BST Discussion

A: http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/buy-sell-trade-bst-faqs

post #2 of 33

1/15/12 at 11:06am

Thread Starter

terrielacy

Location: Ione WA
Joined: 1/2007
Posts: 25,533
offline

Select All Posts By This User

This is the Q & A

Q: Where can I find a tutorial for the BST?

Q: How is this new BST system different than the old BSA?

A: 1) The new system does not support "Proxy Bidding", but we're working around that so we can still allow our members to post auctions and bid on items.

2) Your listings don't expire

Q: I am trying to post an auction, and each time i click the 'new clasified' button this is the response:

"You are not allowed to post classifieds. Please check forum rules for more information". Can anyone help me?

A: You need to have a minimum number of posts (20) to be able to participate in BST.

Q: What happened to the "Wanted" section?

A: The wanted section was removed because the new classified listing function allows you to choose wanted as an option. So just go to the BST forum that the item you want is and make a classified and choose the "wanted" option.

Q: OK so now I have to do a search if I want to see all of the Wanted Items right?

A: In the very first pic of this article you'll see some check boxes that allow you to filter what type of ads that you're viewing...so if you want to view only the "WTB" then un-check everything else but "WANTED"...or however you would like to filter the ads.

Q: If I place a bid on egg for say..$5 and somebody comes along 3 hours later and bids $10. If you have to send your bid through a PM how is that seller supposed to update their auction if they are not at the computer 24/7??

A: IF the seller has decided to use the auction workaround to operate their classified as an AUCTION then buyers will IGNORE THE PM BUTTON and POST THEIR BID AS A REPLY TO THE THREAD.

It is the seller's responsibility to put the word "Auction" in the title of their listing as well as to post in the details that the ad is being held as an auction format. If they don't then the listing should be considered a regular sale ad in which you would PM to buy. If you find a listing that is being run as an auction but the required information isn't provided then please flag / report the auction or PM the seller and give them a reminder.

Q: Why are some of the listings disappearing?

A: At the top of every sub-forum in BST you will find some check boxes that allow you to filter the content that you see. You can view open and closed auctions by checking both in the status area.

Q: When will this system support full "Auction" and "Proxy Bidding" like the old system did?

A: Unfortunately we don't have an answer. We could say 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc. but whatever we put, we might be completely wrong. We have other priorities that are much higher than auctions (easier image inserting into posts, speed / performance, mobile site usage, etc.) which are all currently being worked on and are taking all of our focus. We want to have full auction / proxy bidding support, but there are other priorities in line first and make it impossible for us to provide a timeline.

Q: Why are some of the ads in the BST yellow?

A: Yellow ads are highlighted as a perk for PPM membership.

Q: As it stands right now, one cannot have an open wanted ad at the same time as a for sale ad, correct? Since I seem to be only allowed one "listing" at a time?

A: Your allowed number of active ads depends on your membership level. You can find that info here

Q: We use to be able to go to our profile, and click an auction button to see auctions, we won or our auctions we listed. Is it no longer there??

A: Now that the listings are in post format instead of auction format, you can go into your profile and scroll through your posts. Also you can subscribe to your ad (highly recommended).

Q: how do i start selling?

A: Your first step will be to get your post count up. You need to have a minimum number of posts (20) to be able to participate in BST (Buy-Sell-Trade). So cruise around the forum and participate in as many threads as you like. Once you've reached 20 posts, then go here and check out the BST rules and instructions (if you haven't already). Then you'll be ready to start selling.

Q: I have put auctions up and it was mentioned that we don't have to create another auction or ad just reopen the one we had for the same type auction. When I did this it also opened the other bidding reponses so was making it confusing to those looking at it asking if it wasn't already done. Meaning when reopened it didn't just list the opening ad.

A: Auctions should not be reopened for this very reason. They should be relisted as a new auction.

Classified Ads that are not following an auction format should be closed and reopened based on supply / demand.

Q: How do I get the most out of my classified listings?

A: In order to get the most of your listings, we recommend that you combine classified ads of similar items as long as you are not running as an auction. This actually allows you to sell more items! If the prices are different then either put the highest price in the price box or $0 in the price box and then list out the prices with the items in the description.

Q: If a seller lists a for sale for hatching eggs, as the days go by their listing can get lost among all the auctions/sales/wtb, getting further and further behind. Can they close their listing and relist to get back up on the top? How do you bump the ads?

A: No, there are built in bumps allowed where they can bump their listing based on the timeline that is based on their membership status. Closing and relisting just to get to the top of the list would be against the rules. Bumps are found in the peach colored area of your listing...when your bump time is available then a bump link will become available.

Q: Also, should an auction that has ended be removed to reduce "clutter"?

A: Once a listing (auction or classified Buy It Now) has ended the seller is responsible for closing the ad. The link to close ads is in the yellow colored area of your listing.

Q: How do I rearrange the order of the thumbnail pics?

A: You can rearrange the order of the pics by clicking on one of the thumbnails and it will pop up a box that allows you to view them. On each pic you have the option to make it the primary.

Q: Is there a preview option for the classifieds?

A: Not at this time.

Q: How do we leave feedback?

A: Please refer to the first Q&A and read the BST FAQs

Q: I'm having technical issues and my ad won't submit. What can I do?

A: Please check out this discussion.

Q: I miss the old auction format. I find myself getting confused when looking through the listings. There are ones there that surely are closed based on the date, but they haven't been noted as such. Discussions will bring an old listing up to the top making it look likes it's still open when it's not. I'd like to list some eggs but I'm not sure I'd get seen.

A: We don't force people to put their location in their ads. But like you pointed out, sellers can potentially lose a lot of sales by not doing so.

You need to uncheck the items that you do not want to see when you filter your options.

If you see an ad that is ended that the OP did not close just report it. Note that ads can run as long as a person wants them to. But if they've stated sold then they need to close it.

Q: So was the previous auction style like eBay? If so why was it scrapped? New here so don't know how it was before. I just find that style of bidding easier than trying to keep track of a forum auction. Although it is a bit more work for someone to place a bid forum style that reduces deadbeat bidders somewhat.

A: There is lots written here about our changeover and why it happened, but briefly, it was because the old system would not support the size we'd grown to for much longer. Losing proxy auctions was a downside to the switch, not something we wanted to do. We do hope to get one back one day. And we do have a good classified style setup for those who want to sell for a fixed price.

Q: I have an ad on Craig's List. Can I create a classified and link to my CL ad?

A: Per the BST rules, http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/250783/buy-sell-trade-rules-must-read-agree-to-participate-in-bst

All items listed for sale must be for sale here on BYC. We do not allow linking to other sites or auctions.

post #3 of 33

1/15/12 at 7:45pm

Nifty-Chicken

Location: California - SF East Bay
Joined: 12/2006
Posts: 27,581
offline

Select All Posts By This User

A Few Important Reminders / Notes:

We want full auction / proxy bidding support as much as you do. There are numerous posts about the 5 month decision regarding why and if we had to make the tradeoff to let it go, but suffice it to say we want to have it just as bad as you do.
I updated the second post with an answer regarding when full auction / proxy bidding will be added.
People ask about the "open listing limits". The new system is very different in how "open listings" are treated. We purposely started with very conservative limits on listings to see how our system is used and to make sure the counts are appropriate. We received a lot of feedback that the last system was sometimes "gamed" and we want to ensure that doesn't happen here. We'll be bumping up some of the limits as we make sure the system isn't abused, so please be patient with us as we tweak these settings to comfortably fit with the needs of our community.

Rob - Married to my wife Emily for 11 years and have two daughters, 8 and 5. Home to five hens & two ducks
Nifty-Stuff.com | TheEasyGarden.com | SufficientSelf.com | BackYardHerds.com
Upgrade to a Golden Feather Membership - Check Out BYC on Facebook

Rob - Married to my wife Emily for 11 years and have two daughters, 8 and 5. Home to five hens & two ducks
Nifty-Stuff.com | TheEasyGarden.com | SufficientSelf.com | BackYardHerds.com
Upgrade to a Golden Feather Membership - Check Out BYC on Facebook

post #4 of 33

2/21/12 at 9:12am

dak
geek dvm

Location: Northwest, N.M.
Joined: 3/2010
Posts: 1,878
offline

Select All Posts By This User

I closed my pop up blocker and am still getting error on page when I try to make a listing. Am I really the only person too ignorant to figure out this system. I read and read, but don't have a clue what I am doing wrong.

If this system is unuseable for me I woulld like BYC to return the remainder of my GFM to the person who brought it for me.

Member Cochins International, Ameraucana Breeders Club, American Brahma Club

Member Cochins International, Ameraucana Breeders Club, American Brahma Club

post #5 of 33

2/21/12 at 11:45pm

kstaven

Location: BC, Washington Border
Joined: 1/2007
Posts: 5,602
offline

Select All Posts By This User

I note you access BYC on more than one machine. If it is happening on them all and they are at the same location I would make sure your router software is up to date. This caused huge headaches for me in the past until I updated that. It's the one part in the link most people forget about or don't know you can update the software on.

"If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, love what you do."
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

"If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, love what you do."
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

post #6 of 33

2/26/12 at 6:49am

pidgey104
Cochins R Us

Location: Panama City ,Florida
Joined: 11/2007
Posts: 3,601
offline

Select All Posts By This User

How many sale post can a GFM have?

Only 4???

I only have three open and when I try to post one more it says I can't because I have 4 open.

Click the 4 Open button shows I only have 3 open.

That makes alot of since LOL

Chickens I raise are: Standard Mohawk Rhode Island Reds, BBS Amerucanas, English Blue and Black Orpington, Std BBS Cochins, Mille Fleur Cochins, BBS and Paint Silkies, Blue Spangled Old English, Turkens, and Bantam White Laced Red Cornish
Other Birds: Pigeons, Call Ducks, SQ Exhibition Rouens, Eqyptian Geese, African Geese, Canadian Geese, 5 Emus, and SQ Cayuga Ducks

Chickens I raise are: Standard Mohawk Rhode Island Reds, BBS Amerucanas, English Blue and Black Orpington, Std BBS Cochins, Mille Fleur Cochins, BBS and Paint Silkies, Blue Spangled Old English, Turkens, and Bantam White Laced Red Cornish
Other Birds: Pigeons, Call Ducks, SQ Exhibition Rouens, Eqyptian Geese, African Geese, Canadian Geese, 5 Emus, and SQ Cayuga Ducks

post #7 of 33

2/26/12 at 7:35am

Thread Starter

terrielacy

Location: Ione WA
Joined: 1/2007
Posts: 25,533
offline

Select All Posts By This User

I just looked through your ad listings and you have 4 open.

post #8 of 33

2/27/12 at 11:36pm

Nifty-Chicken

Location: California - SF East Bay
Joined: 12/2006
Posts: 27,581
offline

Select All Posts By This User

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChooksChick

Nifty, have you considered buying a different domain, such as BYCAuctions or somesuch and opening an auction format using one of the many free auction packages out there? Users could register separately from the BYC user base, etc., and just let other folks know in their sigs that they have an ad up. You could charge $.15 for an insertion fee and make up the maintenance fees. It would offer another line of revenue, plus a separate area for ads, and I think it would be fairly independent once you got it up and running...we all saw how eggbid worked on autopilot for years. I also think there are many lurkers/non-byc folks who would use it who are sort of scattered to the other several auction sites...but you have a well established user base to immediately direct to it who would immediately support it. If, and when, you get auctions going here, you migrate everyone or allow a transition timetable. Look at the number of classifieds running since your migration- how many more would there be if it was a straightforward auction system with proxy bidding capabilities and whatnot. You wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel.

It would be a VERY QUICK solution to the frustration of having to use a classified ad system and to keep your BST user base from moving to a different site. There are sooooo many who simply don't want to be patient and want what they want. It would be a way to appease and preserve.

Thanks for the great post! This (and a few other ideas) are things that we have and are discussing, but we there are definitely cons to each option. We do appreciate the ideas and comments and we'll keep working to try to find the best options and solutions for the community within the constraints we have.

Rob - Married to my wife Emily for 11 years and have two daughters, 8 and 5. Home to five hens & two ducks
Nifty-Stuff.com | TheEasyGarden.com | SufficientSelf.com | BackYardHerds.com
Upgrade to a Golden Feather Membership - Check Out BYC on Facebook

Rob - Married to my wife Emily for 11 years and have two daughters, 8 and 5. Home to five hens & two ducks
Nifty-Stuff.com | TheEasyGarden.com | SufficientSelf.com | BackYardHerds.com
Upgrade to a Golden Feather Membership - Check Out BYC on Facebook

post #9 of 33

3/3/12 at 6:31pm

Colored Egg Farmer
Chicken overload

Location: North Eastern Pa... Near NY
Joined: 5/2008
Posts: 2,154
offline

Select All Posts By This User

Hope this is the right area for some bst feedback. Sent this to nifty already but wanted to elaberate a little bit.

So since the bst doesn't really have an expiration what happens if a user were to post a link and then not return to byc for quite a bit. (exteneded period of time months)

That would leave a selling/buying/wanted add on the site gunking up what users are looking for. It woudln't be as bad for wanted ads where users may have to wait quite a while for someone to say they have what they want. and then return to byc and contact them. But what about if someone is to put a sell ad on the site and totally forget about it. It will take up space and also some users might ask to purchase the item and never get a response.

Heres a possible idea.

After x amount of days,weeks, months the post will be closed and removed from the list. but appon re-entering the site they are able to reopen the request like any other member would be able to.

I think the Golden, PLatnum should have a little upgrade as well though where golden members get more time and platnum never expire depending on how long they have been away.. But the can be closed if there upgrade runs out.

As i said before this would only be in affect if the user hasn't been on byc in quite a while (months) but won't affect anyone that visit on a regular basis.

BYC Birthday Thread
www.coloredeggfarms.com out of chickens at moment, but soon to be replenished!
Owned by (Tiramisu)
1 Australorp, 1 GLW, 2 silkies, 1 buff 1 partridge, and 1 silkie mix roo, 1 Barred Rock, 1 sex link, 1 Spangled Hamburg, 4 Iowa blues, 3 buttercups, and 2 Russian Orloff chicks!

BYC Birthday Thread
www.coloredeggfarms.com out of chickens at moment, but soon to be replenished!
Owned by (Tiramisu)
1 Australorp, 1 GLW, 2 silkies, 1 buff 1 partridge, and 1 silkie mix roo, 1 Barred Rock, 1 sex link, 1 Spangled Hamburg, 4 Iowa blues, 3 buttercups, and 2 Russian Orloff chicks!

post #10 of 33

3/3/12 at 8:46pm

davony's chicks

Location: Missouri
Joined: 5/2009
Posts: 547
offline

Select All Posts By This User

Hi,

Not sure who to talk to or get help from. I have been trying to post a new listing in the auction thread for hatching eggs. I click on create to ad and it just takes me back to the thread without giving me a dialogue box to type my listing in.

Not sure what to do. I have posted in the buy sell trade thread before and currently do have a listing on the day old chicks thread but cant post in the hatching egg thread.

Can you please help me?

Thank you,

Tony

I have 3 bantam cochins, 1 mottled hen and 1 mille fluer hen and a barred rock rooster. I love bantam cochins!

I have 3 bantam cochins, 1 mottled hen and 1 mille fluer hen and a barred rock rooster. I love bantam cochins!