Does CigarLive need an auctions section?

[Stogie]

I have been thinking about adding a section on CigarLive.com for auctioning. I am thinking mostly B&Ms could post stuff in the section for all of us to get deals on. It would of course be free to everyone to use as just another feature of CigarLive.

What are your opinions on this. I built it halfway about 1 month ago but stopped because I did not have time to finish it. It will act like ebay and use the I trader system if I can get it to work.

Just need to hear the pros and cons of this on the site.

[bigpoppapuff-cl]

i have a ton of brand new pipes that i'd auction...maybe an occassional 10-pack....

[ilovecl-cl]

I remember you saying something about this in the video chat room one night. There are alot of pros and cons. I think you would have to monitor this pretty close. Maybe make it so that it is not accessible to members w/less than 90 days under thier belt here. If not there will be A&%hats messing it up for the trustworthy people. You need some sort of way to qualify for participation. You would also need some sort of repreman if someone does not comply with the rules. I love the idea and think it would make this a unique thing on a cigar board. If it does not work you can always shut it down. You may need someone to "run" it and ensure it follows regulations which are "set". It will give retailers and forum members a chance to "sell" some things which regularly are not available on the other auction sites. I say give it a try!!! Hope for the best!!!

[Shelby07]

I like the idea

[SingleMaltScott-cl]

I'd love it. I hate the 'other' cigar auction site. I think it's format is difficult, the auctions all end way too late in the evening for me, I get up very early for work. The pictures of what you are bidding on are poor, and, I'm just not comfortable with it overall. I'd love to see that feature here at 'home'.

[cigarsarge-cl]

Don't know about the auction thing...Unless it benefits the board or charity we have agreed on. I don't think an ebay type atmosphere is is proper for a cigar board.

[Stogie]

Originally Posted by cigarsarge

Don't know about the auction thing...Unless it benefits the board or charity we have agreed on. I don't think an ebay type atmosphere is is proper for a cigar board.

The benefit is that some of the smaller B&Ms could post items that they might be able to sell at a discounted rate. B&Ms are the people that could benefit. The more B&Ms participate in CigarLive the more they will tell people coming into their shops about us.

One of my moderators made a great point to me earlier when we where on Skype to the fact that even though CigarLive is much smaller than the other boards we are very very active. He also mentioned how the size we are at now is really great for 3 months. So do you add more features or just keep things going the way they are?

[Jughead]

I say do it. If it does not work it can aways be taken off.

[bobbyg29-cl]

I would like the idea of an auction if only retailers (i.e., B&M owners, etc.) could put items up for auction. I would worry that if we let regular members sell it would attract too many people just trying to make a profit from CigarLive. Just my $.02...

[cigarsarge-cl]

Good points Stogie...I'm a member of a few smaller boards that don't have near the participation this one has. This place has many good points that attract people...Cigar reps promoting their wares are a good example. I've not seen it taken to the level they have taken it too on any other board.

I'm all for new features...I'm just not sold on the aucton thing. Granted B&Ms might be able to sell their wares at a discount. But then again it could spiral outa control like I've seen happen at Cbid and ebay to name a few.

[Stogie]

Originally Posted by cigarsarge

Good points Stogie...I'm a member of a few smaller boards that don't have near the participation this one has. This place has many good points that attract people...Cigar reps promoting their wares are a good example. I've not seen it taken to the level they have taken it too on any other board.

I'm all for new features...I'm just not sold on the aucton thing. Granted B&Ms might be able to sell their wares at a discount. But then again it could spiral outa control like I've seen happen at Cbid and ebay to name a few.

Very true it would have to be done correctly. With any new feature I walk through it in my head of things that could go wrong. I like the idea of minimum post but I like the idea even more of just for B&Ms or retailers in good standing and active on CigarLive.com

People like to make profit on stuff and I have no problem with it but if it means putting my members in any way out on the line then it is not even worth it. Maybe even shops that have websites and are truely legit from the get go.

[jitzy]

i have to say i like the idea of doing it and i say go for it the only thing is its going to atract alot of new members, some good some just looking to get a deal and maybe make waves be carefull

[NullSmurf-cl]

Originally Posted by bobbyg29

I would like the idea of an auction if only retailers (i.e., B&M owners, etc.) could put items up for auction. I would worry that if we let regular members sell it would attract too many people just trying to make a profit from CigarLive. Just my $.02...

BINGO! Opening a auction section will attract those that I'm sure you'd find undesirable in the long run. It's one of my core values regarding cigars. Never gouge a Brother.

[Shelby07]

I'd say start it up as best you can. If something becomes an issue I think everyone here would trust your judgement in modifying the rules/guidelines. It doesn't have to be perfect from day 1, and if it gets out of hand it can always go away.

[Stogie]

One of my fears is that the mods already do alot and making one more section is just more work. Usually I have a definite gut feeling on things but this time it is not there. I will step back and watch what the members say. After that I will discuss with the mods on what to do. I discuss most things with the mods in depth unless I just have that gut feeling.