WHAT IS IT
FindAny is a service on Twitter that allows users to submit requests for help locating rare and hard-to-find items.
1. Follow FindAny at: http://twitter.com/FindAny.
2. Confirm FindAny as a follower.
3. Send a direct message requesting your item.
4. Other FindAny users will see your request and send in suggestions.
That's it. The service may take up to 5 minutes to follow you back, but then you're off and running. Check out the video below:
For more information, visit: http://findany.concept2020.com
WHY I DID IT
This was just something I created to highlight the wonderful variety of items that can be found on the sites in the eBay Inc. family. This tool has no official affiliation with eBay Inc. or its affiliates, nor do I receive any money from eBay for doing this. With so much emphasis taking place on other aspects of the eBay business, I wanted to pause and highlight two of the things that make eBay great: its variety and its amazing Community.
If I want to get the latest best-seller or memory upgrades for my computer, I might go to a different site (though eBay has these too). But if I'm looking for a first edition signed manuscript or the overclocked, liquid-cooled gaming rig, with custom-Halo chrome metal case, I check eBay. Why is there such an emphasis on commodities and retail shopping? I don't see what the fuss is all about. Looking for an iPod? I'll give you 50 sites that will sell it to you, all at the same price. Want a limited edition gold iPod shuffle? Or wonder what Bill Clinton, Beyonce, Warren Buffet, and Ellen DeGeneres have on their playlists? These are the iPods you can get on eBay.
FindAny is completely dependent on Community participation to make it successful. Without requests and without people to bring back suggestions, the service dies. The eBay Community is the most passionate, loyal, and caring Community I've ever seen. Sellers help other Sellers get started, even if it means more competition. The stay-at-home Dad, the retiree, and the die-hard eBay fanatic. All are there to help field your questions. And they do it out of the goodness of their hearts. So I'm hoping those same people will find their way to FindAny and enjoy a new way to interact with other eBay fans.
One more thing, don't forget that eBay Inc. is a global network of sites. These include sites like: Half.com, StubHub, Marktplaats.nl, Kijiji.ca, Mobile.de, and far, far too many to continue listing here. You never know where we'll find that item you're looking for. How about these cool iPod speakers from Gmarket in Korea?
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
To be honest, I'm not sure where this will go. It may die on the vine, and that's okay. But if it inspires someone in Customer Service to take an interest and propose a direct engagement idea, then that's great. Perhaps we'll turn it into a game where people can earn points and redeem gift certificates and coupons. Maybe eBay can plug it into their eBay Partner Network affiliate program. Some enterprising users will create a whole new job out of this and become virtual personal shoppers. I'm waiting to be wonderfully surprised by the Community's creativity. So if you have ideas or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.
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