Service marketplace built on Sharetribe

Service marketplace built on Sharetribe

Sharetribe-based marketplace for outdoor tours and activities, featuring map view, instant payments, and membership fees.

Service marketplace built on SharetribeService marketplace built on Sharetribe
Client
OwnOutdoors
Year
from 2018
Services
Marketplace development
Platform
Sharetribe Go

Project Overview

OwnOutDoors.com is a marketplace built on Sharetribe, conceived by young entrepreneurs to provide kayak and snorkeling tours, fishing charters, and other outdoor activities. These entrepreneurs faced challenges in quickly launching their businesses due to costs, time, website design, SEO, booking systems, and secure online payments. OwnOutDoors was created to address these issues, offering a comprehensive platform for outdoor activity providers.

Service marketplace built on Sharetribe

Execution

The development of OwnOutDoors has been ongoing for over two years, involving numerous enhancements and customizations to the Sharetribe platform to meet specific needs. Key features implemented include:

  1. Map View Integration: Developed a map view on the same page as listings, a feature not available by default in Sharetribe GO but present in Sharetribe Flex. This enhancement allows users to see activity locations more conveniently.
  2. Stripe Payment Modifications: Implemented changes to Stripe to release payments immediately and handle refundable deposits, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.
  3. CSV Location Uploads: Enabled uploading of locations via CSV files, making it easier for sellers to manage multiple listings.
  4. Availability Calendar Enhancements: Added hourly features, date availability management, and minimum duration settings to provide more flexibility for booking activities.
  5. Script for External Integration: Created a script allowing sellers to use OwnOutDoors functionality on their websites, facilitating seamless bookings.
  6. Membership Fee and Affiliate Program: Implemented a membership fee system and an affiliate program to encourage user engagement and growth.
  7. FareHarbor Integration: Integrated with FareHarbor to pull in listings, expanding the range of available activities on the platform.
  8. White-Labeled Pages: Developed white-labeled pages so hotels could represent activities to their customers under their branding guidelines, enhancing the platform's versatility.

These enhancements have significantly improved the platform's functionality and user experience, making it a robust solution for outdoor activity providers.

Project Results

The collaboration between IT House and OwnOutDoors has resulted in a versatile and user-friendly marketplace tailored to outdoor activity providers. The integration of map view and enhanced availability calendar features has improved the booking experience, making it easier for users to find and schedule activities.

The modifications to Stripe payments have streamlined financial transactions, while the CSV location upload feature has simplified listing management for sellers. The external integration script has extended the platform’s functionality, allowing sellers to incorporate OwnOutDoors' booking system into their own websites. The FareHarbor integration has broadened the range of available activities, and the white-labeled pages have enabled hotels to offer branded experiences to their customers. The membership fee and affiliate program have further incentivized user engagement and growth.

Overall, OwnOutDoors stands as a comprehensive and efficient marketplace, addressing the unique needs of outdoor activity providers and helping them grow their businesses effectively.