It would be a good deal for you IF its a higher priced piece, and IF it sells. If not, you pay as much as you would have after 6 months of listing it. I guess for me, I'll stick with the standard listing.
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04-19-13: Markpao Just like everything else in our society, catering to the wealthy. The old system, which is still around, is $4 and 2% of sale, up to $100. Which means that the big players, selling anything over $5000, stop paying the 2% fee. Now with the $25 flat fee, those selling over $1000 can make out. Who doesn't make out? Those that are selling less expensive gear and cables. I'd rather see a flat 1% fee with no cap, you sell a pair of speakers for $50,000, your ad cost $500. |
However, the email also states that a $4 listing fee still applies and a 2% transaction fee once the sale is made (up to $100).That makes no sense. You have a choice of $25 flat OR the old way. There is no commission or $4 listing fee if you opt for the $25. You also can post up to 12 images in the $25 ads. Not sure I see the purpose of the phone number part of it, though. And I don't understand why the OP titled this Topic $25 flat rate shipping. |
Our new $25 listing includes: unveiling our new flat fee lising. "NO TRANSACTION FEES Â just pay the $25 when you list the ability to add a VERIFIED PHONE NUMBER for prospective buyers to ask questions up to TWELVE PHOTOS per listing!" Still not 100% guaranteed the seller is actually that of the username listed on the ad. I would still verify the ad was listed by the true owner of the Agon member username listed on the ad. The only verified way now is to send an email though the Agon system to the username listed on the ad. . |
"I guess my ability to infer is getting worse due to my cynical nature. :-)" and why is that? so many years of experience and less tolerance for the bs presentation of things as better, note the small print. I hear you nonoise :) Overall I feel this is a definite improvement. At least there is more than one option, semi kudos to Audiogon! |
This is a huge improvement and a must for expensive gear that demands a phone call. Very good move Agon. "the ability to add a VERIFIED PHONE NUMBER for prospective buyers to ask questions" VERIFIED PHONE NUMBER?? Verified by who? By AudiogoN? Is AudiogoN guaranteeing the phone number listed in the ad is in fact, VERIFIED, that of the username listed on the ad? . |
The way it works is this: You enter your phone number and get an automated call to that number with a code you then have to enter. Draw you own conclusions as to how well this qualifies as verified. Not worth a damn if an Agon member's account has been hacked and the phone number on the ad is as bogus as the ad. Agon's computer calls the bogus phone number listed on the ad. Gives the scammer on the other end the code. YUUUP that be VERIFIED!....... . |
The new Agon $25 flat fee is a good idea. Allowing the seller to post his phone number is a good idea. Also allowing the buyer to email the seller like the old system used to work without first having to be read by a carbon based unit would be a good idea. But,.... none of the above stops a scammer from hacking an Agons members account and listing a bogus ad. What would, I believe, is before an ad would be posted by the Agon automated system an authentication code would be sent to the email address of the Agon member. A simple message, >>>>>>>>>>>> An ad has been entered in the Agon classified ad system using your username. If the ad was placed by you enter the supplied authentication code in the box provided and click enter. The ad will not be posted unless AudiogoN receives the correct authentication code. AudiogoN will never ask you to login to your account through an email supplied Link. >>>>>>>>>>>> Something to that affect. The authentication code is only sent to the username email address listed in the members profile. At no time is the authentication code listed in the username's Agon account. . |
If a member's account was hacked, would the hacker have the ability to edit the profile? Tls49, Yes. But if the hacker changes something in the members profile the agon system sends an email to the member's Verified email address that is on file with Agon. Recent changes have been made to your AudiogoN account information. If you made these changes, there is no further action required. The hacker does not want the real username Agon member to know his account has been hacked. The idea is to use the true username and his/her 100% feedback for the bogus ad listing. The hacker conveniently lists his email address in the ad so a potential buyer can reach him/her directly. Very nice of the hacker. Question comes mind.... If a hacker lists a phone in a bogus ad does the Agon automated computer system compare the phone number listed on the ad to the username profile phone number? . |
Well, all that matters is the buyer and seller can talk and exchange info and be sure all is on the up and up. I always talk to buyers and sellers on expensive deals. One can quickly get a sense of the person with a phone call. I have never had a problem with anyone willing to talk to me. I pass on deals when folks don't. |
