My fondest memories as a kid were when I would travel to swap meets with my dad. My dad would hold up an automotive part and ask how much, the seller would shout out a price and my dad either bought the item or set it down and moved to the next spot.
“Swap meets were the place to be 30 years ago when I started selling car parts. With so few swap meets left, I decided to start an online swap meet just for automotive parts” says Joe Chirco, co-owner of the new Ahwooga.com.
The simplicity of those swap meet rules has never left me. “I have sold car parts on all of the major online marketplaces successfully over the last 10 years, but, for me, I got tired of the constant changes and increased fees. My staff and I experienced all the same challenges as other sellers have had. “
Joe shares a great story, “I was discussing a problem I was having with one of the marketplace’s level one customer service reps, and she told me that if I was unhappy, I should start my own marketplace and then I could charge my sellers whatever I wanted. So that’s exactly what I’ve done.”
The rules on ahwooga.com will mirror those of a simpler time. Ahwooga members will have the freedom to promote their items and share with potential buyers their terms, including payment methods they will accept. We also want to promote buyer and seller communication; sometimes a purchase needs more than a couple of e-mails. There is a point where a phone call can really help out both the buyer and seller. I still can’t believe sites that allow major purchases to happen without communication. This would prevent scammers from hiding behind their computers. I also believe larger ticket item would be purchased with more confidence due to this open communication.
Benefits of ahwooga.com
Buyers and sellers are encouraged to communicate
No listing or final sales fees for members
Re-listing unsold items free
Classified ads show in searches with auctions and fixed price listing
Five images per listing free
Store fronts free for sellers
