Trabeus - is a peer-to-peer mobile platform that lets users trade items they no longer need or offer to buy items from others in their local community. Launched to address the gap between traditional resale platforms and old-school bartering, the app introduces a flexible way to exchange goods, creating a sustainable, community-driven alternative to commercial consumerism.
The Problem
Online marketplaces ignore a simple reality: not everyone wants to sell — some just want to trade.
Pain Points
- No structured way to swap goods (barter is clunky)
- Trust & safety concerns → scams, ghosting, fake profiles
- Negotiations pushed into unregulated DMs
- Limited hybrid options (trade + buy in one place)
Research
Methods
- 7 User Interviews (18–45 yrs, Marketplace/Carousell users)
- 60+ Survey Responses (validated assumptions)
- Competitor Analysis (Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, OfferUp)
- Affinity Mapping in Figma
Key Insights
- Trust is the #1 barrier (“I don’t know who I’m talking to half the time… feels unsafe”).
- Communication breakdowns lead to failed trades.
- Location matters: users prefer nearby meetups.
- Simplicity is key: fast listing + clarity of transaction type.
Competitive Analysis
Research
Methods
- 7 User Interviews (18–45 yrs, Marketplace/Carousell users)
- 60+ Survey Responses (validated assumptions)
- Competitor Analysis (Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, OfferUp)
- Affinity Mapping in Figma
Key Insights
- Trust is the #1 barrier (“I don’t know who I’m talking to half the time… feels unsafe”).
- Communication breakdowns lead to failed trades.
- Location matters: users prefer nearby meetups.
- Simplicity is key: fast listing + clarity of transaction type.