Better Buying Through Location-Based Apps

Over the past decade or so, websites such as eBay and Craigslist have revolutionized transactions between common people, allowing strangers to connect online to buy and sell goods and services from each other. Recently though, a few startup companies have begun bringing these transactions back to the local arena by utilizing modern, location-based technologies.

SideSell, one of these startups, is attempting to take a bite out of the market by allowing consumers to see a map of local items for sale. They’re not just mapping garage sales; anything you could possibly want, from tickets to real estate, can be seen. Speaking of garage sale though, SideSell could help revolutionize them as well. Instead of driving from house to house looking for that certain item, you can message the poster and simply ask if he/she has it.  And the kicker, this is all from your smartphone.

Other companies have jumped into the fray, targeting more specific areas, such as the real estate and job market for example. Regardless of the designated market, all of these services have one key element in common that the established market leaders lack: mobility. They all allow you to not only locate on the go, but locate period, which they believe, will push them to the front of the field.

Check out the original article here: http://mashable.com/2011/06/07/online-marketplaces-apps/