It would be interesting to know the "characteristics" of a scammer
Always a newbie?
Always no face to face deal?
Supporter or freebie?
Any feedback or always zero?
Responding to a listing, created a listing or out of the blue DM?
I am sure there are more possible warning signs one might...
Sorry - I didn't vote because I think the questions don't really point to the issue. Will charging for ads hurt the site? maybe. Some are too cheap and some just don't want to pay for some incoherent reason and others say new people won't try the site. ( Sound like "do it for the children")...
I think the Carfax model for ads should be used. One ad is $1. A month of ads is $5 and a year's worth is $50 but fee for supporter fee of $15. If you are going to piss people off at least give them a good reason.
The site provides additional value besides just classifieds. Maybe only supporters should have feedback, thread count, likes, notifications, alerts and email. If those wanting a FREE CL experience then you can list or purchase but no insight into how many good or bad experiences a person has...
Even though it reminds me of Amazon I like the links to similar threads at the bottom of the page. However, I have gone to several threads I think are new and then suddenly determine the threads were several years old. And it does not appear to be just me as I see lots of old threads...
Only if you can figure out how to make people close their ads and note that the item is sold or off the market. Personally. smiley popcorn faces on outrageous ads seem still in the bounds of decorum. But I am a newbie.