How it works
The Plain Exchange is a classified ads service for Ohio's Plain communities that runs on plain text messages. No smartphone, no app, no internet needed — any phone that can send a text works. The commands below all get texted to (330) 960-7170.
Get the ads
Text SUBSCRIBE to (330) 960-7170. You’ll get the ads in batches through the day — several in one text, each with its own ad number — between 7am and 6pm, Monday through Saturday. It’s free, though message and data rates may apply from your phone company. Reply STOP any time to quit, or HELP for help. See the text message program terms and privacy policy.
An ad with pictures sends one of them right after the batch, in its own message, marked with the ad number in the corner. Reply PIC 1234 (the ad’s number) for up to two more; the rest are on this website.
Get the ads by email
Prefer email? The email edition carries the same ads with the pictures right in the message, twice a day. Sign up here — every email has an unsubscribe link.
Post an ad
Text your ad to (330) 960-7170 starting with the words AD. Say what you’re selling, the price, and how to reach you. A plain ad is $20; attach pictures (up to four) and it’s a picture ad at $30. Keep it under 250 characters.
AD NEW Horse cart for sale, $1,000 OBO. Good shape. Call 330-555-0142. Mt. Hope.
Every ad is read and approved by a person before it runs. Once approved, your ad goes out to subscribers with the next batch — with its first picture, if it has one, marked with your ad number — and is listed on this website for 30 days. You’ll get a text with your ad’s number when it’s in. Your first post comes with $40 of ad credit on the house — enough for your first few ads.
Manage your ad
Sold it? Text SOLD 1234 and the listing is marked sold. Forgot your ad numbers? Text MYADS.
Paying for ads
Ads come off your ad-credit balance; checking, browsing, and receiving ads are free. Text BAL any time to see your balance. Add money on this website under your account — once a card is saved there, ads can top up automatically when your balance runs short (the confirmation text always says so). You can also call (330) 275-1603 to set up payment by phone or check.
All the commands
| Text this | What happens |
|---|---|
| SUBSCRIBE | Start getting the ads by text. Free. |
| STOP | Stop getting the ads. Reply START to come back. |
| HELP | Get this list of commands by text. |
| AD your ad text | Post an ad. Attach a picture if you have one. |
| PIC 1234 | See more pictures of ad number 1234 (up to two). |
| STATUS 1234 | Check if an ad is still available or sold. |
| SOLD 1234 | Mark your ad sold (your ads only). |
| MYADS | List your ads and their status. |
| BAL | Check your ad-credit balance. |
Commands work with or without a slash, capitals or not — ad new works the same as AD NEW. Print this page and keep it by the phone.