TTF Marketplace is now online

The Trombone Forum Marketplace is now online. You may find links to it in the "Goodies" dropdown menu as well as on the left sidebar. If you discover problems or have suggestions, please let me know; there's a convenient PM link directly to me on the left menu inside the Marketplace.

Let me attempt to answer a few questions before they're asked.

What is it?
The Marketplace is an attempt to gather products in which trombonists may have interest under one large umbrella. Currently, The Forum has agreements with the following vendors:

* Archiv Music
* Buy.com
* Music123
* Musician's Friend
* Sheet Music Plus

...with around 10 more possible vendors in the wings.

How does it work?
Daily, these vendors send the Forum their entire product catalog, including all information on their items. In many cases, there is a slight discount on the item for Forum users as well. Background processes on the Forum servers then filter this data in a number of ways, with the resultant output being an optimized list of trombone-specific products in one area, as well as the ability to search or browse the entire catalog of each vendor.

The Marketplace currently has over half a million items in stock through its partners.

Why should I use it?
A couple of obvious reasons: (1) I am attempting to choose places of business that our users might frequent anyway, especially in the case of Music123 and Sheet Music Plus. You're on THIS site fairly regularly, so you might as well check for that trombone stand, water bottle, or Lindberg CD while you're here. (2) A portion of each purchase you make through The Marketplace goes to support The Forum.

I don't like it! It's commercial! It's a bad idea.
Well, then don't use it. It's off in its own little area, just like the Classified site. But bear in mind that every cent that the Forum generates for its support from The Marketplace is a cent less we don't have to raise some other way (donations, my selling organs, etc.)

What other vendors might be added?
Within the next few months, Amazon (all of it!), Editions Mark Reift, and JWPepper are on the list. I'm also working with Southern Music and a few other brass supply retailers.

I own a (music store, shop, etc.) Can my place of business be a part of the vendor list?
Certainly. Contact me via PM and we'll talk about it.

r