AVF Classifieds

[Markee]

Just wondering if anyone has found a relatively trustworthy alternative to the AVF Classifieds (apart from Facebook market place, Gumtree, eBay)?

Since the app ceased to work the classifieds are nowhere near as busy as they used to be. I’ve got a couple of items up for sale in the Computers section and I’ve not had one single reply of interest and the items are still on the first page! When the app was in use you had to bump every couple of days to at least keep an item on the first page. A rule was even introduced to limit successive bumps to be 10 hours apart! No need for that rule now.

I’ve bought and sold loads of stuff on here, but the classifieds are now a barren place, sadly.

 

[rousetafarian]

No

 

[rousetafarian]

Instead of potentially driving traffic away from the forums, in particular the classifieds what recommendations or advice would you suggest that is commercially and technically viable?

Also on reflection you’ve advertised two relatively costly items £1100.00 each, a few days before most people get paid, which may account for the lack of interest. Either that or Apple’s roadmaps may be playing against you, plus the 0% interest free offer that Apple was running recently.

More factors could/would apply but I’d suggest its not down to the demise of an unsecure App being killed off.

 

[Deleted member 45086]

The app is definitely missed and gets mentioned a lot. I miss it myself and have to rely on a web version on my iPhone.

Also places like musicMagpie/CEX have had an impact as they offer no hassle or posting and at time give better prices if you get lucky with a code.

Still this is the best and most trustworthy place as you are buying from real enthusiasts instead of money makers or scammers

Carl

 

[Markee]

Instead of potentially driving traffic away from the forums, in particular the classifieds what recommendations or advice would you suggest that is commercially and technically viable?

Also on reflection you’ve advertised two relatively costly items £1100.00 each, a few days before most people get paid, which may account for the lack of interest. Either that or Apple’s roadmaps may be playing against you, plus the 0% interest free offer that Apple was running recently.

More factors could/would apply but I’d suggest its not down to the demise of an unsecure App being killed off.

I take your point on the timing of my ads, but I’ve not had issues before the demise of the app. Generally AVF users aren’t existing hand to mouth from payday to payday so I don’t really think timing is the issue (although I do accept it’s probably a contributing factor).

Clearly as a user I don’t have access to traffic stats of the site, but as many users have commented previously, there has been a tangible drop off of activity since the demise of the app. Many users also commented that they would not be using AVF anymore after the app was killed, maybe this is a minority relative to the total number of users, but I’m sure this has had an affect.

Personally, I am a long standing supporter of AV Forums and the last thing I want to do is drive traffic away (especially from the Classifieds!). I’ve also got used to the user interface on a web browser and find it only slightly less convenient than the app.

I’m not suggesting there is an easy answer to this (believe me, we are both on the same side).

Without in depth info of the business model of the running of the site (clearly advertising keeps things going as otherwise it wouldn’t be free to use). The holy grail is to attract users back who left after the demise of the app by convincing them it’s just as easy to use with a browser (which it is, the app was just more convenient as the whole site was available in one place rather than in a web browser).

My initial question was asking if there is a like minded equivalent to AVF as the eBays, Gumtree’s etc of this world just seems to be full of time wasters and scammers.

So, I think you were correct with your first response of No. AVF is unique.

Oh and can I just say thank you to you and all the other moderators for your support. I occasionally look into the Disputed trades thread and the patience and support you guys give is amazing.

 

[Hixs]

Generally AVF users aren’t existing hand to mouth from payday to payday so I don’t really think timing is the issue (although I do accept it’s probably a contributing factor).

No?

I think you'd be surprised just how many folk have to save hard and long for their gear. Those that can spend willy nilly probably post more though...

 

[Derek S-H]

I think you'd be surprised just how many folk have to save hard and long for their gear.

Totally agree.

I do enjoy the site very much, but it can give a completely false impression about disposable income. Most purchases are based on ability to pay and/or careful budgeting for the majority, I would suggest. People spending £3000 every year on a new TV to replace the £3000 they spent last year is not common!

I can't comment on the app as I don't have a mobile phone, but with all the political uncertainty around plus we're still in austerity (despite what the government claims), now is not a particularly good time to make big purchases.

 

[Deleted member 39241]

I have been listing on here, having no luck and then adding a listing to ebay or amazon marketplace at the same time. Most success is had from Ebay via the 'make me an offer' link, if you time it right, they often do offers where the selling fee is only £1.

 

[Egg White]

No?

I think you'd be surprised just how many folk have to save hard and long for their gear. Those that can spend willy nilly probably post more though...

yes, I recall posting a thread that didn't go down too well..

 

[outoftheknow]

Most success is had from Ebay via the 'make me an offer' link, if you time it right, they often do offers where the selling fee is only £1.

Wasn’t that true before appgate? There aren’t restrictions on advertising elsewhere here - as long as you complete that field honestly?

@Markee are you wondering about a quiet spell in classifieds here - or starting another thread about loss of the app?

Assuming the topic is that there is a quiet spell in the classifieds I suppose there will be many reasons.

If I didn’t live 11,000 miles away I would use the classifieds here regardless of the device and software used to access the site (just before somebody not checking my profile decides to wade in pointing out I don’t trade here so shouldn’t have an opinion on the topic of classifieds here )

 

[Markee]

I am aware of the pros and cons of Amazon, eBay, Gumtree etc, what I was trying to get at is there a like minded site similar to AV Forums that I could try?

I'm pretty sure there isn't and it is unique!

The app thing has been long debated elsewhere and I wasn't looking to open up a new discussion here.

 

[rousetafarian]

Agreed, this isn’t the correct location for App discussions, please use the Feedback Forum.

 

[SteveCritten]

I have never used the app either on phone or iPad.too clunky for me. I like the classifieds as they are.

 

[IronGiant]

As a classifieds mod in tech and gadgets, I'm still overstretched to keep up. Members are still bumping left right and centre to stay on the front page.

 

[Hixs]

As a classifieds mod in tech and gadgets, I'm still overstretched to keep up. Members are still bumping left right and centre to stay on the front page.

If you really want to loath modding, try it on a MMO forum....dear lord.

My ban hammer use to fall countless times per day.

 

[Delvey]

As a classifieds mod in tech and gadgets, I'm still overstretched to keep up. Members are still bumping left right and centre to stay on the front page.

Get more mods? (I know, easier said than done)

 

[IronGiant]

Not that overstretched, more a comment that the classifieds aren't pushing up the daisies just yet

 

[gibbsy]

Although I've never bought anything from the classifieds I've sold several on there. Been a painless and easy experience. I've never used an App in my life. Absolutely nothing wrong with an abacus and a slate blackboard.

 

[Davidc7230]

Can't say I ever used the app, I have always preferred browsing forums from the comfort of my desktop and with the use of a proper keyboard.

Given the prevalence of online fraud a lot of places like this have shut up shop with regards to classified sections, others charge an annual fee to use them which goes towards moderating and maintaining the site. I still check the listings out here before eBay or amazon esp if it's not something I am in a hurry for.

 

[busterbenny2001]

Likewise here never used this forum as an app, always use on my iPad on safari always open in the background, buy and sell here over anywhere else,sometimes patience is needed to find the right item but as usual I seem to be buying a fair amount, not personally noticed it any quieter than usual, best place by far to buy and sell if the rules and guidelines are followed.