5 ms·

Show HN: I built a website for suppliers to bid for inventory stockings

12 points by talhof8 5y ago

ss48 5y ago
I liked the site design and its an interesting concept. There are a few concerns I have: * You can't request a feature without logging in * Feed is probably not the most efficient way to match supplier with wholesalers. They should probably fall into some category. * How can a supplier contact the business for more information. Being able to facilitate messaging is something I value in websites like Alibaba * Can attachments be added to describe the products better? Oftentimes, drawing or pictures can help. * There needs to be Terms and Conditions. How is payment handled and when in the process should it be made? What happens when the supplier ships the wrong part. * There should be a button to request more info from the business. That feedback from supplier helps me improve my listing for a part better.
- talhof8 5y ago
  Great feedback, appreciate it! * Noted, will make it public. * Yup, one of my biggest fears with having a feed is the possible amount of noise in it. Planning to have another view which is solely for auctions, with filters and all. * Messaging is also something I plan on adding. Currently the auction is anonymous at the buyer side. Once a bid is accepted, the supplier is able to see the contact details of the buyer. * Not yet, but definitely should! Noted. :) * Also good point. Currently there are no payments, but I agree. * Great one. Much much appreciated!
iev6 5y ago
This is a huge area in India and i can imagine it's bigger in the US. Congrats on launching Mellow! Seems like most of the site is desktop only and not mobile friendly? I couldn't place a bid or see more details on my mobile A search function & categorisation for listings can make it v useful for a typical supplier/buyer to navigate
- talhof8 5y ago
  Thank you! On it, working on a mobile version as well. Note taken for the categorisation. Really having a hard time kickstarting this two-sided marketplace though. Real chicken & egg stuff right there.
  - leobg 5y ago
    Was about to ask. How do you get people to use it? They have been running their business just fine for all these years. I would assume they think they have no problem that needs solving. I’m sure they’d love it once they use it and get results. But I imagine just getting them to give it a try will be an uphill battle. I see that you do have quite a few very recent ads on there, though. So you seem to have found a way?
    - talhof8 5y ago
      Cheers! I’m hoping smaller suppliers will be willing to fill-in the vacuum and looking to compete, grow and extend their reach. Definitely seems like an uphill battle at the moment, but I’m willing to fight as long as the problem persists (i.e, buyers suffering from lack of suppler competition). The auctions on there are from businesses, though. Planning on manually sending those RFQs to relevant suppliers myself. Edit: Also hoping suppliers with excess items will be willing to deliver for better prices.
      - leobg 5y ago
        What are these people using now? Is there any place where they already advertise their needs? Then you could find them there and offer to extend their reach by duplicating their ad on your site.
b20000 5y ago
why not a platform where retailers bid to get inventory from suppliers?
- talhof8 5y ago
  Might work, but will probably just worsen the problems buyers are having (high prices, poor quality supplies, etc…). Will probably bring even more power to large/medium-sized suppliers rather than empowering smaller ones.

12 points by talhof8 5y ago

ss48 5y ago

I liked the site design and its an interesting concept. There are a few concerns I have: * You can't request a feature without logging in * Feed is probably not the most efficient way to match supplier with wholesalers. They should probably fall into some category. * How can a supplier contact the business for more information. Being able to facilitate messaging is something I value in websites like Alibaba * Can attachments be added to describe the products better? Oftentimes, drawing or pictures can help. * There needs to be Terms and Conditions. How is payment handled and when in the process should it be made? What happens when the supplier ships the wrong part. * There should be a button to request more info from the business. That feedback from supplier helps me improve my listing for a part better.

talhof8 5y ago
Great feedback, appreciate it! * Noted, will make it public. * Yup, one of my biggest fears with having a feed is the possible amount of noise in it. Planning to have another view which is solely for auctions, with filters and all. * Messaging is also something I plan on adding. Currently the auction is anonymous at the buyer side. Once a bid is accepted, the supplier is able to see the contact details of the buyer. * Not yet, but definitely should! Noted. :) * Also good point. Currently there are no payments, but I agree. * Great one. Much much appreciated!

iev6 5y ago

This is a huge area in India and i can imagine it's bigger in the US. Congrats on launching Mellow! Seems like most of the site is desktop only and not mobile friendly? I couldn't place a bid or see more details on my mobile A search function & categorisation for listings can make it v useful for a typical supplier/buyer to navigate

talhof8 5y ago
Thank you! On it, working on a mobile version as well. Note taken for the categorisation. Really having a hard time kickstarting this two-sided marketplace though. Real chicken & egg stuff right there.
- leobg 5y ago
  Was about to ask. How do you get people to use it? They have been running their business just fine for all these years. I would assume they think they have no problem that needs solving. I’m sure they’d love it once they use it and get results. But I imagine just getting them to give it a try will be an uphill battle. I see that you do have quite a few very recent ads on there, though. So you seem to have found a way?
  - talhof8 5y ago
    Cheers! I’m hoping smaller suppliers will be willing to fill-in the vacuum and looking to compete, grow and extend their reach. Definitely seems like an uphill battle at the moment, but I’m willing to fight as long as the problem persists (i.e, buyers suffering from lack of suppler competition). The auctions on there are from businesses, though. Planning on manually sending those RFQs to relevant suppliers myself. Edit: Also hoping suppliers with excess items will be willing to deliver for better prices.
    - leobg 5y ago
      What are these people using now? Is there any place where they already advertise their needs? Then you could find them there and offer to extend their reach by duplicating their ad on your site.

b20000 5y ago

why not a platform where retailers bid to get inventory from suppliers?

talhof8 5y ago
Might work, but will probably just worsen the problems buyers are having (high prices, poor quality supplies, etc…). Will probably bring even more power to large/medium-sized suppliers rather than empowering smaller ones.