Is there really room for another Standardbred sales site?

[shane]

Appreciate the replies. This actually helps.

The biggest point I知 hearing is that features alone do not matter if sellers do not get enough eyes on their horses. That is fair, and I agree with it.

onGait and Preferred already have buyer attention, and that is the hard part to earn. I知 not pretending a new site automatically deserves listings just because it exists.

What I am trying to build with BuySellHorses.com is a more structured Standardbred-focused sales process: verified seller accounts, clear auction or buy-now listings, reserve options, race line and pedigree document uploads, visible bid history, seller privacy, controlled contact release, and a step-by-step post-sale process so buyers and sellers both know where things stand.

One part I think could become important is the professional marketplace around the sale process. Instead of a messy "take the horse home and see what happens" situation, the goal is to support cleaner due diligence before the deal is completed, including pre-bid inspections, vets, transporters, trainers, farriers, photographers, and other professionals buyers and sellers may need.

I agree with the comments about credibility. That has to be earned. No shortcut there.

For now, the real test is whether sellers are willing to list and whether buyers show up. If anyone has a horse they may want to sell, they can pre-create a listing here:

https://buysellhorses.com/sell-your-horse

No obligation. I知 trying to prove whether another Standardbred-focused option can actually earn a place.

[Thatgirl1778]

Good luck with this ! There is no perfect way to sell a horse other than a live auction .

[Thatgirl1778]

WWW.Harnessgait .com

[shane]

One thing I should clarify: we do already have buyers who have opted in to be notified when listings go live. The current focus is getting quality Standardbred listings so those interested buyers have real horses to look at.

That is why I知 asking sellers, owners, trainers, and buyers for feedback. Buyer interest helps, but listings are what make a marketplace useful.

I appreciate the honest replies so far. The credibility point is fair, and that has to be earned.

[Meadow Ford]

My first suggestion is to use up to date modern pictures on your home page.
Pictures of racing in the 1950's IMHO is not a good look.

[shane]

My first suggestion is to use up to date modern pictures on your home page.
Pictures of racing in the 1950's IMHO is not a good look.

Fair point, and I appreciate the direct feedback.
The homepage imagery is something I need to improve. I agree that if the site is going to ask people to trust it with real listings, the first impression needs to look current and serious.
I値l work on updating the photos so the site better matches what it is trying to be.

[RANDOLPH POKER]

I LOVE the old time photo/painting!

In terms of disclosure, why no mention who the principle(s) are in this venture, their background, experience, location, etc.

[shane]

I LOVE the old time photo/painting!

In terms of disclosure, why no mention who the principle(s) are in this venture, their background, experience, location, etc.

My name is Shane Shuford. I was born and raised in Kentucky and currently live in southern Indiana. I知 the software developer behind BuySellHorses.com .

My background is in software development and digital marketing. I致e built websites, business systems, and marketing campaigns for years. I知 not pretending to be a trainer or lifelong Standardbred insider myself, which is why I知 working with people in the business, including a trainer and a racehorse owner, and asking for direct feedback from sellers, owners, trainers, and buyers before pushing the site harder.

The site is still in its early/maintenance stage right now, so not everything is visible yet. The full version has an About section explaining who is behind it, the management side, and a section for industry partnerships.

The goal is to build a focused Standardbred sales platform with more trust built into the process: verified seller accounts, race line and pedigree document support, pre-bid inspection options, a professional marketplace for services around the sale, visible bid history, seller privacy, controlled contact release, auction or buy-now listings with reserve options, and a step-by-step post-sale transfer process.

I agree that who is behind it should be easy to find before anyone is asked to trust it with real listings.