Posting items and viewing products is a completely free service. This online ad system is a way for students to unload their extras to other students, often, at a very low cost.

For example, Scroll compared the prices of two equivalent HP desktop computers, a being sold on the Bulletin Board, the other on the Wal-Mart Web site. The Wal-Mart price was nearly 50 percent higher in cost, the difference being the Wal-Mart computer was new.

Perhaps, one of the more popular features is the “rides” tab. This tab on the site is a tool to find riders or passengers to various destinations.

The rides tab has the highest number of listings of any other category on the Bulletin Board and has rides listed going to places like Winnemucca, Nev. and Alberta, Canada.

“No, I’ve never had a problem with the online ride board,” said Mike Galloway, a freshman from Portland, Ore., “Although, I’ve found it’s best to always ask the driver how much it’s going to cost upfront.”

However, the old adage, “Let the buyer beware,” holds true to the Bulletin Board.

According to a warning posted on the website, “BYU-Idaho is not responsible for any item or service offered or purchased using this Web site. It is the sole responsibility of the individual purchasing an item or service to verify its validity, value and appropriateness. Special precautions should be taken in offering or obtaining rides from any individual.”

Like any other purchase, efforts should be taken to compare prices. Every listing is required to have contact information from the seller. This way, buyers will be able to reach the seller to examine the product or ask questions.

Students may also find the Bulletin Board to be a valuable option when going on break during their off-track semester. Old books, cars and furniture may be a pain to take home.
The Bulletin Board is one way to cut down on the luggage home or load up on
needed items.
“My husband and I have a tradition of trolling through the Bulletin Board near the end of every semester,” said Jenny McCullough, a junior from Rigby, Idaho, “People are usually in a hurry to get rid of stuff so they sell things at a pretty low price.”
The Bulletin Board can be found by going to the BYU-I Web site, under the “quick links” tab.