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  View original topic: Classifieds FAQ
EverettB Thu Jul 08, 2004 12:38 pm


Note: Please visit the new CLASSIFIEDS FAQ section for answers to all your questions.











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Tips on shrinking photos

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Classifieds FAQ

How do I place a Classified Ad?
1. If you do not have an account, click on Register in the upper left of the site and create an account.
Help with create or activating existing accounts
2. In the Classifieds section, click on Place an Ad in the header.
3. Fill out the Place an Ad form.

How do I add photos to my Classified Ad?
If you are placing your ad in the Classifieds section, you can add photos on the Place an Ad screen. If you have already placed an Ad, use the Manage screen to upload more photos. If you would like more than the nine free photos in your Ad, you can Feature your Ad or pay for Additional Photos in your Manage screen.

Detailed process:
You can add photos to an existing ad by:
1. Go into the Classifieds section of the site by clicking on Classifieds at the top
2. Click on Manage
3. Login
4. Click edit next to the the ad you want to add photos to
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the edit form. There will be a series of buttons that say Browse...
Use these buttons to select photo(s) on your computer.
6. Press edit and each photo will be uploaded and added to your ad.

Each photo must be under 300KB in size. If you are using Windows, you can check this by using Window Explorer to look at the files on your computer.

If they are larger than 300KB, you will have to use an imaging program to shrink them. If you have a digital camera, an imaging program may have come with your camera. Open a photo in the imaging program and look for a Resize or Resample option. Resize the photos to 640x480 or a similar size and resave them. They should be small enough now.
Tips on shrinking photos

I put my ad in the wrong category. How do I change it?
Use the Manage screen and then Edit your ad. When you edit your ad, you can change the category.

How much does an Ad cost?
Currently, all Classified Ads are free. See this thread for upcoming changes.
You have the option of upgrading your ad in any or all of these three ways:
- Create a 30 day Featured Ad - $35 per Ad
- Upgrade to Bolded Red text in your listing Ad title for 30 days - $5 per Ad
- Upload Additional Photos - $5 per Ad

How many Ads can I place at the same time?
There is currently no limit on the number of simultaneous free Ads.

For how long will my Ad run?
Ads run until you delete them. We clean up old ads every 90 days, but if you edit your Ad using the Manage screen, it will be renewed for another 90 days. Ads in the eBay category are removed after 10 days as this is only provided as a service to visitors.

Can I sell cars and/or parts under different accounts?
Please create only one account on TheSamba.com. Email us if you need to consolidate accounts, it's very simple.

Do I pay a commision when I sell my VW car or part?
No, there are no mandatory fees when you sell your item, however, we accept donations.

How do I make a donation to TheSamba.com?
Please visit the Donate page. Thanks in advance for any donation you make!

What are the benefits of a Featured Ad?
Featured Ads are randomly displayed on TheSamba.com Home Page, appear on the Main Classifieds page, appear at the top of whatever category the Ad was placed in, and are highlighted with a blue background in the main listings.

How do I pay for a Featured Ad?
After placing your Classified Ad, you will be asked if you want to Feature it. If so, you are directed to the Paypal.com link to immediately create an upgraded Ad. There is additional payment information if you wish to pay by cash, check, or money order.

I just paid for a Featured Ad, when will it appear?
If you pay with Paypal.com, your Ad should be featured immediately. Paypal sometimes errors out so if it doesn't appear within 10-15 minutes, feel free to email everettb@thesamba.com.

Do you sell my private information?
No, TheSamba.com does not sell any private information.

Can I edit or delete my own Classified Ad?
When you are logged in, you can use the Manage screen found on the Classifieds navigation bar, to edit, delete, add photos, or upgrade your Ads with bold red text, additional photos, or feature your Ads.

I may have been contacted by a scam artist like the ones described here, what do I do?
Notify me immediately so I can ban their Samba account and/or block their email from the site. Although, we have taken steps to prevent scammers from contacting advertisers, if you choose to list your email directly in your Ad (instead of only allowing potential buyers contact you through the "contact this advertiser" link), those measures will not be as effective.

I forgot my password, what do I do?
Click on the forgot my password link on the log in screen and follow the directions.

I forgot my username, what do I do?
Click on the forgot my username link on the log in screen and follow the directions.

When are the Classifieds updated?
They are automatic. As soon as an Ad is placed, it can be seen and searched upon.

I want to trade my non-VW car for a VW, can I do that?
Yes, if you place a legitimate trade in the "Trades" category of the Classifieds. You must specify what VW car or part you are looking for. Placed anywhere else, your Ad will be deleted.

Why was my Trade Ad deleted?
Most likely, it was judged an invalid trade. If it appears to us that you are:
- attempting to sell a non-VW item,
- not specific as to what VW parts/vehicle you are willing to trade for,
- taking advantage of the free Ads by placing multiple suspect Trades,
- attempting to trade your non-VW item for another non-VW item,
your Ad will be deleted.

I placed some Classified Ads this morning and now they are gone, what happened?
If you placed a non-VW Ad, an invalid trade Ad, or placed the same Ad in every category, your Ads have probably been deleted. Make sure to follow the posting guidelines on the Place an Ad screen. If you still think there is a problem, contact us.

Why can't I get access to manage my Classified Ad?
99% of the time, this means you have forgotten or incorrectly typed your password. If you are not sure of your password use the Forgot My Password link on the Login page.

My photos will not post, what do I do?
They may be too big. The size limit is 300 kb in the Classifieds. In order to shrink your photos you need a program like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, or a utility that may have come with your computer operating system (for instance, Windows). Your digital camera may have come with a program that will let you shrink them too. There is Forums thread on this topic in the Site Forum (see link above). If you have a slow connection (56KB or less modem) and large photos, you may have to upload them one at a time.

I think I've been ripped off by a seller in the Classifieds, what can I do?
First, take into account shipping times and that not everyone returns e-mails or phone calls immediately, try waiting at least 30 days. Posting a detailed description of what happened in the Classifieds Forum warns others against being ripped off and may pressure the culprit to rectify the situation. Depending on the details of the transaction, eBay, Paypal, the Postal Service, or the local police may be of assistance in helping you.

Why doesn't my login work for the Classifieds, Forum, or Gallery?
Read this thread, it may help. If you still have trouble, contact me.




Everett Barnes
Administrator - Webmaster
TheSamba.com



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