Zaarly Launches Realtime, Local Marketplace To The Public

I like the idea, but the centralized platform means it would be hard to buy/sell drugs, sex and contraband, which would make it really interesting :) I'd also like to see a bidding component; for example, head to the Apple store on a big launch day, and bid for an iPad 3/iPhone 5--those at the front of the queue could make a tidy profit, and those with deeper pockets could skip the queue.

I wonder if they should have launched slower, maybe a few cities at a time.

I'm in DC right now and can only find 4 items within a few miles. I think that kind of experience will give people a bad first impression.

I predict this will not fly–or will require serious pivoting.

I don't really get why they're focusing on the demand-side. The "Wanted" section of Craigslist is considerably smaller than most of the other For Sale categories (I personally never check it).

I also don't see any real-world/brick-and-mortar example of reverse person-to-person selling like this. What is the incentive for someone to even check Zaarly for a need I might meet? Don't say "make extra cash" because if I need to sell stuff, I dig through it and post it for sale.

If I need something, I search Craigslist. If it's not there, I check Ebay. Or I buy it new. I don't post a request and pray someone will get back to me.

People are going to request things ... and most requests will go unanswered. Then they'll stop using it.

(BTW, totally not trying to sound like a pessimistic jerk)

I like the concept, I think it's well designed and the iPhone app seems to be really great. It's got a bit of a chicken and the egg problem at the moment, but I really hope it grows.

Cool, it's basically like the WTB (Want To Buy) announcements in online video games.

How is it different than RedBeacon? What are good things vs. the bad?

Another US only product. What a tragedy.

Go Zaarly!