Howdy,
Been doing some cogitating on how to bridge the gap between the far flung members of this fine institution.

When I first joined I was driving up to Renton, Seattle, Everett, Olympia about once a week, and I did it twice in a week two times. One time was between work days, and I got up at 3:50 AM, drove my hour+ to work, worked 12 hours, hour+ home, then up to Lacey (2 hours) and 2 hours back home... Back up the next morning for a 12 hour work day. Yee haw !

Now I try not to drive so much, but there are some folks who I'd love to do business with still.

A few fellows who I've traded with or sold to have made quite a trek to me also, and I've tried to soften the sting of the long drive by having a pot of coffee on, and invited to stay for a meal and a visit. But still... We're a distance from the center of population in Washington.

Has there been any discussion about having a somewhat organized coordination between us distant dwellers? I did a search, but only found isolated comments about trips.

I envision something along the lines of this. In the WTS/WTT section would be a "Will be Travelling TO/FROM..." heading at the bottom.

For those potential sales/trades that do not violate any laws, and for which both buyer and seller or both traders are comfortable with such an arrangement, know each other, have Paypal accounts (or other arrangements) etc, much wasted time and money could be saved.

Could be carpooling, courier, coincidental trip, whatever.

I know there are potential pitfalls, but if we're careful and thoughtful about it, it could be great for everyone.

Is it too complicated? Too risky? I am just tossing out a thought folks. Would love to hear your thoughts on pros and cons and feasibility.

Many a deal has been facilitated by WaGuns couriers.

this dog courier works

I'll be seeing you this weekend



I wouldn't mind a section but it's still works if its posted

With the "hassle factor" and price of gas, driving from between far-flung places is a lot more expensive than just using a USPS Flat rate box for non-restricted items (that will fit, of course).

For the larger or more expensive items perhaps a thread in the Classifieds where "transport" is needed would be a big help. Put all these requests in one place so there could be some focus on them.

Maybe Dan can add a new "Mule/Transport offered/requested" area?

I jump in when there's a seller near me or where I'm headed, but it's always on a case-by-case basis.

These deals also go south when the buyer doesn't tell the seller there's a courier involved (or vise-versa). Some people aren't cool with this. Can't say I disagree, it's hard to complain something isn't right when the other party isn't the guy standing in front of you and there's an expectation of money changing hands.

It has to be agreed and prearranged on both sides.

Most of the time they turn out really good for all involved.
Think positive.

Why was my post deleted?

you never pushed submit

Because you quoted a spammer's link.

When I killed the spammer and his posts, I had to take yours too!

Deleted

Yeah, I hate to see "waste" in any form, so it pains me to see people pay for shipping when we know that "somebody" is "heading that way" anyway...
I drive 32 miles one way to work anyway, so it's nothing for me to go an extra 15-20 minutes either way (totally F'ed schedule, so what's one more F?)

Perhaps this is covered in the Community Service area, but maybe there there should be a special place for transport...




OK