The core challenge with all marketplace businesses is that you must develop both sides of the market simultaneously. I've been through this with several of our own brands (Fundable, Clarity) - and while they presented additional unique challenges - the core is brining both the supply and deman...
The only 2 companies I have heard of that could do something like this are: 1-Airship: they have automated all the processes of dispatching, logistics, customer support, credit analyses, order fulfillment, etc on the backend. In the front end you just built your own e commerce website. It is plu...
Hi: Sounds like you have a compelling idea, but I’m wondering about the validation work you’ve done? Have you talked to people in the market segment you’re targeting and confirmed that there’s a gap that needs filling? Confirmed that current alternatives aren’t doing the job to their satisfactio...
I am currently the CTO of a vibrant online marketplace. As prior responders said, we started with demand. Once we had people who wanted to pay for our services, it was easier to find suppliers to fulfill the demand. In addition, we started with a narrow focus, and then expanded. We are a lo...
First of all, the fact that you are talking about market validation is great. I've seen so many startups invest time and money, only to find that no ones wants/needs their product, or that they only want a certain aspect of it (whilst the startup spent money developing a whole bunch of other feat...
No idea is a bad idea !! And what works only they (world) can tell. Who knew the 140 characters could have revolutionized the world creating a parallel universe... So.. try it.. you never loose.. My personal opinion - I like it. There are some startups I have heard of who are doing the same thin...
I actually did this business. The short answer is the vendor landscape is super-varied, and that means you have a ton of different companies to deal with, each of whom tends to be small and doesn't have a very good vendor support operation. Since we didn't want to carry inventory we did drop ship...
Good question. There is no absolute correct answer, as both options have their pros and cons. At the end of the day, you need to bring in as many users, on both sides (experts and people using their services) in order to create traction and gain revenues. So, if the "Celebrities" are willing to...
Wow. This is a tough one. If I found myself in possession of a business like this, I'd likely create an IDC domiciled in non-US jurisdiction. Then look for insurance for the non-US company. My guess... insurance rates will be far less this way.
It's unlikely that companies would look to outsource such a critical component and also it would be near impossible to create trust around 3rd parties accessing their data especially via an intermediary service.