SAN JOSE, Calif., April 11, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- SwapThing announces its worldwide online grand opening at swapthing.com -- enabling the exchange of any combination of items and services between consumers and small businesses, using cash to offset unequal deals.
"We're thrilled to offer collectors, businesses and parents an entirely new way to utilize the Internet to exchange items and services with or without cash," SwapThing CEO Jessica Hardwick says. "SwapThing brings a whole new era of commerce online."
Unlike competing websites, SwapThing is barter-based as opposed to auction-based, allowing completely private negotiating. The SwapThing search engine matches items offered to items wanted, a unique system of direct exchange between users, and a rating system to build trust and reputation within the community. SwapThing allows free registration and item listings. A $1.00 transaction fee applies for the exchange of goods, no matter how many items are in the swap.
"In the last few months of testing we've seen a sharp increase in parents wanting to barter baby clothes and maternity clothes, toys and books," Hardwick explains. "Our customers range from 18-year-olds swapping video games to 70-year-olds swapping crochet patterns. We serve a wide range of people who want to save money, exchange something they are no longer using for something they need, or trade collectibles. And negotiating is confidential and one-on-one, not a public auction."
The new online service allows users to join SwapCircles, a social network layer that creates communities based on geography and/or common interests.
"It doesn't matter what your hobby or goal is, you can create or join a SwapCircle immediately for free -- as many as you wish," Hardwick says. "Kickoff your personal SwapCircle and see how it builds. It's fun!"
About SwapThing
SwapThing enables the trade and barter of any combination of items and services between consumers and small businesses, using cash to offset unequal exchanges. SwapThing offers free registration and listing, with transaction fees of $1.00 for each exchange of goods no matter how many items are in the swap, and of $10.00 for the exchange of services. Unlike competitors, SwapThing is barter-based as opposed auction-based, allowing completely private, one-on-one negotiations. The SwapThing search engine matches items offered to items wanted, a unique system of direct exchange between users, and a rating system to build trustworthiness. Based in San Jose, CA, SwapThing also enables the creation and joining of SwapCircles to build strong communities and social networks for traders of like interests. www.swapthing.com