Marketplace On Other Forums.

Set a time requirement, like there is here, as well. That will mean only those that actually stick around and contribute will be allowed to post there.

It wont get rid of scams and such completely, but it should help.

 

Post a warning saying if any rules are broken, your IP will be banned N.Q.A.

 

Use more common sense

Use a system like Heatware (or just use Heatware, even though it kinda sucks) and have those with less reputation ship first. Reduces the chances of fraud. Pay with credit cards through PayPal so that you can file a chargeback if worst comes to worst.

 

A little off-topic, but how many posts do I need here at MacRumors for the Marketplace? It disappeared on me on the changeover. I have been a member a few years, but lurk mostly. So, I need to know how many times I need to stick my $.02 in.

 

http://guides.macrumors.com/Help:MacRumors_FAQ#I_can.27t_post_a_message_in_the_Forums

 

We have a required postcount of 250 and 180 days membership before you even see the forum. From my experience, this has done a lot to improve the marketplace in general. However, we still have members who persist in being untrustworthy dealers.

To effectively deal with this means extremely close attention is paid to marketplace problems by both admins and moderators, and followed through on, sometimes for months. We examine the records of all forum members involved in marketplace problems very closely and are strict on not allowing marketplace threads to be derailed by bickering or off-topic comments.

However, MacRumors has no legal responsibility to ensure that transactions are upheld. We can only do our part. One of our members is currently pursuing a legal case against another, as I write. In the end, it comes down to clear rules and firm moderation. Over time, the scammers get weeded out to a large extent.

So ultimately, it comes down to work. But if the problems are so deep-rooted, then it might be wise to consider the benefits of a classified section vs. the work of maintaining it in good order.

What we effectively did was scrap the old marketplace and start again. You can read how the mods and the admins, particularly Doctor Q, managed the transition in this thread.