A Sharetribe Flex-based marketplace for parents to buy, sell, and donate baby and kids' items, featuring handmade products by trusted makers.
The OctopusClub is an online marketplace specifically designed for parents and caregivers to buy, sell, and give baby and kids' items. The platform also features beautiful handmade products made to order by trusted makers. Founded by Ana Rachel Estrougo, the platform aims to create a sustainable and economical way for parents to pass on items their children have outgrown. It promotes a community of like-minded parents focused on reusing and recycling, reducing waste, and saving money.
IT House was involved in the OctopusClub project from conception to launch. Working closely with founder Ana and a team of developers, we built the marketplace on top of the Sharetribe Flex template. The development took approximately seven months, during which we implemented multiple new features and fresh designs for both web and mobile interfaces.
Our work included:
Before The OctopusClub received investments, IT House played a critical role in its early development. This groundwork helped the platform attract initial users and demonstrate its potential, leading to successful crowdfunding and further investments.
The OctopusClub has successfully launched as a vibrant and user-friendly marketplace, fostering a community of parents focused on sustainability. The platform’s unique features, such as the ability to sign up without bank details, featured and recommended items, and enhanced communication tools, have improved user engagement and satisfaction. The integration of a third-party CMS and custom filter mapping has streamlined content management and product discovery, making the platform both efficient and enjoyable to use.
Our early contributions helped The OctopusClub attract investors, raising £150,000 in pre-revenue funding and further funding in early 2023. This investment has been used to enhance the platform and expand its offerings, making it a trusted destination for parents looking to buy, sell, and donate pre-loved baby and kids' items. IT House’s collaboration with The OctopusClub has resulted in a highly functional and visually appealing marketplace that supports the needs of parents and caregivers, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
For more details, visit The OctopusClub.