- How did this web site start?
- Where do I begin?
- What do all those little icons mean?
- What are ALL the costs?
- How do I pay the commission and who do I send it to?
- I sold my stuff what do I do now?
- I wanna buy stuff what do I do now?
- Now that I sold my stuff how do I ship it?
- I sold my stuff, but NOT through The Windsurfing Classifieds, what do I do?
- How did this web site start ...? The reason why I started this page is that I wanted to be able to buy used gear over the net but never could keep track of the postings on rec.windsurfing. I would see an ad and then later on want to see it again because later I realized I was interested in the equipment but it was gone in the virtual waste basket. Frustration sets in and then I decide to fix it. So here we are...
The equipment database is updated in real time. When users add, delete, and update listings, you will see these changes almost immediately. This is accomplished through the use of MS Active Server Pages which interface into a MS Access database. This is a new system and if you have any problems or see anything you think could be improved, please email me.
Please keep in mind that these prices were based on handing the stuff over at the beach, shipping is therefore of course extra. Shipping usually is not a lot, for sails it runs in the $15-$20 range, and boards in the $50-$60 range. You typically save when you ship two or more items at a time. Two sails usually costs around $20, same as one, for example. Call UPS a head of time for pricing information in your area. Boards are best shipped Air Express where you can pick it up at your local airport. UPS does not handle boards, because of their size.
- Where do I start ...? A good starting point is to check the equipment listings. Select a geartype off of the main page or go to the search page and fill out a search criteria. If you are not sure then leave ALL the defaults and just select SUBMIT and you will get ALL of the listings. Here you will find short listings for each item in the database. Once you locate an item, just click on it and a full ad will be shown. Each add contains at least a name and a phone number or email address. Email addresses are clickable as well if your browser supports mailto:. Any inquiries on equipment should be directed to the seller. I do not house the equipment for sale or can comment on quality of advertised items.
- What do all those little icons mean...? On the gear listings some items are marked new, some marked updated, and some items are marked sold. These icons last two weeks from when they are marked. Ads last for 6 months. It is important that you delete any ads after the equipment is sold or you change your mind. Keep the clutter down on this list. There is also a camera icon which lets you know that there is a photo associated with that ad and a shop icon to identify our dealer network partners.
- What are all the costs ...? The Windsurfing Classifieds are FREE once again. No Commissions. No Fees. BUT, please do click on the GOOGLE links and help us pay the bills.
- How do I pay the commission and who do I send it to? There are NO MORE COMMISSIONS or FEES. However, please do click on the Google links to help us pay the bills. Listing stuff is free. Selling stuff is free.
- I sold my stuff what do I do now? Selling equipment over the internet can be a very intimidating experience for novices. You have to be careful and act wisely. Below are some of the downfalls and ways to not fall into these traps. And if you follow these instruction you will likely have a enjoyable experience buying used equipment at great prices over the internet.
For the safest and most secure method for buying and selling equipment online is to utilize our Online Escrow Service where we, The Windsurfing Classifieds, acts as a third party escrow service to insure that you get what you paid for and get paid for what you sell.
Below are more tips on making your online shopping experience more enjoyable.
- Send it COD Many package handlers have the nice option of sending stuff COD. It is in my opinion the only way to go. It protects you from getting ripped off. Many times people do not pay once they have the goods and it is very hard to track them down to get your money or even the equipment back. This is the next best thing to handing it over at the beach or delivering it yourself.
- Price it right You need to price the goods to move. That doesn't mean you should loose your shirt over it but if you price too high it will not move. And you obviously want to sell it or you wouldn't be here. Obviously the condition of the equipment and known performance will determine the price of the equipment. Just be realistic and you won't be disappointed.
This is basically all you need to know to successfully buy and sell equipment over the net. Regulations may differ between states and countries when it comes to how COD is handled. Find out before you jump in. You'll be glad you did. I would be interested in expanding this list and if anyone has had any experiences they would like to share and maybe incorporate into this list please send me email at: lefebvre@iwavesolutions.com and I would be happy to add it.
- I wanna buy stuff what do I do now? Buying equipment over the internet can be a very intimidating experience for novices. You have to be careful and act wisely. Below are some of the downfalls and ways to not fall into these traps. And if you follow these instruction you will likely have a enjoyable experience buying used equipment at great prices over the internet.
For the safest and most secure method for buying and selling equipment online is to utilize our Online Escrow Service where we, The Windsurfing Classifieds, acts as a third party escrow service to insure that you get what you paid for and get paid for what you sell.
Below are more tips on making your online shopping experience more enjoyable.
- Ask the right questions You need to ask year, frequency of use, condition, size, color, location of most use, environment in which they are stored, price and many more. The more questions the better. That way you better know what you are getting. Don't feel pressured into anything you are not comfortable with, and the only way to avoid this is ask questions.
- Buy it COD This is the best way to purchase equipment because it not only protects you but the seller as well. You are ensured to get the goods and the seller is ensured to get their money. This also gives you the opportunity to see the goods before you pay. Some package handlers allow you to inspect the equipment before you accept it. This is the next best thing to receiving it at the beach or go getting it yourself.
This is basically all you need to know to successfully buy and sell equipment over the net. Regulations may differ between states and countries when it comes to how COD is handled. Find out before you jump in. You'll be glad you did. I would be interested in expanding this list and if anyone has had any experiences they would like to share and maybe incorporate into this list please send me email at: lefebvre@iwavesolutions.com and I would be happy to add it.
- Now that I sold my stuff how do I ship it? So, you've gotten past the hard part and have a buyer ready to make your transaction happen. You are finding it difficult to get the board to the perspective buyer at a reasonable price. What do you do now?? Shipping masts, booms, and even sails is a piece of cake through UPS, or FedEx for around $20.00 per box. But, when you want to ship a board which is too big for these carriers to handle what do you do? I'll tell you what NOT to do, and that is to call any "Land Based" Carriers. It will cost a fortune ($200) to ship a board across the country. This may change in the future and is worth getting a quote from DHL land cargo, but your BEST bet is to utilize an air cargo company. Some of the best and least expensive air cargo shipping companies are any major airline. I have on MANY occasions shipped a 9'3" (285cm) board from Boston/Providence to LA/Oakland for around $100 or less (usually $79). I have used the following carriers: Delta Air Cargo, United Cargo, Northwest Airlines Cargo, TWA Cargo Services, and Southwest Airlines Air Cargo. For a semi-complete list of air cargo carriers world wide check out this page. If you have any questions or problems about a potential air cargo shipment, please email me and I will try to help you.
- I sold my stuff, but NOT through the Windsurfing Classifieds, what do I do? Congratulations on selling your items. Often users post their items on the classifieds, but end up selling the item through other means or just give it away. Don't mark your item sold on the classifieds as this will generate an invoice on our server. Just hit delete on the My Ads window to remove your ad. Marking items sold are for items you actually sold through the classifieds. Better luck next time.