25.00 flat rate shipping

However, the email also states that a $4 listing fee still applies and a 2% transaction fee once the sale is made (up to $100).

That makes no sense. You have a choice of $25 flat OR the old way. There is no commission or $4 listing fee if you opt for the $25. You also can post up to 12 images in the $25 ads.

Not sure I see the purpose of the phone number part of it, though.

And I don't understand why the OP titled this Topic $25 flat rate shipping.

Our new $25 listing includes:

NO TRANSACTION FEES – just pay the $25 when you list
the ability to add a VERIFIED PHONE NUMBER for prospective buyers to ask questions
up to TWELVE PHOTOS per listing!


No worries: Our standard $4 listing pricing will remain unchanged. It will continue to be $4 to list an item and a 2% transaction fee, charged when the item sells (min of $1, max of $100).

Have you been thinking about listing something for a while? Spring into action, and try our new listing type TODAY. To take advantage of this new $25 listing type, simply select this option on the Sell an Item page, as seen below.

Read more at http://hub.audiogon.com/2013/04/unveiling-our-new-flat-fee-listing/#jo2FjRWOGexMG5vx.99

unveiling our new flat fee lising.

"NO TRANSACTION FEES – just pay the $25 when you list
the ability to add a VERIFIED PHONE NUMBER for prospective buyers to ask questions
up to TWELVE PHOTOS per listing!"

Still not 100% guaranteed the seller is actually that of the username listed on the ad.

I would still verify the ad was listed by the true owner of the Agon member username listed on the ad.

The only verified way now is to send an email though the Agon system to the username listed on the ad.
.

My bad. There wasn't an either/or and somehow I glossed over "standard" which would have implied two of something. I guess my ability to infer is getting worse due to my cynical nature. :-)

All the best,
Nonoise

"I guess my ability to infer is getting worse due to my cynical nature. :-)"

and why is that? so many years of experience and less tolerance for the bs presentation of things as better, note the small print. I hear you nonoise :)

Overall I feel this is a definite improvement. At least there is more than one option, semi kudos to Audiogon!

This is a huge improvement and a must for expensive gear that demands a phone call. Very good move Agon.