Build a product to buy and sell antiques.
Sample approach to solve such marketplace questions.
Step 1: Clarify Scope and Assumptions
Clarify “antiques”:
- Antiques refer to items over 100 years old with cultural, historical, or artistic value.
Nature of the platform:
- The product is a dedicated online marketplace specifically for buying and selling antiques.
Platform choice:
- Start with a web interface to cater to the niche audience. Mobile apps can be considered in later iterations.
Region:
- Focus on a single region (e.g., the U.S.) for the MVP to ensure operational and logistical feasibility.
Key differentiator:
- This platform focuses on authenticity verification and a tailored marketplace for antiques rather than a generic e-commerce setup.
Step 2: Define Target Users
Sellers:
- One-time sellers: Individuals selling antiques they own.
- Merchant sellers: Professionals or businesses dealing in antiques.
Buyers:
- Collectors: Wealthy individuals or institutions purchasing antiques for personal collections.
- Resellers: Buyers purchasing antiques to resell in other markets.
Other Stakeholders:
- Antique experts: Provide verification and certification of authenticity.
Step 3: User Needs and Pain Points
Sellers:
- Need to easily list antiques with detailed information, including images and certification.
- Require access to a wide audience to increase chances of sale.
- Desire secure and straightforward payment processes.
- Want to understand market trends for pricing antiques appropriately.
- Need to ensure safe delivery of sold antiques.
Buyers:
- Want access to a catalog of genuine antiques with clear certification of authenticity.
- Require detailed descriptions, including provenance and historical significance.
- Desire transparent seller ratings and reviews.
- Need secure payment options.
- Want negotiation or bidding options to feel involved in pricing decisions.
- Expect timely and safe delivery of purchased items.
Step 4: Prioritization Framework
Using RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort), prioritize features for MVP:
| Feature | Reach | Impact | Confidence | Effort | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seller listing antiques | High | High | High | Medium | P1 |
| Certification display (authenticity) | Medium | High | High | Low | P1 |
| Payment gateway integration | High | High | High | Medium | P1 |
| Buyer browsing antiques | High | High | High | Low | P1 |
| Seller analytics and trends | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | P2 |
| Buyer-seller messaging feature | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | P2 |
| Delivery partnership integration | High | Medium | Medium | High | P3 |
Step 5: Core MVP Features
Seller Features:
Antique Listing Page:
- Sellers can upload images, descriptions, certifications, and pricing.
- Verification request workflow for certification from trusted authorities.
Order Management Dashboard:
- Track sales, update stock, and manage order statuses.
Secure Payment Setup:
- Sellers can link accounts to receive payments seamlessly.
Buyer Features:
Browse and Search:
- View antique listings with filters (e.g., category, era, price range).
- Highlight certified antiques with a “Verified Authenticity” badge.
Product Detail Page:
- Include antique descriptions, high-resolution images, seller details, and reviews.
Secure Payments:
- Integration with secure payment gateways supporting credit cards, PayPal, and wallets.
Step 6: Differentiators
Verified Authenticity:
- Collaboration with antique experts to verify items, adding credibility and trust.
Tailored Marketplace:
- Focus solely on antiques to attract serious buyers and sellers, unlike generic platforms.
High-Quality Presentation:
- Encourage sellers to upload professional photos and detailed descriptions to maintain platform quality.
