Rapleaf recently commissioned a survey through Scott Allen to determine what users of classifieds and auction sites really want.

we found some really interesting results.

Some interesting stats:

Among buyers, 67% selected ratings of the seller as “very important”, with an additional 25% labeling it “somewhat important”. The reputation of the site itself, rather than of the individual seller, was also an important factor for determining trust, with 63% rating it as “very important”. The payment method being used was a close third. Other factors considered included the quality of the ad, an e-mail or phone call with the seller, endorsements and testimonials, web research of the seller, and intuition/prayer/gut reaction.

For sellers, the payment method being used was the most important factor, with 81% rating it as somewhat or very important. Posted ratings of the buyer was a close second at 77%.

Scott has some more insights into the survey. I actually haven’t seen the full survey results set yet … Scott will be sending it to me today or tomorrow. So I am looking forward to reviewing it fully and I will try to poke through some broader qualitative and quantitative trends.