The Classified Page! Thumbs Up Or Down?

Classified art copyLast week I received several emails from sellers on our classified page with SCAM offers. BTW, NEVER HAND OUT YOUR BANKING INFO! Unless its for my buddy who’s father the General of the Nigerian Army is in jail and he has money for me, That’s OK, But on the classified page, be careful. NOW, with that said, I found over 500 spam sellers on the classified page. And in truth we have about 75 real sellers. 75. After two years. We don’t charge for it? Why? Because even at 50 cents it’s not worth it. I was fine with leaving it, because to be honest, it gives us a place to tell people that email us weekly to help sell there boat a place to go. But if it’s causing potential fraud, or a scam, is it really worth it?  Has anyone actually sold anything on it? Have you found a part you need? Anything? It does cost us a small fee yearly and there was some time building it. But? So today! We decide. Does it live!

Or Die!

 

29 replies
  1. Jim Staib
    Jim Staib says:

    I sold a propeller to the Nigerian navy. They sent me extra money to pay the courier when he picks it up.
    I say leave it up.
    32° in Macon, GA this morning.

    • Alan Frederick
      Alan Frederick says:

      Jim – Don’t know if that transaction went thru yet or not, but beware. Some Craigslist and Ebay scams start with, “Here’s a check for more than you asked for. Cash the check and give the rest to the courier.”
      The scam is the check is bogus and won’t clear. Then the bank charges the amt. to your checking account and by that time the scammer has his money and your SOL.
      It’s all explained in the Craigslist scam section.
      Just Sayin’.

  2. Bilge Rat
    Bilge Rat says:

    I always appreciate a parts source and I scan the ads periodically for the new ones. I have not bought or sold anything there so experiences on that.

    The internet trolls and scammers will always be there, a sad fact of life.

    I would miss it if it’s taken down but that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong.

  3. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    It’s just another aspect of WoodyBoater that I enjoy looking at, but I have never used for buying or selling. I would lean thumbs up, but also don’t want it to be a source of scammers. Why do people have to screw up everything!

  4. Mike K
    Mike K says:

    its not good until you need it (or use it).
    it was better when the great photo of mfine looking scared was on the banner, what happened to it.

  5. Howard Lehman
    Howard Lehman says:

    I have looked all the way through the listings a number of times. Several months ago I was searching for an engine, found one on the site, asked questions of the seller and had pleasant and worthwhile communication. I ended up going in a different direction, but I appreciated having a trustworthy place to look. Scam artists make everything worse, so I wouldn’t fault you for closing the Classified site, but I do appreciate the source. Thanks!

  6. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    I did list a boat there. It sold but not because of the listing. I have never been able to take the boat down or mark it sold. That is frustrating also. Called a guy who had a set of Speltz Books listed. Did not buy them.

    What I like most is that if I log into classified I don’t have to do any math for about a month when I comment. I would keep it up for that alone.

    (photo by Joe Donatelli)

  7. Sean
    Sean says:

    LIVE.

    I have been fortunate enough to find an elusive speedometer by the grace of a fellow Woodyboater. Less successful with a H&M thermostat housing but, at least I know people have seen it and know I’m looking.

    It’s a different type of classified section. Difficult to use as you pretty much need to go through the entire thing but, hey…. that’s entertainment! Besides, it’s like a virtual table in the field of dreams. We just need more people to post their extra or un-needed parts so we can pick through 🙂

      • Sean
        Sean says:

        I suppose it’s worth what someone will pay… I have one now so, I’d pay $30.

        Besides, Classifieds here are between kindred spirits. Not really to make $ but to help a fellow out…. without being put out. Finding that part (and the story that goes with it) while making new friends… what our hobby is really about.

  8. Ron in Seattle
    Ron in Seattle says:

    I better use it or lose it.
    But I to listed a boat, and was never able to take it down.
    Keep it please. I have a bridge to sell!

  9. John Rothert
    John Rothert says:

    being happily cyber stupid…I just don’t understand? I don’t see but 12 short pages of all normal boat stuff on the classified section?? 500 scammers?
    I put my search for a tow to Tavares on there and did not get any responses..which would seem to indicate not many folks check the section…..I did find/hire a tow…but not via site.
    I say keep it there unless it becomes a real mess…
    John in Va

  10. John Rothert
    John Rothert says:

    Okay! so one of you eased the pain of my ignorance by explaining to me….OFF LINE…..that the problem is scam artist sending us stuff via our contact info on the sales site!!!
    Duh…
    but I never have received any that I know of?
    John in Va.

  11. Dick Dow
    Dick Dow says:

    I have to admit I have not looked at or used the WB classifieds, but would encourage you to keep them up. As a few have mentioned (and as is the case with several other similar sites) it seems that often once on, sale items are never removed. Not sure why/how that happens, but it seems whoever posts should have the right (and responsibility) to get them removed. Part of my spring cleaning promise to myself is to attempt to catalog my garage and get rid of stuff I don’t need and others may, so I hope you keep it going! 🙂

  12. Karl Hoffman
    Karl Hoffman says:

    Hi Matt,

    I have used woody boater classified to both buy and sell several items. Most of us have been around long enough to recognize a scammer. Please keep it up.

  13. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    Well, I WAS going to be supportive, and I went to try out Troy’s trick of loggin’ in there to avoid daily math. To my shock and horror I discovered that users with a “-” in their name are prohibited from using the classifieds!

  14. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    Also, the high temperature forecast for Thursday in Tavares is now only 79 degrees. I don’t like to walk around in a Speedo when the temperature is below 80!

  15. KentB
    KentB says:

    Put a “wanted” ad in there back when it was being pushed… never heard a word from anyone. Forgot it was even there until I searched last week and got excited someone else was looking for similar items. Nope it was me. Sure would be nice if there was one place you could buy and sell from. Right now I use “Searchtempest” which searches Craigslist and EBay for you.

  16. Glenn
    Glenn says:

    Any way to make postings auto-expire without a renewal… say after 1 month? That’d help clear out the chaff. I have enjoyed poking through it, but sadly no purchases or sales.

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