Website development - classified ads

[Dream]

Evening all,

I am seeking insights towards the development of a new website that i am building from scratch. The concept of how it will work is clear but I have limited knowledge on the best way to translate it to a website build.

The concept is based around the theme of classified ads - where a custom advert for new or second hand goods is placed and buyers can respond through the site to agree to complete a transaction - similar to an ebay "buy it now" advert.

However, being new to website development I want to get it done right from the start so it is simple to use and effective . In terms of key functionality it would need to have :-

- A form for users to complete to input key details of the advert
- ads displayed on a main page
- Categorisation of products
- search / filter / sort functions for ads
- a secure communications channel between transacting parties
- transaction processing via paypal
- user logins
- feedback mechanisms
- MI for Webmaster
- subscription capabilities
- 3rd party advertising

Any wisdom welcome - i'm at the stage of identifying the simplest and most cost effective way to create this before starting! Much appreciated... thanks

Best
Dream

[DarrenKMC]

The most cost effective way would be to develop a wordpress based site, all of the functions you've listed can be integrated through existing plug-ins and it's inexpensive to have a certain degree of personalisation added by a experienced developer.

Would all purchases be 'buy it now' or would you want auction/best offer functionality too?

[Altrezia]

If you were looking to have it built by someone good, then we could help. Details in my profile or drop me a message. Worked wth a good number of PHers now :-)