I am not an ambitious trader but I have a thought on this since the ATP plant lists are not a shopping list exclusively for traders to search for wanted items.

At the bottom of each post there is a space to add a line or two. Why not create a link to allow others to find your 'available for trade' plants? This can be in an ATP blog space or even off-site, as in Etsy or eBay or a personal website. I think I have seen some folks who add 'Look at my trade list' or something like that. That link can lead to a list of each plant you have available and another list for each plant you are seeking.

Additionally, many people list what they have currently available for trade on the trading forum, as the availability changes throughout the year. http://garden.org/forums/view/... Whenever someone posts there that they have an item available, it usually gets snapped up right quick!
Very effective system.

That being said, when I click on 'Plant Lists' I am taken to a page with the heading "Plant inventory, trading and selling lists" which does kind of make it look like a list for trading and selling. Maybe change the heading to something like "Member Plant Lists. (Some items may be available for trade or sale; see individual lists for details.)".

Pandora said:
I created categories on my list, but others cannot view the categories, only genus.

We can see and click on each of your categories.

Pulmonaria: 5 plants
Hostas: 5 plants
Tiarella: 3 plants
Other Shade: 20 plants
Other Sun: 4 plants
Hosta Have/Want List: 1 plant

I can only speak for myself. I did put a note at the top of my page that If you have something that I am wanting and I have something you would like to please contact me. I do not mark things as available for trade in general since I no longer do a lot of trading. There is only 1 plant on my want list now & I put a comment there to to contact me if you would be willing to do a trade.

This way lead to a very successful trade with a gentleman this spring and we are doing a second one in the next few weeks.

Sue, that's great. Thanks for the feedback.
Claudia, Excellent idea. Makes it very clear.