Now that social networks have become a regular part of the fabric of modern life, segmentation is well under way, with communities popping up all over focused on specific groups and interests. Case in point: OURthreads.com, a social marketplace designed specifically for users interested in fashion, clothing and accessories. Launched earlier this month, OURthreads facilitates the buying, selling and trading of clothes. Registered users begin by setting up a virtual “closet,” which serves as their home page. From there, they can proceed to display items for sale or look through other users’ closets for something to buy or trade. Users can link to their favourite closets, and they can also advertise on the site to bring more visitors to their own
Creating a closet, buying, trading and listing items for sale are all free; sellers pay OURthreads a fee of 3.5 percent of the total selling price for anything they sell. Ads, meanwhile, are available in variably priced packages. Cofounder Pete Yonkman explains: “When we designed the concept we tried to create a community that would allow people to easily create value for the items they have, whether they designed them or they just don't want to wear them any more.”
Though it’s just barely out of the starting gates, the Indiana-based site already has a few hundred registered users—an eclectic mix of “boutiques, stay-at-home moms, a retired teacher who knits clothes, some college students and a few independent designers,” Yonkman says. Buying and selling on OURthreads is currently limited to US residents, but the company is open to partnership and ideas from those who want to make the site better. OURthreads is also gearing up to launch a new program next month, Yonkman says—stay tuned for more!
Website: www.ourthreads.com
Contact: feedback@ourthreads.com
Spotted by: Bill McMahon
Great Idea. I wouldn't be into it myself but I can see the potential. I cant help but think that since Facebook has opened its doors to applications, perhaps integrating with them might result in a larger user base. At least greater exposure.
I firmly believe that these communities spread vi rally through social networks far quicker than "stand alone" sites.
Also, great site design. Really like it.
Along the same lines of niche social networks, one of my friends is a knitter who's been going nuts for Ravelry [ ravelry.com ].
She's never gotten into the social networks before (just not enough draw) but she's spent hours upon hours on Ravelry, and it's motivated her to inventory her yarn and needles (I consider behavior change one of the more telling metrics of impact).
I think this could be a great idea!!! I have been doing this on e-bay, but it is really not set up in a good way like this is.
We all have stuff we should be getting rid of, I'm definatley going to set one up and get my teenage daughter to do it too.
www.fabulousafter40.com
Another social shopping website (looks a lot better in terms of design - haven't checked out the functionality yet and how it compares): http://www.osoyou.com
It seems like there are going to be a heap of targeted online social networking sites, and as has been mentioned previously if these can spread effectively and virally then they will bring success. I like this.
Mark Bowness
This is Cool.I like the "random-ness"!!!!
OURthreads seems like are really good site. Thanks for the info
-Fred
www.upfuse.com
Social marketplace for clothes? Join the social marketplace http://cestu.com