Parts Swap

[Jeff Waegelin]

I was browsing the new posts this afternoon, and I came across one thread that gave me an idea:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=29642

In that thread, DeepWater inquired about a "Parts Swap" section on the forums. There's currently nothing like that here, but I think it would be a great idea to have something like this. I think it would be an extremely valuable resource, especially during build season, when you're looking for that one little kit part you lost or broke.

There are, as I see it, two ways to handle such a system. The first method would be to simply set up a "Parts Swap" forum, and let people post threads when they need something, or have extra parts to give out. While this method requires little work, it is also imperfect. People could easily overlook such a forum in the masses of subforums already on this site. Also, while it would be easy for people to browse and see what is needed, it would be much harder to find what is available, as users would be less likely to post when they have something to give away than they would be if they need a part.

The other solution is to create a separate parts-matching section on this website (or hosted off-site, for that matter, but CD gets the most visibility). Users with extra parts that they would like to trade could post what they have available, and users who need a specific part could post a listing for what they need. They could also include what they would like in return (money, other parts, team shirts/buttons, etc.). Then, other forum users could browse these listings, to see if something they need is available, or if someone else needs a part they have. The listings could include a contact feature, where people would type in what they offer for a trade, and then automatically email or PM that trade offer to the poster. If the poster accepts the trade, he contacts the buyer (or seller) through the system and when the trade is completed, the posting gets removed.

So, in essence, this becomes like a FIRST Classified ad system. It would predominantly be used for motors and other kit parts, but it could be used for anything teams have available or need.

With that, I'd like to ask for some feedback on this idea. Would you use a system like this if you needed parts? Do you think it improves on the current processes for when you need parts? Will Brandon kill me for suggesting such a time-intensive feature? Let me know what you think.