From Surplus to Real Need: A Platform Where Demand Takes Center Stage
Santa has just been, Christmas is around the corner. Buying stuff seems almost inevitable. I try to buy as little as possible during this period because I don’t want to burden delivery drivers with my unnecessary purchases. But sometimes something appears on Vinted that I’ve been waiting for, well, then I order it now. This period always gets me thinking about how supply and demand work.
Too Much Stuff, No Easy Way to Connect Supply and Demand
The reality is so contradictory:
- Thrift stores are overflowing and so full they can’t accept items anymore
- Finding specific items in a thrift store is a day’s work (or week’s work)
- Items get dumped on the street because offering them is too much hassle
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local groups offer possibilities, but offering free items causes problems
As soon as something is free, everyone suddenly wants it, whether they need it or not. In Facebook groups, whoever responds first gets the item, not whoever needs it most. When I tried to give my free items only to people who genuinely seemed to need them, I had problems with the moderators. Something’s wrong here, right?! Free items should go to people who need them, not to people who think: “Oh nice, another dish set!”
The Solution?
A place where asking for items takes center stage instead of offering them.
The psychological difference between asking for and offering free items?
- If someone actively asks for items, they probably really need them because there’s a threshold to asking for things
- As soon as someone offers something for free, people suddenly think: “Oh yeah, I could use that” even though they don’t really need it
- That second situation leads to even more overconsumption and waste. The first situation connects items to actual need.
Besides: how often does it happen that someone mentions needing something, and you think: “I still have one of those in storage, I don’t use it anymore anyway.” A win-win: you declutter, the other person gets help. But putting all those items on Craigslist? Way too much hassle.
The Concept: “Sharesquare”?
I propose a platform reminiscent of Craigslist, but specifically for requesting free or low-priced secondhand items.
For the ‘Seeker’ (the person who needs items):
- Simple wishlist: create a list of sought items on your profile within minutes
- Photos are optional: sometimes appearance doesn’t matter, functionality is enough
- Automatic updates: once you’ve received an item, you update the list – providers immediately see it’s no longer needed
For the ‘Provider’ (the person who wants to get rid of items):
- Location-based search: immediately see who’s looking for something in your area
- Minimal effort: no need to place ads, just respond to existing demand
- Full profile insight: see all items someone is looking for, so you can see if you might have multiple items that could help
- Redirection: have an item that’s no longer needed? The system immediately shows who in the area still wants this item
- Send tips: if you as a provider walk through a thrift store and see the requested item, you can send a tip to the seeker
Why This Works
Efficiency without waste.
- Psychological threshold: asking for items prevents impulsive greed and hoarding
- Actual need: whoever asks, probably really needs it
- Minimal friction for providers: no hassle with placing ads
- Local and sustainable: focus on the neighborhood reduces transport and increases engagement
- Intelligent matching: the system thinks along and connects supply with demand
The Next Step
This concept can fundamentally change the way we deal with secondhand items. From supply-driven overconsumption to demand-driven efficiency. From waste to meaningful reuse.
I’d love to see this idea developed further, with or without me!
Do you see possibilities? Or do you know someone who could – or would want to – develop this? Go ahead or invite me for a coffee and let’s talk about it!
