I’ve been sitting on the domain name “BlueCollarMall.com” now since march. I acquired it specifically for the purpose of allowing inspectors, contractors, landscapers, plumbers (you get the point) to buy, sell and trade equipment between one another’s industries.
Well, this is the umpteenth post I’ve seen on this and other message boards looking for a classifieds forum. But, since we are not an island, and many of you would likely love to get your hands on things like air compressors, tool boxes, torches, walk-behind mowers, drafting software, battery-powered tools, etc., used by people in other industries, I think a “mall-like” forum that covers most industrial trades would be better than a dedicated “inspection industry” classifieds forum. I also think something like this needs to allow for more freedom and flexibility than the eBays of the world.
With that being said, BlueCollarMall.com will be online this week.
I will employ a message board format simply because it is easy to navigate, allows unlimited editing and posting length, allows images, allows conversations, already includes search capabilities, etc. Besides that, it allows for RAPID DEPLOYMENT and keeps costs low.
The site will be categorized by equipment type and then sub-catoregorized as needed (since multiple industries often use the same equipment, it will not be categorizing by industry).
I know there are other “contractor” and “industrial” classified sites out there, but most…well…suck – and they don’t provide any support. They are also cram-packed with Google AdWords. I hate that, so you will not be seeing any Google AdWords in BlueCollarMall.com. In fact, I don’t want any ads running in BCM except the classifieds posted by sellers and “equipment needed” classifieds posted by buyers. No “dealers”, either. I want to focus on mono-y-mono sales, trades and barters.
I’ll let everyone know when its ready to go…should be in a day or two. Afterwards, I’ll make a national announcement to home inspectors first, then to other industries later.
Hope this helps.