As a blog owner, it can often be difficult to create the community we desire without sending our visitors offsite. Previously, a marketplace was one such feature.
Ubokia launched November 2011 and currently has over 200,000 members. The company labels their marketplace as “want-centric,” meaning that members come to post their Wants and sellers can then respond to the request. The company hopes to provide an option that is more intimate and personal than sites like Craigslist.
The Basics
This service is free.
Readers can buy and sell without leaving your site.
Ubokia Everywhere is an easy setup that requires just two lines of code that can be placed on any post or page.
The marketplace will not interfere with ad space.
uTrust is a verification process that ensures members are not operating under fake names or accounts. Though this is not required, buyers and sellers can see if the other party has been verified. If they haven’t, it can be requested prior to a transaction occurring.
Though marketed as a “want-centric” marketplace, sellers can also list their items for sale. uMatch will immediately let them know if qualified buyers are available.
Transactions can be completed with PayPal.
Sellers can linkup their eBay account and show their current eBay seller rating and feedback on Ubokia.
Additional Features
Revenue Potential – Bloggers have the option to charge a 2% transaction fee on purchases made through their marketplace. When a purchase is made, the transaction fee is sent to you via PayPal immediately. During the launch phase, bloggers growing their communities to 100 members will receive a $100 Visa gift card.
iFrame code available for installing as a Facebook app
uGroups – Give visitors the option to shop only with other readers with uGroups. These can be Open or Protected, which is invite-only. This is a great option for connecting enthusiasts or local shoppers. You can also create a forum for your uGroup.
My Overall Impression
While there is a support forum available, I don’t see much interaction from Ubokia staff. I see a lot of unanswered questions in here. That being said, my emails to the support staff were answered quickly, even on weekends and until the problem was resolved.
If you are a savings blogger or someone with an active, enthusiast community around something that can be bought and sold, this could make a great addition to your site.
You can see the Ubokia public marketplace below.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Angie Nelson
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