Suggested NEW CATEGORIES

Jeff, can't you just leave the "obo" off your sale item? Perhaps I'm a rude dude, but if someone shot me a lowball offer on an ad I posted that didn't say "obo," I'd feel no compulsion to grace their message with a reply...

It seems to me that both "vintage" and "table radios" would require pictures to have much value, and I mean inside and out pics. So much of these categories are really all about depends greatly on appearance. With pics, these categories could be interesting, but I don't know how viable.

I like Jeff's idea of fixed price listings with the intent of eliminating "lowballers and haggling", but again what would stop someone from making "an offer", eg I have listed items as "firm" price but still almost ALWAYS get offers. To make this really work, A'Gon would almost have to have a "promise" or contract from the seller that the item can only be sold at the seller's specific price. And that would mean a highly sought after item can't sell for more either. Something like that could be attractive to me if implementable?

Re Clueless, I do like the idea of a more casual, informal chatroom section, which is what Audiogon used to be like-- sort of, but A'Gon found that "unpalatable". Were you around during those hot and heated days Clueless? While some casual banter "around the topic of audio?" appeals to me, I don't know how it could be structured to keep away from the insulting, profane, threats of violence, questioning of members ancestry, parentage etc.

Hopeful but skeptical? Craig

I second the motion for a phono preamp sub-category

Edesilva,

Even when you list the price as firm, you get the lowballers, they don't discriminate. My suggestion would hopefully eliminate a lot of back and forth on price, and yes, frustration. I'm of the opinion the auctions are there to allow the market to determine fair market value in the eyes of the bidders. This takes time, patience, and often attracts a certain style of buyer. On the standard classifieds people attempt to negotiate assuming you left room to do so, much like a car dealer. My suggestion is along the lines of the Saturn car company, what you see is what you'll pay for. Appeals to me both as a buyer and a seller.

Stereokarter, from your context, I assume you are talking about the Quick Shop categories rather than the Discussion Forum categories. The comments everyone made could apply to both. I would like to see more sub-categories in both sets of categories. For example, "surround speakers" or "integrated amps" or even the different major cable categories -- e.g., "XLR". That would make it a ton easier to browse. Also, the Discussion Forum categories should be organized in the same way -- with a sub-category (sometimes "Miscellaneous") so people can browse the topics without having to enter a specific search criteria. My two cents. Thanks for the thread.