STClassifieds finds it can do better on mobile; partners with Carousell to improve user experience

It’s one thing when large corporations crash and burn while replicating the latest technological fad (Mediacorp and daily deals, anyone?). But it’s quite another for a company to recognize its weaknesses and partner startups that know their stuff.

The STClassifieds-Carousell partnership, announced just this morning, belongs to the latter category.

Both products are similar in that they are online classifieds that facilitate peer-to-peer commerce. But while STClassifieds, owned by Singapore Press Holdings, is strong on the web; Carousell, a Singapore startup with modern sensibilities, is showing promise on mobile. Sure, STClassifieds has its own mobile app, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Carousell’s design, which fits right in with the Instagrams and Paths of the world.

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Launched: Carousell, a mobile app that gives your old stuff new life

Investors and seasoned entrepreneurs seem to have reached a consensus: A mobile app that makes buying and selling second-hand stuff easy has massive potential.

Evidence? ShopSpot, which is such an app, had accepted an investment offer from SingTel Innov8 and completed a seed funding round from a group of Thai investors. Another team, Snapsell, won Startup Weekend Singapore on the back of strong endorsement from the judges.

Now, that team has finally launched their app, Carousell, for the iPhone. Like ShopSpot, it lets users upload photos of their items along with a description and price. It incorporates social features as well, such as liking, sharing, and commenting on an item. User can choose to follow sellers they like, and enter into private chat sessions within the app to discuss details of a transaction. Read more