RoopIt : SMS based Classifieds

RoopIt is Bangalore based startup in an innovative SMS based classifieds space.

How It Works:

• Buyer can search for any item and click on want it button and sellers mobile number will be SMSed to buyer. Buyer can contact seller offline.
• Seller can post an ad by selecting the category of item, location and then description about the item he is planning to sell

This service does not need any registration/sign-in and further users can post the classified even by sending an SMS. This service is simple and at same time powerful as it eases the entire process of selling the item.

User base/ Statistics:
Roopit launched in June 2010 as of date has 14998 users (or registered Mobile numbers) and 4617 classifieds posted. Currently its enabled for Bangalore alone.

Challenges:

• Privacy: Will the sellers be fine with their mobile numbers floating around.  
• Revenue Model:  Revenue generation is big problem for any SMS based service and its no different for RoopIt.

In current shape, roopit is definitely a useful service but building a viable business out of this is a huge challenge. But since they know the needs of their users they can definitely do some targeted advertising.

All the best for RoopIt.