Bitcoin Forum

Bitcoin => Project Development => Topic started by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:18:24 AM



Title: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:18:24 AM
I want to invest in someone or someones to create a website that has the features and protections of Ebay, but without some of the caveats that prevent some from accepting online commerce. Oh, and it has to accept Bitcoin :). Looking for someone to put a project like this on GLBSE to invest in.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:19:29 AM
I would do it myself, but I have not the technical expertise to try my hand at a project of this magnitude.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 27, 2012, 06:24:12 AM
The DCAO has already discussed to great depths why a site like this is crucial, yet doomed to failure.

The key points are:

  • Volume
  • Volume
  • Volume


Rest assured. We could make a company, the site, and the business "thrive", but what exactly is "thrive" when bitcoin has less than 1 milliion active users? There is no point to doing it for bitcoin only, when you could just convince a company to accept bitcoin for their already accepted payment method on eBay for example.

Bottom line, reinventing the wheel is a fun adventure (I do it all the time!) but never do it as a serious business endeavor.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:26:53 AM
This could be a way, if marketed in the right circles, to get more users to use bitcoin, much as the original Ebay fostered the use of the dreaded Paypal


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 27, 2012, 06:31:13 AM
This could be a way, if marketed in the right circles, to get more users to use bitcoin, much as the original Ebay fostered the use of the dreaded Paypal

You're absolutely right. The marketing effort needed would be something that absolutely everyone in Bitcoin would need to be involved in though, with absolutely no guarantee of success.

Not to mention, you'd be fighting not only the giants (which are obviously way bigger and more prepared than anything we bitcoiners could make on our own from scratch), but you'd be arguing Bitcoin at the same time.

Some people might see that as a plus, but I tell you-- it's a liability.

"Use this new site! All you need to do is Bitcoi-- where are you going?"

All kidding aside, it's not a bad idea, it's just not time yet imo.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:33:50 AM
Hey, You just happen to be a bitcoin media mogul, yes? (rubs hands together plotting like)
I think that if the site were to get started, It would have to be advertised in major magazines, such as computer shopper, maximum PC, 1600, game informer, popular science and mechanics, etc. That's why investors would be needed, because all that takes money


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:36:04 AM
that way, we are reaching out to people of similar interests, who might be more open to try this. Teen magazines also. what teenager doesn't want to do what their friends are doing  ;D


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 27, 2012, 06:37:04 AM
Hey, You just happen to be a bitcoin media mogul, yes? (rubs hands together plotting like)
I think that if the site were to get started, It would have to be advertised in major magazines, such as computer shopper, maximum PC, 1600, game informer, popular science and mechanics, etc. That's why investors would be needed, because all that takes money

Here's what I can say about that.

If you want to take the responsibility, lead the team, find the resources, and make this your life from now on, always listening to criticism and doing what's best for the business, even if that means shutting down-- then even I'd be willing to follow you so long as it make sense to.

Ideas are essentially worthless though. Anyone can make anything, the question is "Who is actually going to make it?". Ebay already did. Craigslist did too. You're riding on a niche here and it might not be recognized for 5 or so years, even with mine or anyone elses' help.

If you hear all this and STILL want to proceed, I know 5 others like you who wanted to start and thought the same thing-- "If only I had the team to help me I could get this done!".

Well, you've got the team but..do you have the money to waste?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 06:43:51 AM
I hear ya boss, not wanting to step on toes. I'm doing research at this stage. that is all


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 27, 2012, 07:01:52 AM
I hear ya boss, not wanting to step on toes. I'm doing research at this stage. that is all

For the record, I chose "yes" in the poll.

I've seen Bitpond and others try their hand at this thinking it would be a magnificent opportunity that everyone else is wasting. Unfortunately, inactivity towards an opportunity is sometimes better for the opportunity than improper action towards it. Look at every exchange, store, etc that pops up every week. If you put those guys together in a room and stripped their greed and infatuation with being important away, you'd have the makings of a world changing initiative and a potentially globally recognized business in some cases.

I do agree with asking questions, and I do admit that I am not capable of appreciating and understanding everything about every idea that I come across, but actions speak much louder than words. Make a site first and see if it gets any attention or support. If it does, you can gauge your investment in it off of that. Word of advice though, give it your all on that first try but never give more than you can afford to. A successful businessman for example, is not someone who makes a single successful business-- it's someone who can walk away from 100 failed businesses unscathed.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 07:31:33 PM
Edison couldn't of said it better. I understand precisely what you mean. I plan on doing a weekly poll until I get enough Info to go further with things. In all things, patience is a virtue


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: FlipPro on January 27, 2012, 11:09:00 PM
I agree with Matthew, we should all avoid reinventing any wheels in the Project Development section.

That will not draw new users to Bitcoin, features and new functionality will.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: stcupp on January 27, 2012, 11:56:12 PM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 27, 2012, 11:58:53 PM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I have checked it out actually, but it needs work. need a lot more users. and as I have mentioned, just doing some research / market studies if you will.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 28, 2012, 12:20:42 AM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I'm sorry, but if that's the "eBay of Bitcoin", then Bitcoin is completely worthless.

Are you aware of how successful eBay is?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 12:27:23 AM
I was trying to be very polite


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 28, 2012, 12:43:18 AM
I was trying to be very polite
hehe. Let me be rude then.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: stcupp on January 28, 2012, 02:34:34 AM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I'm sorry, but if that's the "eBay of Bitcoin", then Bitcoin is completely worthless.

Are you aware of how successful eBay is?

I agree with you actually I was working on a ebay/amazon type site for bitcoin but shit happens and I got distracted. Plus i wasn't too sure how popular it would actually be because most people just use a service like spendbitcoins to buy stuff from amazon and ebay and theres a much much larger choice of items than some site thats just starting off... one thing that a site like this has going for it is low seller fees ebay charges like 10% + listing fees and amazon charges around 10-25% fees depending on what category your item is in.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 02:43:50 AM
this is true. I was thinkin same model ebay uses. Have the auction site, but have payment through a paypal like clearing house that uses bitcoin. And keep fees managable for sales, none of this crazy percentage crap those guys are charging. I was thinking ~1-3% Fees Btc on selling. Maximum.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 28, 2012, 02:51:27 AM
I was working on a ebay/amazon type site for bitcoin

I was thinkin same model ebay uses.

You two have something to talk about it seems.


Have the auction site, but have payment through a paypal like clearing house that uses bitcoin.

bit-pay.com?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 02:53:03 AM
I was working on a ebay/amazon type site for bitcoin

I was thinkin same model ebay uses.

You two have something to talk about it seems.


Have the auction site, but have payment through a paypal like clearing house that uses bitcoin.

bit-pay.com?
You sir, are a genius!


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: adamstgBit on January 28, 2012, 05:02:50 AM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I have checked it out actually, but it needs work. need a lot more users. and as I have mentioned, just doing some research / market studies if you will.

the best thing to do would be to join up with them, it hardly makes sence right now to have 1 ebay for bitcoin site... yet we have like 10! if they all teamed up into one. their would be more volume, and it might actually work!

sometimes cooperation beats competition


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 05:12:19 AM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I have checked it out actually, but it needs work. need a lot more users. and as I have mentioned, just doing some research / market studies if you will.

the best thing to do would be to join up with them, it hardly makes sence right now to have 1 ebay for bitcoin site... yet we have like 10! if they all teamed up into one. their would be more volume, and it might actually work!

sometimes cooperation beats competition


Truer words were never spoken. Maybe those interested, maybe we should get messaging each other?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: notme on January 28, 2012, 05:20:00 AM
Freshly unemployed programmer subscribing.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: BTConomist on January 28, 2012, 06:17:33 AM

Seems to me, it would have a bigger bang if "ebay of bitcoin" was organized as the very first open source project where every contributor would get paid in BTC.

And I'm not talking about a bounty-type pay either. I'm talking about an actual pay for performance and skill set combinations, and without any references to the going exchange rates.

Simply allow interested professionals state what they are willing to accept for an hour of their time, and then have a project lead make hiring decisions based on the relevant info (including pay).


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 06:19:42 AM
We might be on to something here gentlemen. I require sleep, but we shall see what tomorrow brings after I get home from work.

Kindest Regards, and good night from Nebraska USA


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Matthew N. Wright on January 28, 2012, 06:37:29 AM
We might be on to something here gentlemen. I require sleep, but we shall see what tomorrow brings after I get home from work.

Kindest Regards, and good night from Nebraska USA


Aaaand it's gone.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 28, 2012, 03:37:36 PM
I'm back matt...he he he. Cant kill me off that easily!


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 29, 2012, 09:18:23 PM
http://www.tamberlow.com/

wouldn't this be neat? Getting ideas here.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: markm on January 29, 2012, 11:25:19 PM
http://www.tamberlow.com/

wouldn't this be neat? Getting ideas here.

It might be if it was legible, but as it is there is no website at all, just some plugin that Fedora deliberately removed as out of date after its manufacturer provided latest version for Fedora...

-MarkM-


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 29, 2012, 11:28:37 PM
I'm using windows Xp on my notebook, with firefox 9.0.1, and it is neat as hell. Wish It was something I came up with. It might have some flash and java elements Fedora is not playing nice with?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: chsados on January 30, 2012, 10:00:57 AM
im interested in helping, though i cant code for shit - i'd be willing to do whatever i could.  i have been thinking about this same idea the past few months (as well as a few others) and it always boils down to "put up or shut up."  the hard part is finding other motivated individuals and pooling together.

on a completely other note, as skeezy as it sounds...  i think a bitcoin adult cam website is ripe for the picking, if you agree lets talk!  


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 30, 2012, 06:46:58 PM
im interested in helping, though i cant code for shit - i'd be willing to do whatever i could.  i have been thinking about this same idea the past few months (as well as a few others) and it always boils down to "put up or shut up."  the hard part is finding other motivated individuals and pooling together.

on a completely other note, as skeezy as it sounds...  i think a bitcoin adult cam website is ripe for the picking, if you agree lets talk!  

I'm possibly game as an investor on that one


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: jago25_98 on January 30, 2012, 06:56:34 PM
Get Bitmit to show simultaneous results from ebay... even if it's just in a new frame.

That way I can use Bitmit when I search ebay but also check whether it's on Bitmit too.


(If ebay was to try to block this it would be anticompetitive would it not?)


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: StewartJ on January 31, 2012, 01:39:45 AM
Some words of encouragement for you gentlemen:

The two thing that will draw lot of folks to a BTC auction site... a low, low, fee and the fact you are NOT PAYPAL!

Ebay/Paypal nickels and dimes you to death with their fees. I have had a 100% feedback rating on eBay for years, and yet
lately, they have had me waiting for days/weeks at time to release my sale funds, long after payment is received, and sold
product is shipped and received.

I've seen a few BTC "selling classified" web sites withering on the vine of late. To be expected, sometimes the volume doesn't
follow the hype.

My recommendations for a successful ebay-like  auction site

- Super low fee, a universal flat rate if possible
- Very light registration (login name/password only)
- No arbitration/freezing sales like eBay does
- Highlight Buyer/Seller Feedback to avoid scamming
- Maintain the spirit/intention of BTC...fast, nearly fee-free, anonymous, decentralized

Whatever you call it (Bit-Pond?) best of luck


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: cbeast on January 31, 2012, 01:55:12 AM
What Bitcoin may provide with its cash like liquidity is some growth of online consignment shops. Many people don't have the know-how or time to sell items online. Someone can sell things for them from a physical warehouse. Having a permanent location can go long ways to establishing the reputation of a seller. Pawn Shops could also benefit from Bitcoin. There will not be chargebacks so a reseller will have less to worry about.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on January 31, 2012, 03:19:20 AM
Both of you have valid points. It would be a merging of Ebay and amazon, without the ethics issues, and ridiculous fees.

I have been researching web designs and interfaces currently, to get an idea of what feels right. Have you guys checked out this website? (does not seem to play nice with linux, or it was an isolated event) www.tamberlow.com
I like how its pages scroll, and how you can have a little freedom with it.

Ultimately, I DO NOT want to cause a copyright infringement suit to be put upon me or any developers in the future of this project, so it should have features other sites have,but it should be wholly our own too.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Nicolai Larsen on February 06, 2012, 07:25:02 AM
im surprised no one has mentioned http://bitmit.net  its a ebay of bitcoin

I'm sorry, but if that's the "eBay of Bitcoin", then Bitcoin is completely worthless.

Are you aware of how successful eBay is?

eBay had to start somewhere as well, just like Bitmit.

If there's any Bitcoin auction site that he should consider supporting, it should be Bitmit.

I mean why not? It is already being used extensively every day.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Retard on February 06, 2012, 07:35:04 PM
and the Support on Bitmit is amazing


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: ZodiacDragon84 on February 06, 2012, 08:06:15 PM
but it could be better! everything has room for improvement, yes?


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Nicolai Larsen on February 06, 2012, 08:29:14 PM
but it could be better! everything has room for improvement, yes?

Well of course. Nothing is perfect.

That is why it's users should help any way they can.


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: muyuu on February 07, 2012, 02:04:52 PM
It always surprised me how successful ebay is. It's a crap site, and it was also crap in the 90s.

However, a good auction/sales site would be nice. I guess bitmit can also be massively improved upon...


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Richy_T on October 15, 2012, 04:55:03 PM
this is true. I was thinkin same model ebay uses. Have the auction site, but have payment through a paypal like clearing house that uses bitcoin. And keep fees managable for sales, none of this crazy percentage crap those guys are charging. I was thinking ~1-3% Fees Btc on selling. Maximum.

Just thinking randomly but with bitcoin, it might be an idea to have sellers put funds in escrow to be refunded after the sale is complete and you take a percentage of that. Of course, that means that sellers must have funds in the first place...


Title: Re: Ebay of Bitcoin
Post by: Richy_T on October 15, 2012, 05:02:57 PM
It always surprised me how successful ebay is. It's a crap site, and it was also crap in the 90s.

However, a good auction/sales site would be nice. I guess bitmit can also be massively improved upon...

Maybe something like Etsy would be a better model than Ebay. Less likely to see agressive tactics should success start to occur too.