Questions and answers

The common questions, answered plainly. For the full walkthrough of every command, see how it works — and you can always text HELP to (330) 960-7170, or call us at (330) 275-1603.

What is The Plain Exchange?

Local classified ads for Ohio's Plain communities, delivered by text message. Sellers text their ads in; everyone who subscribes gets them in batches through the day — several ads in one text, each with its own ad number, and a picture for the ads that have one. The ads are also listed on this website, and there’s an email edition if you prefer email.

Do I need a smartphone or the internet?

No. Any phone that can send a text message works — that’s the point. The website is extra, not required.

What does it cost?

Getting the ads is free. Browsing the website is free. Posting an ad costs money — a plain ad is $20, a picture ad (up to three pictures) starts at $30 — and every new member’s first post comes with $40 of ad credit on the house. Your ads go out by text and list on this website.

How do I start getting the ads?

Text SUBSCRIBE to (330) 960-7170. That’s it. Each ad arrives as a text the moment it’s approved, between 7am and 6pm Monday through Saturday — nothing overnight or on Sunday. Reply STOP any time to quit.

How do I post an ad?

Text AD NEW followed by your ad to (330) 960-7170. Say what you’re selling, the price, and how to reach you, in under 250 characters. Attach a picture if you have one.

Who sees my ad, and when?

Every ad is read and approved by a person first — usually the same day. Once approved, it goes out to subscribers with the next batch of ads, and it stays listed on this website for 30 days. You’ll get a text with your ad’s number when it’s in.

How do pictures work?

An ad with pictures sends one of them right after the batch, in its own message, with the ad number marked in the corner so you know which ad it belongs to. Want to see more? Reply PIC and the ad’s number — like PIC 1042 — and up to two more come back by text, free. The rest are on this website, where every picture shows right on the ad.

Why wasn’t my ad accepted?

Most often it’s something ordinary — too long, unclear, or not a fit for the service. When that happens, your money is returned in full and you can fix it and resend. Ads that break the rules (see the terms) keep the charge and count as a strike.

I sold my item. Now what?

Text SOLD and your ad number — like SOLD 1042 — and the listing is marked sold. Honest listings keep the service worth reading.

Is my phone number shown to everyone?

Whatever you write in your ad goes out with it — most sellers include their number so buyers can reach them. On the website, contact details in ads are masked until a visitor signs in. We never sell your information or share your number with marketers; the details are in the privacy policy.

How do I pay?

Add money to your account on this website — sign in, pick an amount, and pay by card on a secure checkout page. Once a card is saved, ads can top up automatically: if your balance comes up a little short, the difference goes on your card and the confirmation text says so. Prefer to handle it by phone or check? Call (330) 275-1603and we’ll set it up.

How do I stop the texts?

Reply STOP to any text from us, or text STOP to (330) 960-7170. That ends the ads immediately. Reply START if you change your mind. Message and data rates may apply while subscribed.

Something else?

Call or text (330) 275-1603. A person answers, and plain questions get plain answers.