Classified thread close-out rules?
 

I'm new to the forum, and in looking thru the classifieds I've noticed that a large number of the listings, while still showing as "open", haven't had any activity in some time (months or even years). I'm browsing the classifieds as a potential buyer (not a seller). Are there rules that govern how long a classified listing can remain "open"? If an item sells, is the seller required to "close" the thread (or post that the item is sold)? I'm just wondering about the odds that I could be browsing listings of items that are no longer available.

Would appreciate any guidance/clarification on this.

Well,Yes,the Member is supposed to close it if the Item(s) sell,but that is not always the case.
Some items do not sell quick,others are forgotten about by the Seller..
The post will stay active until it gets buried and nobody revives a 10 year old item for Sale,or the OP comes back and closes it.
It is not policy to close inactive threads,as the Staff does not read minds,and has no intention of becoming psychic just because the OP can't oversee a mere Classified ad.It is the OP's responsibility once the Ad is up to either Close it or keep the ad updated.
If that is not done then it just gets moved into oblivion,Until someone who Doesn't read the Posted DATE on the ad suddenly Brings it back to life.
TIP:It is highly suggested to Read the Posted Date,and if you are "handy" then you can look up the Poster's last Activity to see if He/She actually is not Deceased!..
BUT It is not always the case that just because the Poster is inactive that the Parts is not available!..(had that happen.)
Instead of "Raising the Dead" it is recommended to Private message the Poster to see if the part is available.
The Reason for this is that Guys have to have their Ads Approved by the moderation Staff for content,like price and location,etc.
All that Sitting and waiting,and work put into the Ad get Tossed out the Window when "Beavis" decides to Jack a 10 year old Driveshaft thread and Post "is this part still for sale?"
This in turn makes New active threads start to move down the List,and out of sight,making them effective....and all because of an oversight.Not Reading post Dates.Reviving a "dead thread".
This action actually is Kind f Disrespectful to others that have taken the time to post up a new thread,but Honestly there is nothing that staff can do except Instruct members Not to revive old threads and PM the OP!
SO,Pm is best in this aspect.
I hope that Enlightens you on this.

Thanks MrStyx - all that makes sense. In one particular ad I was looking at, I hesitated to PM the originator because they had specified to contact them via "reply to thread only", but in the case of an 8-month inactive ad I agree PM would be more appropriate. As it turned out, in this case the ad was for a car which I was able to run a Carfax report on, and could see the owner had changed after the original ad was posted - so it apprears sold and the ad should be closed. Agree that is solely the OP's responsibility.

Many thanks for the advice.

It is highly advised to at least have a Reference to the sale,and post up in the thread,rather than do business behind closed doors via PM.
If you do business by PM then KEEP your PM's and that way you have some info if there is a Dispute in the Sale.
Any Transaction done OFF Club is not the responsibility of the club and any Transaction ON club is "caveat emptor"(Buyer beware) and not the Responsibility of the Club..BUT we "may" be able to help if something goes wrong...Maybe..(We have a good Sheriff in RX town and he packs a mean arsenal of scammer weapons.)

Got it - sound advice. I'll remember that when I use the classifieds...although it appears I won't need to just yet - bought my first RX-7 today; 1st Gen. I need to pick it up from another state; I'm sure I'll be on the forum for all kinds of things now.

I'm so broke buying car parts the only state I can visit is Euphoria..lol!

I think these to stop spamming

I understand the limits...but just don't spend much time here...on RX8Club for years though...