This isn’t so much a request for a community and more an enquiry into whether something like this is even viable.

I’m selling a bunch of second-hand video games, manga, and other video gaming & anime merchandise like figurines, plushies, etc. Currently I use eBay/CEX but ideally it would be better to connect directly with people in the UK who are interested in my old stuff as then I wouldn’t have to deal with eBay/CEX taking a cut.

I know Facebook Marketplace exists but I do not want to create an account on Facebook. I’ve sold stuff on Discord before in servers dedicated to buying/selling so I figure something like this on Lemmy isn’t completely impossible.

However, there are obvious safety issues when giving out one’s address to strangers on the internet. People can also get scammed. I’ve never used Reddit so I’m not sure if this is something that has been tried there, and if so what kind of measures were put in place to protect people.

I’m leaning towards the thought that something like this would not be desirable because of the inherent risks, but figured I’d make a post anyway just to see what people’s thoughts are whether positive or negative.

  • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝@feddit.ukMEnglish
    6·
    1 year ago

    This isn’t so much a request for a community and more an enquiry into whether something like this is even viable.

    Yep, this forum is also good for discussing the viability of communities on here.

    I’ve never used Reddit so I’m not sure if this is something that has been tried there, and if so what kind of measures were put in place to protect people.

    It’s done a lot on Reddit.

    I’ve also done this on web forums - often pretty informally, as in someone wants to clear out some space and you throw them a few quid for postage but there was nothing stopping people from posting prices.

    You should be able to rummage together rules from the Reddit subs like:

    • The price is the price - no bidding, no haggling.
    • Keep discussion on the thread until:
    • Exchange details over Matrix where possible as it’s encrypted.
    • Use payment services like PayPal which offer a degree of protection.
    • If tracking is requested then it is mandatory.
    • Any dickery and you are banned from the community.
    • Mods and Admins will not arbitrate sales disputes.
    • Feddit.uk is not responsible for any transaction.

    And as it’s Feddit.uk… call it “car boot”?

    NB: not currently an endorsement (as I may be missing something and we’ll need to kick the idea around a bit more), I’m just pointing out that it is viable as it works elsewhere.

  • UKFilmNerd@feddit.ukEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    Great idea, I’ve no idea how secure the Lemmy infrastructure is though. I’ve linked my profile to my Matrix account (like discord that’s open and secure Matrix.org) Maybe that service could be used to exchange details.