Required Reading: Prefix Your Threads!

[Ted S]

In order to make the classified market place more to conducive to transactions we strongly request (and almost require) that you properly name your threads with prefixes. This is a simple way to identify what your thread is about and is commonly done in traditional classifieds.

A list of possible prefixes includes:

For Sale – for items you are selling
For Trade – for items you are willing to trade
For Sale/Trade – for items you will sell or trade
Wanted – for items or services you want
For Rent – to promote any rental boat or property
Service – to promote any available service that doesn’t fit under another name

You may use other prefixes so long as they remain conscience and properly describe the action or purpose of the thread.

Examples of improperly un-prefixed thread titles would be:

Diving books for sale
I am looking for an aga mask

Examples of properly prefixed thread titles would be:

For Sale: 5 Used Diving Books
Wanted: New Aga Mask, under $250

If you have any suggestions for this system please make them known by responding to this post.

 

[Ted S]

General Offers & Request Tips:

For Sellers/ Posters
One of the most effective ways to insure your post is read and responded to by the appropriate users is to title it properly. We recommend that you start your thread title off with a description word such as For Sale, Wanted, Trade, Offer, Request, Promotion, Special Deal, Savings or something along those lines. The more specific your title is, the greater chance you will have of users reading it. Also be sure to clearly layout what your offer is, what you are willing to pay or how much you expect for the trip/item/service and what the full details are. Post your payment requirements with your item description to avoid hassle and protect yourself by insisting on partial upfront payment and certified or insured shipping.

For Buyers/ Respondents
Use common sense before purchasing anything over the Internet, especially via a forum. Users with few or no posts should be questioned greatly while users with numerous posts who are active in the community may be considered more trustworthy. As a general rule, use escrow services when possible and do not purchase any item which you have not seen a photo of or do not know the condition of. ScubaBoard does not facilitate the transfer or sale of any goods and thus we can not authenticate, verify or any way guarantee any purchases made via these forums – you assume liability for all transactions on your own. Get to know the seller before you purchase an item; get to know the item history and work out a fair payment plan that protects both of you. Protect yourself by insisting on certified or insured shipping.

Forum Specific Tips:


For gear you will want to post the exact model, manufacturer, purchase date, ownership history, condition, use history and as many photos as you have available. A lengthy description of the item’s history and of its current use (perhaps from the manufacture) is ideal for gear sales. The more information you can provide about the item or find out from the seller the safer the transaction.

For buyers: be certain to verify the condition of an item before making a purchase; also try and use a service such as paypal or a credit card rather than checks or money orders; paypal and credit cards provides some insurance and protection for physical item transactions that you might not otherwise get with a check or cash payment.


The bottom line: a little common sense and a second look can go a very long away..