I’ve read through the FAQs and old posts (found one from 23 years ago and another from 2000) that talks about a marketplace being prohibited here.
I’ve read the argument against but, it seems like a natural place for people who would like to rearrange their stash to find like minded builders to trade with so I thought I would bring it up in a discussion because it is happening, just very informally.
It seems like it could be done in a way like scalemates does it where a wish list item gets matched up with someone who wants to get rid of something.
Not trying to shake the tree here, I’ve only been a member for a year, but I thought I’d ask.
I think they wanted to avoid online disputes, accusations,and flame wars between members,along with the assorted scammers that might cause problems.
Yes,many sites do have swap,for sale,and looking for sections,but yes,its been that way here since the beginning.
I’ve thought a marketplace would be cool, but I think it does bring scammers and the like. I got scammed on another site for one of my other hobbies. The way this site is, it’s very friendly and there are no problems compared to other “hobby” sites I frequent.
Given that, I tend to use FB marketplace or eBay. (which I absolutely despise).
Swap meet/market place can lead to bad blood. Had one such experience on another site where a member offered up a kit for free, just the receiver pays postage. It was Canada to US, so not quite as expensive as getting from Europe, but more than state to state here. When I received said kit, it was quite incomplete. I have spent more money getting replacements for the missing parts plus postage than had I bought the kit secondhand elsewhere. The guy neglected to inventory and mention that the kit was incomplete. It would have been a hard pass on my part had that information been in the original posting.
I am pretty new here too, but I’d just as soon keep it like it is. There is too much potential for bad blood between folks and too many bad guys out there willing to do bad things, and making it easier for them on the internet is not the way to go. There are plenty of sources out there and I use them or do without.