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 that same number.

What is The Plain Exchange?

Local classified ads for Holmes County, Ohio, delivered by text message. Sellers text their ads in; everyone who subscribes gets the ads in short digests, up to four times a day. 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 uses ad credits — a plain ad costs 1 credit, a picture ad costs 5 — and new members start with 3 free ads, picture or plain. Credit packs are sold on this website under your account.

How do I start getting the ads?

Text SUBSCRIBE to (330) 960-7170. That’s it. Digests arrive up to four times a day — morning, noon, afternoon, and evening — and slots with no new ads are skipped. 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 in the next digest, 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?

When a digest says an ad has a picture, reply PIC and the ad’s number — like PIC 1042 — and the picture comes back to you by text, free. On the website, pictures show 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 credit or free ad is returned 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.

Can I run my ad again?

Yes — text BUMP and your ad number and it runs again in the next digest. Bumps are free for now.

Is my phone number shown to everyone?

Whatever you write in your ad goes out in the digests — 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 for credits?

Buy a credit pack on this website — sign in, pick a pack, and pay by card on a secure checkout page. Prefer to handle it by phone or mail? Call (330) 960-7170 and we’ll set it up.

How do I stop the texts?

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

Something else?

Call or text (330) 960-7170. A person answers, and plain questions get plain answers.