Read this before posting here!

[MK]

The classified forum is for individual private members to sell vintage-related personal items they no longer wish to own. Vendors are not permitted to post here. If you are a vendor and are interested in advertising, e-mail nathan@thefedoralounge.com


Thank you.

 

[scotrace]

A few further points:

Any item you might offer for sale here MAY SELL. Or It MAY NOT SELL.
The Fedora Lounge Classified section is here as an avenue to offer your personal items for sale to a large group of like-minded friends who share your interests. They are, in the main, also QUITE knowledgeable buyers. That means that they know better than to pay $200 for a size 6 & 7/8 Penney's Marathon with a hole in it. And they know if you are offering a common mall jacket that someone has sold you as a rare wartime issue leather garment worn by Colonel Killsaplenty. They also know when you are selling the Real Deal, and appreciate seeing it and having a chance at it. They are also subject to the same issues you are. Sometimes they got some extra lettuce, sometimes they don't. Again, no matter how rare or swell, your item MAY sell, or it MAY NOT.
Also, the Fedora Lounge Classified section is subject to the same market forces as every other sales/buying venue. Sometimes stuff sells. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes stuff brings a FAT price. Sometimes it doesn't. It depends on a lot of factors.

Item offered
Rarity
Your descriptive skill
Your photographic skill
Timing of sale
Price
Condition
Your reputation here
Your responsiveness to questions from potential buyers
Your politeness in responding to same either via PM or in thread
How many others are offered at the same time or recently

etc.

Please DO NOT blame the Lounge or the Classified Section or the "cheapskate members" if your item doesn't sell or generate interest. Also, be willing to accept suggestions from other members who may ask you to post better pictures, for example, or who may say outright that your item is not valuable and you should give up trying to command top dollar.

Use the Classifieds, or use eBay, or use both. Do what gets you the most monetary and personal satisfaction. But remember, the members of the Fedora Lounge ALWAYS appreciate getting first crack at your treasures. And a few vocal complainers DO NOT represent the overwhelming majority of members who do not say anything, but who admire, PM, and buy things here every day.

Note that we don't allow members to use the classified section to create sales by auction within the thread. Recently, Johnnyphi sold off a large collection of deadstock hats via auctions here, but that was a strict exception (as we pointed out at the time). To the casual observer, they went off without a hitch so what's the big deal? You didn't see the considerable amount of bartender work involved in setting those up and keeping them running. We also had to act as arbitrators in disputes. And the Lounge took no cut.
We don't do auctions at the Fedora Lounge just as eBay doesn't advise you on what color socks to wear with cream flannel trousers. eBay does this stuff really, really well, they get paid to do it, they know all the pitfalls. So we let them do it. Here, in the Classified section, please offer your items at set prices (but be prepared to haggle).

 

[scotrace]

And One More

There is no need to delete Classified threads after something has been bought or sold. In fact, it's helpful to leave it there so members can review what has been exchanged and for how much in the future.

So please, leave your Classified thread titles as-is (except for possibly adding "sold"). Remember, If someone wants to search the classifieds for a thread they remember that offered a vintage widget and the thread title is no longer "Widget for Sale" but is now "Please delete this," they won't be able to find it in a search.

See?

It's all about future searchability.

Thanks!

 

[scotrace]

New members:

Please take the time to learn, comment and participate in the open forums before offering things for sale. We are far more than just a classified sale site and you will become a better seller with what you might learn from fellow members.
Taking the time to get to know other members also fosters trust in you as a seller.

 

[scotrace]

We're having a number of people who are joining, getting past our spammer filters and then contacting members about jackets or other items offered for sale elsewhere. "Hey, mate, if you still want that XXX Jacket in size 38, email my friend at Obvious_Scam@Dirtbag.com" is pretty typical. We toss these people as fast as you report them, but be aware that if you receive such a message, it's likely someone who is trying to rip you off. Ignore it at least, report its if you want. We'll handle their ilk.