I want to write this blog on Tue/Wed, after the external pitching. However I think it’s better to combine the pitching party on Friday, ‘cuz I know the latter will be much more interested ;).
There were some “good pitches” on Monday, for ex: Chupr, Lut Game. Chupr is another example of “copy the idea and do something with it”. Something could be “localize” or “add in more functions” or anything :-P. And they have quite a few users from Singapore I think. A good start, but they will need to think more how to compete with other websites/services. From what I’ve observed, Singaporean prefer to meet up to view the item before they make the transaction. If they apply the eBay concept here, they definitely fail. I think eBay is falling too, the new star is Craglist :-P.
Lut game is doing exactly what we are trying to do with our game (Captain Cook), the guy who pitched is quite smart I think, Ben mentioned that he earns more from his games than his official job at IBM. His games are simple, easy to play, very very addicted (a.k.a no ending game) and encourage you to involved many users. Those are some factors you need to consider when you decide to make a game :). If anyone in our class wants to be involved in the game industry, this might be the chance for you..
It was too bad that I had to leave the pitching party on Friday early, right after our pitch because I want to attend an event nearby, organized by my friends. Anyway, I found one of the pitch very interesting, therefore when I came back home, I contacted the guy (Chris) immediately. I hope our app can run into the “expected” problem, and he can be success in his FYP :).
Chupr is another example of “copy the idea and do something with it”. Something could be “localize” or “add in more functions” or anything
If you guys want to do localization, I would suggest xiaonei. Singapore is TOO SMALL. :-P
I agree, the number of users in Singapore is too small :). However I think if you want to open in another country, legal issue is the most difficult part.
Think you nicely summarized our online strategy as “localizing” or “adding in more functions”, though that’s mainly when one concentrates on the technical view of things. Another approach (which we try to also use) is understanding user behavior to solve problems/”pain-points” or offer value for them.
As for the contention of the small market size, I suppose it can both be viewed as a constraint or an opportunity, depending on how one looks at it ;)
- Hanyang, ChupR Team
Hi Hanyang,
Thanks for passing by my blog :P, I didn’t expect anyone outside of this module to read my blog hehe.
About chupr, you could said that small market size is an opportunity, I agree. I think it’s much easier for you guys to start with a small market first before expanding it to something bigger. What I meant is that you need to have a bigger plan for such auction site in the future, if you just base in Singapore, you only can reach a certain point. Also the concept I talked above, Singaporean prefer to meet up rather than using the website. The reason?
1. No commission fee (you guys die)
2. Can inspect the item before they make the transaction.
Why this is happening in Singapore? Because it’s small, only take 1-2 hours to meet up. In US, it’s too big so such system like eBay can work well.
One last opinion, you guy should go for banner ads instead of charging the commission. Just my opinion, feel free to disagree :P.
Typically, we love to engage in discussion about what we do and also gather feedback… It’s what keeps things interesting ;)
Yep, you’re right about some of the constraints as well as the unique local situation and we have some plans in motion already :P