SwapSquare – Get Local. Get Swapping. Get Deals.

12 thoughts on “SwapSquare – Get Local. Get Swapping. Get Deals.”

1. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?

   First impression? WTH is that? I have no idea what I am supposed to do, and where I am. I don’t even know what’s the purpose of this app.
    
   “Add STUFF I want”, “Add STUFF I can trade”? Are you  serious? Only use the word “stuff” as a very last option… Unless you want to appear unprofessional… Seriously, remove the word “stuff” and replace it with a more elegant word.

   Examples: “What I want” and “What I trade” or even “Wants” and “Trades” would both be better than “stuff”.
   After clicking the “add” and “trade” stuff… Now I understand the purpose of this app, it is to trade via facebook.

   I don’t like the fact that I did not get the notification of “allow” or “block” option… It’s not necessarily your fault though.

   I like the various options you give. Mostly everything can be accessible from the main page which is really nice as it makes navigation better.

   Hmmm… I though that the “machinery” image was linked to a settings page… Looks like I was wrong. It is linked to “services”, maybe change that icon? Because the machinery icon is used as “settings” in almost everything.

   I like the “swap tips”, they provide some basic but fundamental advice. It shows that you know what you are talking about!

   What features are not included which you would like to see?

   Probably more categories. You got only Fashion, electronics and services. The rest goes into “else”. If you don’t really know what type of categories you can have, maybe you could include a “label” option, so that when I trade or want something, I can label it appropriately.

   I can’t really tell much right now, because my home page is empty… But I will try some guess. Maybe include some sort of filter as well? For example, I want things from Sydney which are either electronics or fashion. I just put it into a “filter” and it shows me all the available trades.

   A sort of “chatting” part would be nice, or at least comment on products and users. Maybe include a rating for each user, like they do on Ebay, so that we know who is trading fairly and who is not.

   Latest deals, popular deals, cheapest deals categories maybe?

   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?

   A small tutorial will be useful. Either by texts and images or videos. It must be less than 5mins though. A FAQ section will be nice as well.

   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?

   This is the first time I saw an application like that on facebook. Well done on your great thinking!

   Any additional comments?
   Not really, your app is quite straight forward and you are using facebook, which gives you less problems with the layout and customers.

   Did you incorporate a live msn-feed ? So that I can know when I got a deal, by email. Or maybe SMS even? It would be a cool feature I reckon.

   Other than those, your apps look great! I hope that I helped you a bit, good luck.

2. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?
   There was nothing bothersome about the page or the application. I think not only is this a cool idea but a smart one because this app is harnessing the power of social networking and FaceBook rules in this area.
    
   What features are not included which you would like to see?
   Although the application is easy to use, I had to figure it out.  I suggest adding a how-to-demo or short tutorial.
    
   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?
   On the main FaceBook page instead of the blue button that states App, I would state something like “Are you ready to swap?”
    
   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?
   I do not know if there is an application or website that does it better, but http://www.swaptreasures.com is a good place to get ideas.
   
   Any additional comments?
   I like the simplicity of the application and the fact that it uses FaceBook.  This is a much needed service. I can see the potential growth it can achieve via social networking and especially during these state of these trying times.  Again this is a smart move and I wish it much success.
   

3. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?

   Bothersome:

   The help bubbles are kind of big and clunky.  Plus, they go away as soon as I click – how do I get them back?  How about a how-to introductory section on the home page?  I can kind of see what this is about – just from the name.  Still, to be absolutely clear, a home page with a simple overview of the process/service you provide would look a lot more professional and make your app a lot easier to use.

   Tagline:  Is “get deals” essential to the tagline?  Do you also offer coupons?  Or discounts?  That’s what I think of when I think of deals.  I don’t think of swapping as a deal.  I think “Get local. Get swapping” would suffice.

   Why do I have an inbox?  I’d rather see text denote each category (fashion, electronics, etc.).  As it is, I have to hover over each category to see what it is.

   Like:

   I can easily see where to enter my zip code for local info.  I like pretty much everything on the left sidebar.  I also like that you can make a cash offer for something if you don’t have anything to trade.

    
    
   What features are not included which you would like to see?

   When I went to “buy” something or make a cash offer – no confirmation came up that the offer went through.  I would expect something like “This person have been notified of your offer.  If they like your offer, they will contact you to make the exchange.”

   I can already see that spammers are using this site.  I don’t see a way for users to flag posts in order to deter/prevent spammers from overtaking this app and making it useless for real people.

   I think it would be also good to have a feedback system, so users can sort of moderate themselves, and see who they can trust if trading with someone they don’t know.

    
    
    

   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?

   When I click on an item at the bottom of the page, the popup comes up at the top of the page – where I can’t see it.  Can you make it so the popup comes up right over the item I want to view?

    
    
   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?

   Even after searching Google, I didn’t see anyone who has a similar AND better service.

    
    
   Any additional comments?

   I know this is a Facebook app, but I think it would be a very good idea to have a web site as well, to introduce people to your product and place in search results so more people can find you.  Based on what’s currently ranking on google for “swap stuff site”, I’d say you could make it to page one in a few months tops, as long as you implement SEO techniques/a blog on-site.

   Neat idea – good luck with it!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

4. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?
   The first thing that appears in front of me are two big chunky squares, one blue and one green. These are both titled “Add Stuff”. I find the word “stuff” to be unprofessional and I think this could be replaced with a different word, “Add Items”, “Add Goods”, “Add Swappable’s”, “Items I need”, Items for Trade”. I also find the text in them bothersome as well, “Got things to swap?” this sounds like street talk and makes me feel like this site is a bit of a joke rather than a real application to take seriously.
    
   I then clicked on the “home” button hoping this page would explain in greater detail what this Facebook application was all about. All that greeted me was a blue and a green button, I find this bothersome that there is no tutorial, introduction, video or help section clearly visible. I would worry that people would start using this application not fully understanding what it’s all about. I did find a help section right at the bottom of the page but it’s not clearly visible.
    
   I like the fact that you have the zip code finder so you can find goods and services in your area straight away without having to go through all the listings (once there are listings).
    
   I don’t like the “else” category, again this just doesn’t sound professional. Maybe “miscellaneous” would be more appropriate.
    
   What features are not included which you would like to see?
   I think a feedback or rating system would be good so users know who can be trusted. This will help stop people getting scammed or ripped off.
    
   My “home page” is currently empty so it’s hard to tell exactly what shows up on a listing but I would hope that people have the chance to add pictures/picture of what they are wanting to swap.
    
    
   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?
   A small, quick tutorial video or slide show would be great. I had a look through the help pop up section but a lot of people can’t be bothered taking the time to read text.
    
   I think in the future you should think about adding more categories as this would make it easier to find exactly what users are looking for. Currently these categories are limited and once this becomes popular users could spend a long time having to search through the “else” category.
    
   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?
   I have seen websites similar to the trading or swapping idea, like http://www.u-exchange.com and http://www.swaptreasures.com but never a Facebook application. I think this is an ingenious idea that could be very successful if it’s marketed right and the application is made to look more professional.
   
   Any additional comments?
   I think changing words like “stuff” and “else” will help give this application a better first impression.

   Also your logo in the top right hand corner could be larger, brighter and more identifiable.

5. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?

   I like the actual pictures of the products available for swap. Just like on ebay, I think people are going to be less likely to click on a listing that just has an icon or a generic photo.

   I’m a little put off by the randomness of the things on the front page. I almost thing it would be easier to navigate if you didn’t automatically see the list of all of the things available, and you were forced to first choose a category. 

   I’m also a little bothered by the fact that the potential swapper will see all of my Facebook information. I keep my Facebook profile private, and just because I’m interested in a piano that they have doesn’t mean I want them to have access to my photos, my contact info, etc.

   What features are not included which you would like to see?

   I’d like to be able to sort the results, or search the results. If I’m looking for something specific, I’d like to be able to type that in and see if it is available. I don’t see any way of doing that – you just have to scroll through the list.
   

   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?

   Again, I think the ability to sort would be key here. I’d also like to be able to save a listing to “my favorites” or have it emailed to me, so that if I see something I like, I can quickly go back to it at a later date. 
   

   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?

   It seems similar to the “barter” section of craigslist. Craigslist is very well-known, and has a huge number of new listings every day. You can also submit a craigslist ad with a randomly generated email, so that the person who replies to your ad doesn’t automatically have your contact information. 
   

   Any additional comments?

   The concept of using Facebook for swapping is good, as people already spend so much of their free time there, but I think that the idea definitely needs some refinement.

6. What do you like?
   I enjoy the overall concept of the app.

   What features are not included which you would like to see?
   I would like to see a feedback system.  I would also recommend a scam warning.

   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?
   I think that’s going to come with time and exposure, since the thing that would make the app more beneficial to me is getting more items in my area.

   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?
   I have not seen an app like this before, but I do use freecycle.  I think this has the potential to become as successful as freecycle in time.

   Any additional comments?
   I don’t really agree with the use of the term “stuff”.   I think “items” might be more approachable.

7. Dear All,
   Many thanks for your comments and reviews of SwapSquare. They are very useful and insightful. As there are only 3 awards, not all have received an award. But all of your feedback has been helpful and we very much appreciate the time everyone spent having a look at our application.
    
   Thanks again,
    
   The Whowish Team

8. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. – Done
   What do you find bothersome?
   · The page is confusing because you can see both facebook log-in page and Swapsqure at the same time. Maybe the first question of all the users that will go to this page is “what is this page all about?”
   · Swap tips start at number 3, it would be better if it will starts at 1 to be more presentable.
   · There are two big boxes with arrow the green and the blue box which is not that attractive, it should be better set as a pop-up message when you point the mouse icon on either Add Stuff I Want or Add Stuff I Can Trade.
   What do you like?
   · What I like is the idea of adding application to a social networking site since this one of the best way to search for possible customer or trader.
   · I also like the design of the page, simple is beautiful.
   What features are not included which you would like to see?
   · Since this is a Facebook application, once the user logged-in the identity should automatically reflected on the upper left corner of the page and the “identify yourself” message should disappear.
   · Having a list of all users who view the stuffs I can trade would be nice.
   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?
   It would be easier to use this app if there’s a detailed instructions on how to use it. A link of how to videos will also help first timer to be more familiar with the app.
   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?
   There are websites similar to this app which has more categories however the idea of this app is better since it is link to a social network site.
   Additional comments
   As I mentioned earlier, this is one of Facebook app so no need to identify yourself after you have logged-in. I think there will be more Facebook user will be interested on this app since this will help them search for prospective trader very easy.

9. Visit the app at https://apps.facebook.com/swapsquare/. What do you find bothersome? What do you like?
   Visually I don’t lik how there is not full use of the page. I don’t really like to see a scrolling page inside of another scrolling page. I understand it but it doesn’t look that appealin to me. I also don’t like how the add stuff boxes are placed over other items. I get the sense that I need to see what is laying over. I clicked on the indetify yourself button and went back and saw that the add stuff boxes got smaller and that I could really clicked on the items that were covered up. The way you explain what your company does was very boring. I’m not understand your color usage when it comes to the text boxes that help you add stuff. I would like to the see the color instead of little gray boxes that pop up color when the mouse is moved to them. I like how simple it seems to be to just who’s adding what. I actually like that the title boxes after I logged in rather than the ones on the homepage.  
   
   What features are not included which you would like to see?
   I would like to see something explaining how long  you can post an item. Again your company title needs to be places at the top of the page. We can clearly see that it facebook but your company seems to get lost in the shuffle. I would like to see the posting in my area before I the posting as a whole. I didn’t realize that there was nothing in my area until I clicked on my area again and then I recieved a message stating that there was nothing my area.
   How could we make the app more useful or easier for you to use?
   I would just make sure people understand the swaping and trading when you click on someones item because I was a little confused at first. I would also be nice to see if people want to add a price they are willing to take in the buy it section.
   Do you think there is someone who offers a very similar application or website but does it better?
   Craiglist is one of the popular sites that allows people to swap and trade items. I would also take a look at care to trade. they have a great use of color and a visually exicting homepage.  
   Any additional comments?
   The most prominant name on the page was a facebook title. I would definitly consider moving that to the top of the page and make it bigger and add some color to it. I also think you should put your about tab at the top of the page along with how to contact you.

10. $5 awarded to H_game.

11. $5 awarded to jessicafry.

12. $5 awarded to dakotalee.

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