Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions (4)

Do the sidebars look out of place? Are images overlapping? Are some text or image items cut-off?

Internet Explorer 6 has TONS of issues and Internet Explorer 7 has quite a few as well. Upgrade your internet browser! Seriously, there is no reason not to.

On a Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 computer click Start>Windows Update and Internet Explorer 8 should be prompted to install.

Better yet get FireFox! From my experience, it more than 2x faster in loading pages with little to no errors.

Why should I Connect with Facebook?

BuySellMadison.com wants our user community to be connected with social networking resources to provide a better user experience and maximize the visibility of their Classified Ads, Events, Buyers Guides and Garage Sale posts.

The more that users are able to quickly and easily spread the word, the more likely people will read whatever content they post. Also, it expands awareness for people to join this exclusive Madison Area Marketplace.

Facebook does networking in a social environment.

BuySellMadison does what its name suggests, anything related to buying and selling within the Madison Area.

"Connect with Facebook" and combine the two!

How does BuySellMadison.com reduce/stop SPAM?

BuySellMadison.com is made locally and will stay local

Less exposure to a nation-wide audience means fewer encounters with scammers or SPAM

BuySellMadison.com has created measures to protect you, members of our community

SPAM security provided by a business specializing solely in content moderation. To learn more about Mollom, visit http://mollom.com/
We will ban your IP Addresses and/or block your account for posting SPAM, scams or any content that violates the Terms Of Use

How does BuySellMadison compare to a site such as Craigslist?

BuySellMadison.com is committed to staying local and loyal to the Madison community. This website was not created to compete with Craigslist, even though we offer similar features. BuySellMadison.com is created, managed and maintained by two Madison natives who also own businesses based in the City of Madison. All of our users can be confident that this local focus will not change, hence our website address, business name and slogan all have "Madison" included.

The entire website is created for the Madison Area only
Keep your experience local and as secure as possible
Easy to navigate
Very simple to post ads - Add a title, choose an item category, enter a selling price, fill out a description, upload some photos, click save!
Add another Classified Ad immediately after posting a new Ad (rapid-fire posting)
Advanced Search - Click Faceted Search on the Search Page to search within Classified Ad categories and/or by content type
Lightbox Photo Viewer - Browse through the Classified Ad's photos in an overlay image viewer

User Accounts (2)

Why should I create a user account?

Click here to view the features accessible only to registered users.

Why do I have to verify my email address before creating an account?

This is simply one of the many security measures to ensure that a computer or spammer is NOT creating an account.

Classified Ad Postings (4)

Why can't I buy or sell event tickets?

We understand that this would be a helpful service but we try to stay away any potential legal issues that may be involved in unauthorized ticket sales.

Why aren't there many classifieds?

While our classifieds directory is still growing, many items have been sold and the posting user most likely removed those classified ads.

For this reason the classifieds may seem to be a bit bare, however items are being sold so that's a good thing right?

How much does it cost to post a Classified Ad?

Personal, Associations, and Business accounts can create unlimited classified ads for FREE. You may be thinking, "Okay, what's the catch?"

There is no catch, no commission percentage and no back-end fees.

However, there are certain rules you must adhere to located in the Terms of Use and the Prohibited Items which are basically the same rules as any other classified advertisment website.

How do I create a Classified Ad?

1.	OR
		2. Click "Create a Classified Ad"
		3. Enter the Ad Title
		4. Fill in your Asking Price.
		5. Choose one category that best describes your item(s)
		6. Complete your Ad Description Things you may want to include are: What additional things are included with your item(s)? What sets your item(s) apart from similar items? What type of condition is the item? Why are you selling the item? Any other important information
		7. Upload photos of item(s) (maximum of 4 images) Click browse > find the photo on your computer > click open
		8. Click Save and you're done!
Download a PDF version of these instructions

Business Directory (2)

Why should my business join BuySellMadison.com?

Not only is the Business Directory free advertising, but the website as a whole can be used as a way to network with other local businesses and the community as well. In other words, why wouldn't your business join?

How can I create a listing in the Business Directory?

1. to your business account OR and select *"business" in the apply for role* drop-down menu**
	2. Click "Create your Business Listing"
	3. Enter the name of your company and your website address
	4. Fill in your hours of operation. EXAMPLE: Monday - Friday: 8am-5pm Saturday: 9am-Noon Sunday: Closed
	5. Check the boxes next to the credit cards your company accepts (optional)
	6. Choose up to two categories that best describe your business **select an item in the dropdown list, then click the ADD button to add your selection to the "All Selectons" box below
	7. Fill in the company address location information (must be completed in order to display the map) No need to fill in Latitude/Longitude text fields. Google Maps will return these values after you click "Save" at the bottom of the form
	8. Enter your company's main phone number
	9. Complete your Business Listing Write-up Things you may want to include are: What sets your company apart from the competition? What are some suggestions/expert advice you could share with consumers? What are key buying factors you can provide education to potential customers?
	10. Click Save and you're done!
Download a PDF version of these instructions

Subleases (1)

How do I post a Sublease?

1.	OR
		2. Click Post a Sublease
		3. Enter a title for your post
		4. Enter the monthly rent
		5. Check the boxes of any utilities that are included in the monthly rent stated above
		6. Check any of the additional amenities that apply
		7. Enter the contact phone number (optional)
		8. Enter the contact email
		9. Fill in the property's address/location information (must be completed in order to display the map) No need to fill in Latitude/Longitude text fields. Google Maps will return these values after you click "Save" at the bottom of the form
		10. Complete a description of the property or any other specifics that you would like to mention
		11. Upload any files (ex. floorplans) or photos to be attached at the bottom of your post
		12. Click Save!

Textbooks (2)

How does this benefit me?

It's like buying from a friend. You can:

Cut out the middleman
View the condition of the book
Negotiate prices
Meet to exchange at your convenience
Avoid shipping and handling costs
Less exposure of personal information creates a safer and more secure transaction
Only registered users can contact you - This helps avoid spam, scams and unwanted inquiries

Is there a fee to post and sell my textbooks?

After posting your textbooks, interested buyers will contact you. Plans to exchange money and the textbook can then be coordinated between you and the interested buyer.

Volunteer (3)

How can I quickly post multiple Volunteer Positions?


	to your Association account (for non-profit organzations only)
OR
	and select *"association" in the apply for role* drop-down menu**
Create an ongoing Volunteer Position (FAQ Link) Create a date-specific Volunteer Position (FAQ Link)	2. Start by posting either type of position

	3. After saving the newly created position, click "Clone" on the menu located at the top of the new post

	- The post is copied including all of the information you entered in the first post (Notice: The cloned post is not saved until you click "Save" so don't walk away from editing it until you save the cloned post)

	4. CHANGE THE POSITION TITLE and edit any other information (dates, position description, etc.) Notice: The Position Title appended "Clone of.." *Make sure to change that and any other information

	11. Click Save and you've quickly created a new position!

How can I post a date-specific (not ongoing) Volunteer Position?


	to your Association account (for non-profit organzations only)
OR
	and select *"association" in the apply for role* drop-down menu**
	2. Click "Post a date-specific Volunteer Position"

	3. Enter the position title

	4. Enter the date and time for the specified position - Click "Add Another Item" to add additional dates and times for the specified position *-- Volunteer Event Date 2* will appear for you to fill in a second date/time** (click "Add Another Item" to add additional dates)

	5. Upload your organization's logo Click "Browse" - Select the image on your computer -- Click "Upload"

	6. Enter the website of where to find more information

	7. Enter the contact information for the Volunteer Coordinator

	8. Fill in any additional information

	9. Fill in the volunteer event(s) location information (must be completed in order to display the map) No need to fill in Latitude/Longitude text fields Google Maps will return these values for you after clicking "Save" at the bottom of the form**

	10. Attach any additional files

	11. Click Save and you're done!
Download a PDF version of these instructions

How can I post an ongoing Volunteer Position?


	to your Association account (for non-profit organzations only)
OR
	and select *"association" in the apply for role* drop-down menu**

	2. Click "Post an ongoing Volunteer Position"

	3. Enter the position title

	4. Upload your organization's logo Click "Browse" - Select the image on your computer -- Click "Upload"

	5. Enter the website of where to find more information

	6. Enter the contact information for the Volunteer Coordinator

	7. Fill out the Position Description

	8. Indicate any preferred skills and/or experience (Optional)

	9. List any time requirements (Optional)

	10. Upload a volunteer application if available (Optional)

	11. Fill in the volunteer site's location information (must be completed in order to display the map) No need to fill in Latitude/Longitude text fields. Google Maps will return these values after you click "Save" at the bottom of the form

	12. Attach any additional files (Optional)

	13. Click Save and you're done!
Download a PDF version of these instructions

Invitations (1)

Why can't I import my contacts from other email accounts not listed?

The following are private ISP accounts that are not accessible with this feature:

Charter (example@charter.net)
AT&T (example@sbcglobal.net)
Verizon (example@verizon.net
TDS (example@tds.net)

The Contact Importer display is not able to import from ISP email addresses because your contacts are usually stored in a separate program (i.e. Outlook, Thunderbird).

Events (1)

How do I post an Event?

1. Log in to your business or association account OR *Create a new account and select business or association in the apply for role* drop-down menu**
	2. Click Post an Event
	2. Click Post an Event
	3. Enter the Event Name
	4. Enter the From: Date & Time 5. Enter the To: Date & Time
	6. Complete a description of the Event
	7. Fill in the Event address location information (must be completed in order to display the map) No need to fill in Latitude/Longitude text fields. Google Maps will return these values after you click "Save" at the bottom of the form
	8. Click Save