Beta Test

DanielK · 01-01-2010, 08:00 PM

If any "tech" types can volunteer a few minutes over the next week to beta test an automotive/motorcycle site that I'm launching this month, please email me.
Many thanks!
Daniel
cdkkrause@yahoo.com

sgoodwin · sgoodwin's Garage

Test, this is just a test. If this was an actual emergency you would be dead by now!

DanielK · 01-02-2010, 08:25 AM

Well, then, I'm glad it's just a test

Bob Hancock · 01-02-2010, 08:59 AM

Send brad and cageyar and roger a p-mail and ask real nice. You might actually get something. I'd do it but I don't know enough to be much help.

SergioK · 01-02-2010, 09:10 AM

Brad who cleans up the afterbirth when you're done?

ErricZ · 01-02-2010, 09:56 AM

count me in DK.

DanielK · 12:49 PM

Thanks guys - the temporary url for beta testing is here: Swap My Whip - Vehicle Trading & Purchasing
If you read the home page, and check the first question on the FAQ page, you'll get the picture.
All I need is for anyone that has a few minutes to run through the functionality of the site. Click click click - try to break it. Any vehicle you list will be purged when we go live in a few weeks.
Many thanks!
Daniel

Bob Hancock · 01-02-2010, 01:49 PM

I don't see how this pays for itself Daniel. I got bit by a selling service once before and would want to easily know what the fees are to participate. Other than that it looks pretty easy to navigate around in. Good luck.

DanielK · 01-02-2010, 02:42 PM

Bob,
Thanks for your input. The site will be free for a limited time until the inventory is built up. It is designed to be a consumer friendly site, with a sense of community. We haven't finalized the price point yet, but it will only be in the neighborhood of $5.99 to list a vehicle until it sells. No gimmicks, no hidden fees. That's it. I already have a number of major advertisers whose banners will be displayed on each page.
It's designed to cut out that two step process of selling/buying, or the rip off that occurs during trade in. We all have the same life changing situations that happen at different times - births, teens getting their licenses, empty nest, mid-life crises - how about boredom?? The site is designed to help these people hook up to swap, and get value for whatever they own. My neighbor trades cars every year -he'll be a perfect candidate!
Anyways, thanks for running through the site and lending your opinion...I do value it!
Daniel

cageyar · cageyar's Garage

A few comments:

The font is too small and hard to see. If I can't read it, others will have difficulty also. Mimic the font and size used on this forum.
The answer to FAQ #4 is vague. As in your Terms & Conditions, you should clearly state liability limits and user responsibility. Inviting people to swap ownership of capital goods will invaribly cause issues with unknowledgeable clients and those who intend to deceive. I hope your T&C were reviewed by an attorney familiar with internet liability issues.
It appears the "Why do you need my email?" link does not work.
If site use is free, you shoud be touting it. If there is an expense for users, it's not readily apparent as Bob Hancock's question shows.
In your "About us" link, your reasons for site purpose, if realistic, indicates you didn't avail yourself of all options to locate a vehicle. There are many ways to find and sell a vehicle today. The notion that people will actually "swap" (if that's really what you mean) capital goods is questionable IMO.
I would strongly recommend developing a users "Operating Code" that list the 10 or so things each user should perform/consider before and during participation in a "swap". I'd make acknowledgement of that code mandatory during registration. You should include statements regarding ethics, user responsibility, the need to use CarFAx or other research (could be your first ad), methods for dispute resolution (BBB/NCDS/etc-your second ad) and so on.

DanielK · 03:57 PM

Cageyar,
Excellent points - thanks.
The first 3 have already been noted, and are being modified. The site is by no means finished. It is still undergoing many updates and changes on a daily basis. There are still many items left to tweak.
Yes, the T & C have been reviewed by an attorney. I have one on staff.
The final home page will have a "bubble" that touts the site being free for a limited time, and the price for use will also be added.
Agreeing to the T & C will be part of the registration process -
The "operating code" is an excellent idea - the points you mention are all covered in the T & C and privacy policy statements, but we plan on mandating that those pages be read prior to using the site.
Functionality, and browser compatibility are my main concerns at this time.
In response to your point that people may not take to the idea: well, I guess we'll find out when we launch. I was hesitant to purchase anything over the internet a few years ago, and now I use that service on a regular basis. I know that I would certainly have liked to have found someone to trade with when I was looking for an SUV last year - I'd have gladly paid the difference in fair value between the cars, and here in Ga., wouldn't have had to pay tax to boot. One of my bikes (eek) may go towards a car for my oldest boy, when he starts driving in a few years.
Anyway, my sincere thanks for taking the time to make mention of all these important points! That's what I was hoping for...
Daniel