Competition ideas

[SME00]

Hi members,
I launched a website last year. It is an online classifieds (like Gumtree) although it targets people who have recently come from a failed relationship. So the aim for sellmyex is for users to sell unwanted goods (Free to list) and share the story behind the item. It is also used to sell unwanted gifts (from Christmas etc). So this classifieds isn't about selling everything and anything.

People have shown interest in the concept, had a laugh and even purchased items for the site. But, I am having difficulty obtaining sellers. I would also like to get more followers on Facebook.

I was thinking perhaps a prize for the most creative listing (as in the story being told) or perhaps a "create the caption" contest on Facebook- but that doesn't attract sellers only interest on F/B.

Any suggestions?

[Matt Rankin]

Originally Posted by sellmyex

Hi members,
I launched a website last year. It is an online classifieds (like Gumtree) although it targets people who have recently come from a failed relationship. So the aim for sellmyex is for users to sell unwanted goods (Free to list) and share the story behind the item. It is also used to sell unwanted gifts (from Christmas etc). So this classifieds isn't about selling everything and anything.

People have shown interest in the concept, had a laugh and even purchased items for the site. But, I am having difficulty obtaining sellers. I would also like to get more followers on Facebook.

I was thinking perhaps a prize for the most creative listing (as in the story being told) or perhaps a "create the caption" contest on Facebook- but that doesn't attract sellers only interest on F/B.

Any suggestions?

I'd go with a competition on the most creative listing, or most interesting/funny story. This will generate the most interest directly in your site. It's one thing to create a buzz on Facebook/Twitter etc, but quite another to do it on your site.

[tonyk]

I would go with the most creative story idea as well. I'd also suggest you start up a Twitter account to help create even more buzz.

[Chris's Signs]

10 years ago when i split my with my missus......i left for a few weeks for space...when i came back all my stuff was on the front lawn...great garage sale...lol..

this is a great idea....this way neighbors wont know whats happening, and ask to borrow your tools...AHAHHAHHa

[David@Verve Recruitment]

I'm going to offer some constructive criticism if I may.

Personally I don't like your concept. I personally don't find it funny. I find it distasteful. But then that doesn't mean that others won't find the notion of relishing in others misery absolutely hilarious.

But in addition to my coldness to the premise of the site, I also think that it's too niche.

The good idea you have is in giving sellers the option to put in a witty story about their item for sale, but why restrict that to those that have been involved in a recent failed relationship, or indeed those that have been involved in a recent failed relationship, have a funny story, and can be bothered to bring themselves to announce it to the world so that they may have a chuckle at it.

As I say, I'm not trying to poo-poo your idea for the sake of it, just giving you an opinion which is what you asked for. I think the box you're making for yourself is too small and too problematic. You're doing yourself a disservice.

[gossipism]

hello

im on the fence with this.

the concept is different (which i like) but the target market is so super niche that making it work would require a lot of thinking, perseverance, and a bid dose of luck.

i can see where David is coming from too, as not all break ups are "clothes burning" ones.

a way to make it more appealing or at least more acceptable to the general "newly single public" (in my opinion) would be to have the store as a "feature" of the site.

if you changed the focus to say, best breakup stories, or newly single looking for a fling, or something that doesnt push just the store, you can then have it as a by product.

am i making sense? i tend to talk garbage alot....

[David@Verve Recruitment]

Originally Posted by gossipism

the concept is different (which i like)

I think the concept is a little shocking, daring and quirky, which has some appeal - like making a joke based on taboos. But I think that initial feeling of acceptance of the topic subsides pretty quickly, or at least it did for me.

Originally Posted by gossipism

am i making sense? i tend to talk garbage alot....

Lol. What rot.

[MediaConnects]

1. Competition marketing is a great idea if you can drive the people you need to your site.
2. The prizes has to be something they will want and fit your brand
3. You need to look at the legislation for running a competition in your state and the states entrants will come from

As for the site the idea is different and I am sure has market-share out there. But reactions like David's will not be uncommon when you go with a personal thing like exs and breakups.

As for comps they have their merit they just need to be planned and marketed well too like anything

Hope I have helped in some way.

[SME00]

Thanks everyone for your ideas, feedback, and criticism I acknowledge that every one has different perceptions and within these perceptions, some people give great constructive feedback and others twist your idea/work/view/comments in a negative manner.

The point of sellmyex:
- target a niche market (and yes I agree it could target a wider audience)
- turn negatives into positives, even in small ways. At the end of the day, gifts are materialistic.
- Help the environment. Isn't it better to pass unwanted gifts on to people who will utilize them, instead of it ending up in landfill?
- SellMyEx is an option, not a mandatory law that people must abide by when they break up. It is not out there to revolutionize the world of break ups. If people don't like sellmyex- they won't use it No dramas. No hard feelings.

Special thanks to those who actually gave me an answer to my question.

Best wishes to all the flyingsolo users and their ventures.