I like the idea, but the centralized platform means it would be hard to buy/sell drugs, sex and contraband, which would make it really interesting :) I'd also like to see a bidding component; for example, head to the Apple store on a big launch day, and bid for an iPad 3/iPhone 5--those at the front of the queue could make a tidy profit, and those with deeper pockets could skip the queue.
I like the concept, I think it's well designed and the iPhone app seems to be really great. It's got a bit of a chicken and the egg problem at the moment, but I really hope it grows.
I predict this will not fly–or will require serious pivoting.
I don't really get why they're focusing on the demand-side. The "Wanted" section of Craigslist is considerably smaller than most of the other For Sale categories (I personally never check it).
I also don't see any real-world/brick-and-mortar example of reverse person-to-person selling like this. What is the incentive for someone to even check Zaarly for a need I might meet? Don't say "make extra cash" because if I need to sell stuff, I dig through it and post it for sale.
If I need something, I search Craigslist. If it's not there, I check Ebay. Or I buy it new. I don't post a request and pray someone will get back to me.
People are going to request things ... and most requests will go unanswered. Then they'll stop using it.
(BTW, totally not trying to sound like a pessimistic jerk)
I kinda like it - picture this simple scenario; you need to fix your car's brakes/rotate tires/change oil/fix taillights/buy gas?/ instead of going to 4-5 garages to get an optimal price/quote you broadcast your interest in the local neighborhood in the hopes that the interest will be fulfilled by a "service provider"..
I think that the GPS-based aspect of it is what makes it a bit more interesting. I expect that some unemployed folks with a car or bike might be able to make a pretty decent living by becoming a for-hire courier.
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[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 32.6 ms ] thread(edit: or for someone like you)
I'm in DC right now and can only find 4 items within a few miles. I think that kind of experience will give people a bad first impression.
Anything location-based needs to start in 1 or 2 cities and grow from there–until other cities are begging for it.
I don't really get why they're focusing on the demand-side. The "Wanted" section of Craigslist is considerably smaller than most of the other For Sale categories (I personally never check it).
I also don't see any real-world/brick-and-mortar example of reverse person-to-person selling like this. What is the incentive for someone to even check Zaarly for a need I might meet? Don't say "make extra cash" because if I need to sell stuff, I dig through it and post it for sale.
If I need something, I search Craigslist. If it's not there, I check Ebay. Or I buy it new. I don't post a request and pray someone will get back to me.
People are going to request things ... and most requests will go unanswered. Then they'll stop using it.
(BTW, totally not trying to sound like a pessimistic jerk)