hate losing auctions of items that I have wanted like that.

Also I think that alot of times people dont bid- just because they see that noone else has taken the plunge- before they have. This way the possible buyer will see that there are many people who are interested, so this might encourage them to BID earlier, rather than later. Whoooo I have been wanting to vent for a while now...lol thanks

[sparkle7]

I think this is a great idea. I remeber watching an interview many years ago with the woman who started eBay and ,she said she wanted to create an online yard sale. She was one person with a great idea at the time and she made a fortune doing it.

[Lovely4]

I agree - I would enjoy a new website. However, I have some concerns. The big site has lots of customers (heard it's over 1Billion) how can you compete with that. Try and search for something that you want to buy - and you will find *b*y. Just trying to get this new website off the ground is going to take so much work 24/7. Setting it up, Maintaining it, legal, accounting, etc. Also consider what will happen if something does slip thru the cracks. Then who is responsible? Membership will be hard to. Will there be background check?
There are other auction sites - perhaps we can take one of them over....
The other site that I currently like is just specificially for LV's. www.louislovers.com but they need to eventually expand their authenticators to other high end designers like Chanel, Prada, etc (obviously 2 may to name). It's my suggestion.

[cgsunbabe]

Lovely4 The questions you've asked are smart ones. I have experience in the business building aspects and will be working closely with a team of experts to design, launch, and maintain the site.

Without getting into specifics I will have a multi-step process towards membership verification.

Advertising is always an issue (especially on a budget). However it can still be done well.

I will post many more details Monday.