| |
Based in Cupertino, California, SwapThing enables the swapping (trade and
barter) of any combination of items and services between consumers and small
businesses, as well as direct purchases. For exchanges that seem unequal,
cash can be used to balance the transaction. SwapThing is swap-based, as
opposed to auction-based, allowing completely private, one-on-one
negotiations. SwapThing offers free registration and listing for items,
with a low transaction fee of $1.00 for each exchange of goods, no matter
how many items are involved in the swap. The service listings are similar to
local and national classified ads with a subscription-based fee, which is
determined by the length of time the listing will be on the site.
The SwapThing search engine matches items/services offered to items/services
wanted - a unique system of direct exchange between users. User
trustworthiness and reputations are formed by means of a rating system,
which is provided through a partnership with RapLeaf. SwapThing also enables
the creation of community and social networking through user tagging, a
blog, and SwapCircles. A SwapCircle is a group of individuals who identify
with a particular activity, locality or other commonality. Valued
peer-to-peer connections are formed through the networking, making swap
transactions amongst one another more dependable and honest.
|
|
