Since we're slowly reaching a point where *multiple* FS threads have more questions asking about prices, missing or otherwise, or simply devolve into sh*tposting, I think it's for the best that there be a dedicated thread where we can legitimately talk about whether or not certain things are an issue and what the collective consensus is on the FS rules without cluttering up other users FS threads. Let's not forget Rule 6: "do not poison other users FS threads", and I think it could be argued that derailing a thread to debate about rules-that-arent-rules could probably fall under that. I think AP is pretty respectful and welcoming in terms of arcade forum marketplaces, and I'd like to see it stay that way imo. Best to put your thoughts out there in the right place in the right way then make a stink of the place. 
If nothing comes of this thread and everything stays as it is, then 110% cool; if that's what the community wants. I just would rather see issues brought up and talked about here in one place rather than derailing users' FS threads. Rules haven't been touched in ~3-4 years, so I think it's fair game to give them a once-over consideration anyway.
Currently, I think the main issue on most folks' minds is that it currently isn't *required* to declare a price when listing an item/creating a FS thread.
As it stands now, the rules state that a *buyer* must be knowledgeable about prices beforehand, and the seller is only required to list the *sold* price, though for many, I'm not sure this is cutting the mustard anymore; especially for high-value, dog-piling items. Considering many have concerns over "who was first" and availability, and concerns over things devolving into auctions over DMs, this should probably be addressed first. Mind you, I wouldn't consider this "price policing"- I (and most others) aren't bringing up issues with prices being too high or low, just whether or not there should be a baseline as a starting point. I think it's more a matter of organization and not allowing users to point fingers at one another over who-offered-what in private before a number was ever on the table to begin with, but that's not for me alone to decide. I also think it's more than a little bit of a headache for the sellers. Not naming names and not pointing fingers, but I would hate to be on the receiving end of 20-30+ unique (unwarranted) DMs being offered different numbers from so many different people and then having to play the pick-and-choose game. Sure, the seller gets a check at the end of the day, but (imo) prospective buyers lose by not wanting to devolve into unwarranted DM's out of respect for OP who will "list prices later", and the seller loses by being put in a DM disaster via overzealous and overaggressive buyers. Again, not my place alone to decide, but I don't think it's a bad idea to have a good, singular thread to talk about this without making thread after thread in the feedback section or derailing other users' FS posts.
Here's a Poll so opinions can be realistically tallied: Should prices be required for listing items for sale?
Edit: Typos/clarity.
For reference, here's a repost of the current (1/9/2022) rules so folks don't have to jump between threads:
If nothing comes of this thread and everything stays as it is, then 110% cool; if that's what the community wants. I just would rather see issues brought up and talked about here in one place rather than derailing users' FS threads. Rules haven't been touched in ~3-4 years, so I think it's fair game to give them a once-over consideration anyway.Currently, I think the main issue on most folks' minds is that it currently isn't *required* to declare a price when listing an item/creating a FS thread.
As it stands now, the rules state that a *buyer* must be knowledgeable about prices beforehand, and the seller is only required to list the *sold* price, though for many, I'm not sure this is cutting the mustard anymore; especially for high-value, dog-piling items. Considering many have concerns over "who was first" and availability, and concerns over things devolving into auctions over DMs, this should probably be addressed first. Mind you, I wouldn't consider this "price policing"- I (and most others) aren't bringing up issues with prices being too high or low, just whether or not there should be a baseline as a starting point. I think it's more a matter of organization and not allowing users to point fingers at one another over who-offered-what in private before a number was ever on the table to begin with, but that's not for me alone to decide. I also think it's more than a little bit of a headache for the sellers. Not naming names and not pointing fingers, but I would hate to be on the receiving end of 20-30+ unique (unwarranted) DMs being offered different numbers from so many different people and then having to play the pick-and-choose game. Sure, the seller gets a check at the end of the day, but (imo) prospective buyers lose by not wanting to devolve into unwarranted DM's out of respect for OP who will "list prices later", and the seller loses by being put in a DM disaster via overzealous and overaggressive buyers. Again, not my place alone to decide, but I don't think it's a bad idea to have a good, singular thread to talk about this without making thread after thread in the feedback section or derailing other users' FS posts.
Here's a Poll so opinions can be realistically tallied: Should prices be required for listing items for sale?
Edit: Typos/clarity.
For reference, here's a repost of the current (1/9/2022) rules so folks don't have to jump between threads:
You are allowed to sell whatever you like here that is arcade related. We ask you to adhere to a few simple yet important rules:
Rule 1: Begin the subject of your sale thread with a suffix. For example, if you are simply selling an item you should use the suffix 'For Sale:' or 'FS:'
Rule 2: You can sell bootlegs but they MUST be clearly identified as such. Preferably in the subject line of your thread. Pictures will help prevent any issues also.
Rule 3: You cannot list an item as untested unless it actually is untested. It is expected that you will list non-working parts as such.
Rule 4: We ask that you do not resell one of the Darksoft or Walsdawg products here while they are still in production or available. This applies to products we design not products we may resell.
Rule 5: We ask that once an item has been sold that you leave the price so that people may refer to it in the future. If you keep a running thread simply list it in the first post somewhere. Example: Neo-Geo cart-----sold! $25. We also ask for you to update the original post with the final sold price. If you tried to sell for $25 but ended up selling for $20, it should go like this:$25 $20. Each user is expected to do this and it can only benefit everyone.
Rule 6: We will not tolerate members poisoning another member's sales thread. This includes 'price policing' which brings us to:
Rule 7: It is the responsibility of the buyer to research and be knowledgeable of the going rate for any particular item. If you are unsure do a 'price check' to gain opinions from other members.
Rule 8: You must always represent your items for sale in a truthful, honest, and non-deceptive fashion. This includes item condition, taking care to mention any obvious blemishes that the buyer might find undesirable.
Rule 9: If a buyer feels they have been scammed or they are unable to amicably resolve a disagreement with the other party a MOD may be assigned to act as a mediator. In this case the decision of the MOD is final.
Rule 10: You cannot sell anything illegal to ship through the mail. This includes but is not limited to drugs, alcohol, firearms, human or animal remains, etc.
Rule 11: Failure to adhere to these simple rules can result in loss of sale forum privileges or banishment from the site altogether.
Rule 12: Anyone who uses the sales or wanted forums must at least have their general location listed in their profile. A post asking for your location is a waste of time.
In order to allow members to get an idea of the type of seller you are you may want to include your eBay seller ID so that other members may feel more comfortable doing business with you.
(Amended 1/26/17)
Rule 1: Begin the subject of your sale thread with a suffix. For example, if you are simply selling an item you should use the suffix 'For Sale:' or 'FS:'
Rule 2: You can sell bootlegs but they MUST be clearly identified as such. Preferably in the subject line of your thread. Pictures will help prevent any issues also.
Rule 3: You cannot list an item as untested unless it actually is untested. It is expected that you will list non-working parts as such.
Rule 4: We ask that you do not resell one of the Darksoft or Walsdawg products here while they are still in production or available. This applies to products we design not products we may resell.
Rule 5: We ask that once an item has been sold that you leave the price so that people may refer to it in the future. If you keep a running thread simply list it in the first post somewhere. Example: Neo-Geo cart-----sold! $25. We also ask for you to update the original post with the final sold price. If you tried to sell for $25 but ended up selling for $20, it should go like this:
Rule 6: We will not tolerate members poisoning another member's sales thread. This includes 'price policing' which brings us to:
Rule 7: It is the responsibility of the buyer to research and be knowledgeable of the going rate for any particular item. If you are unsure do a 'price check' to gain opinions from other members.
Rule 8: You must always represent your items for sale in a truthful, honest, and non-deceptive fashion. This includes item condition, taking care to mention any obvious blemishes that the buyer might find undesirable.
Rule 9: If a buyer feels they have been scammed or they are unable to amicably resolve a disagreement with the other party a MOD may be assigned to act as a mediator. In this case the decision of the MOD is final.
Rule 10: You cannot sell anything illegal to ship through the mail. This includes but is not limited to drugs, alcohol, firearms, human or animal remains, etc.
Rule 11: Failure to adhere to these simple rules can result in loss of sale forum privileges or banishment from the site altogether.
Rule 12: Anyone who uses the sales or wanted forums must at least have their general location listed in their profile. A post asking for your location is a waste of time.
In order to allow members to get an idea of the type of seller you are you may want to include your eBay seller ID so that other members may feel more comfortable doing business with you.
(Amended 1/26/17)
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lol. However, it's just having that starting baseline number that I think is the current problem. Totally my own opinion: but I think it's fair to assume buyers be just as knowledgable as sellers regarding their items before posting and confidently listing a starting number along with it. The rules already state that sellers are inclined to use the Price Check thread if they're not sure of a value, though buyers are welcome to do just the same before posting a thread and listing their items (and this has definitely been done before, anyways).
