MyJambi

MyJambi.com is an online marketplace for personal services such as babysitting, tutoring, or pet care. It was founded in March 2007 by a group of Harvard graduates who wanted to build a new type of e-commerce marketplace, one where social connections could translate into a trusted exchange of services. A limited “alpha” version of the website launched in early 2008 to friends and families of the founding team. The beta version of the website was launched in July 2008.

MyJambi users can bid on services, schedule appointments, establish agreements, track engagements and review service providers and buyers right on the site. MyJambi connects people who offer services with the people who seek them. It’s largely targeted to part-time service providers who want capitalize on a useful skill set by marketing it to their community. It is also useful for buyers who are looking for more information than a typical anonymous listing provides.

History

MyJambi was founded in the spring of 2007 by Rio Bennin, David Huebner and Kristina Vetter, who met while undergraduates at Harvard University, to address a lack they perceived of a professional, direct way to match skill sets with requisite demand.

The name MyJambi originates from the ancient Indonesian port city of Jambi, whose wealth and stature derived from a strategic location as a marketplace for British, Chinese, Arab, Malay and Dutch trade across the Indian Ocean.

Site features

On their main profile pages users can list their goals, education and work information, as well as photos and personal detail.

Users have separate pages for the services they provide and those that they request, where they can explain their preferences for buying and selling that particular service.

A ranking and review feature allows users to share feedback based on completed projects with other MyJambi service providers and buyers.

An e-commerce-enabled bidding system lets users bid on services, send proposals and counter-proposals, schedule appointments, and book projects.

Advanced search capabilities allow users to search for service providers or buyers based on provider availability, buyer deadlines, project costs, MyJambi ratings and social connections.

The site’s messaging capability allows for quick and efficient communication between potential buyers and providers.

Fees are charged (via credit card) after services are performed.

Operations

MyJambi's headquarters are in the Flatiron District of New York City. The organization currently has eight employees.

See also

Electronic commerce

List of social networking websites

References

• http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/16/techcrunch50-demopit-myjambi-makes-friends-online-and-at-tc50/
• http://tinycomb.com/2008/09/11/myjambi-a-place-to-share-and-sell-your-skills/
• http://nymag.com/nymag/letters/52181/
• http://www.nyconvergence.com/2008/11/startups-present-at-gallery-bar.html?cid=139840900

External links

• MyJambi website