Ask HN: Review my startup, www.yoused.me

[mgestoquejr]

Hi, I currently studied web development (Rails, HTML5, Javascript and CSS3) and have this idea of a website specializing in distributing used goods around the Bay. My website features a way of showing a product's price, condition, description and photos. My users can also search a product and find it within a certain radius from their location. The main feature of my site though is a private messaging feature. This allows users to instantly message other users of their interest instead of having the inconvenience of opening another application or window for email, and as well as giving out their private e-mail account. My site is all about convenience and functionality. I haven't put much effort on design yet (I will in the future).

Link: www.yoused.me

Any form of criticism is welcome! :)

[keywonc]

Congrats on making the prototype. Two quick comments:

1. The web 1.0 aesthetics of the site strongly reminds me of Craigslist, conveys that you are interested in becoming another Cragslist. It's a big setback to today's users who are used to richer/slicker/more friendly marketplaces and services like Cropup, AirBnB, or Sold. Instead of nimble/scrappy, it seems outdated or amateurish, not exactly the positioning you'd want.

2. Given that positioning: Like others said the site itself doesn't communicate how this is different from or better than Craigslist.

I didn't look or click further due to the impression of your landing page, I'd be a bounce. But once you reduce bounce you may get more useful feedback.

[intellegacy]

>The main feature of my site though is a private messaging feature. This allows users to instantly message other users of their interest instead of having the inconvenience of opening another application or window for email, and as well as giving out their private e-mail account.

I don't believe that feature is good enough to make people switch from Craigslist. Messaging to me is just one click. For less savvy computer users they won't mind the extra step to email.

I admire your chutzpah though. Keep thinking of ways to make a better product than CL or ebay.

[mgestoquejr]

Thanks! Yeah, I know craigslist is too big to even compete with. And I know they are offering so much for users. That's why I'm specializing. I just thought of extra features that would make it more convenient, privatized and less confusing for users.

[ozh]

Can't try or see without registering, so I didn't try nor see.

[ldub]

What is the advantage of using yoused over craiglist?

[mgestoquejr]

Craigslist in my opinion is a soup of new and old products. My website/service offers a more specialized distribution of only used goods. It offers less confusion to users and gives a more detailed presentation of the product displaying their condition. I also offer two distinct features: a private messaging system, and a search-within-an-area feature (which I find is more accurate). If I am from Mountain View and want to search in both Sunnyvale and Palo Alto, I don't have to click on south bay and peninsula, I just have to key in my keyword and input "within 10 miles", and it will search the items within 10 miles of my location regardless on which area I am.