Sharetribe is an open-source platform that enables users to create and manage online marketplaces for various types of services and products. Designed for non-profits, social enterprises, and individuals, Sharetribe offers a user-friendly solution to launch and manage custom marketplaces with ease. The platform is available in both open-source (Sharetribe Go) and hosted versions (Sharetribe Flex), providing users the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs.
Use Cases
- Local Artisans Marketplace: A non-profit organization could create a marketplace for local artisans to showcase and sell their handmade products. This platform would not only support the local economy but also empower artisans by providing them with a wider audience and new sales channels.
Example: A non-profit focused on community development creates a Sharetribe marketplace that connects local artisans with potential buyers interested in unique, handcrafted products.
- Volunteer Matching Platform: Sharetribe can be used to develop a platform that connects volunteers with non-profit organizations and social enterprises. This platform would make it easier for people to find volunteer opportunities, thereby increasing the number of volunteers and enhancing the impact of these organizations.
Example: A social enterprise creates a Sharetribe platform to match skilled volunteers with non-profits in need of specific expertise, such as marketing or web development.
- Skill-sharing Platform: A non-profit can create a Sharetribe-based platform where individuals can offer their skills and expertise in exchange for learning from others. This peer-to-peer learning system can help to build a stronger, more connected community.
Example: An NGO focused on education and skill development creates a Sharetribe marketplace where community members can offer and request tutoring or workshops on various topics.
- Fundraising Platform: Non-profits and social enterprises can use Sharetribe to create a fundraising platform, allowing supporters to donate or participate in fundraising events directly through the marketplace.
Example: A non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation creates a Sharetribe platform where supporters can donate to specific projects or sign up for charity events, like beach cleanups or tree planting initiatives.
- Rental Marketplace: Sharetribe can be used to create a rental marketplace where individuals and organizations can rent or borrow equipment, spaces, or other resources. This can help non-profits and social enterprises reduce expenses and improve resource utilization.
Example: A social enterprise creates a Sharetribe platform where community members can rent out underutilized tools, event spaces, or office equipment to other local organizations.
- Ethical Products Marketplace: Non-profits and social enterprises can use Sharetribe to build a marketplace focused on ethical and sustainable products. This would help raise awareness about responsible consumption while supporting businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.
Example: A non-profit organization focused on sustainable living creates a Sharetribe marketplace where consumers can purchase eco-friendly, ethically-sourced products from socially responsible businesses.
- Social Impact Job Board: Sharetribe can be used to create a job board that connects job seekers with non-profit organizations and social enterprises. This can help these organizations attract passionate, skilled workers who share their mission.
Example: A non-profit organization focused on social justice creates a Sharetribe job board where people can find and apply for jobs and internships at social impact organizations.
- Resource Sharing Platform: A Sharetribe-based platform can facilitate resource sharing among non-profits and social enterprises, allowing them to exchange information, best practices, and other valuable resources.
Example: A network of NGOs creates a Sharetribe platform where members can share and access research reports, training materials, and other resources relevant to their work.
- Crowdfunding Platform: Sharetribe can be used to create a crowdfunding platform for non-profits and social enterprises, allowing them to raise funds for specific projects or causes directly from supporters.
Example: A social enterprise focused on clean energy creates a Sharetribe crowdfunding platform where individuals can contribute to the development of solar-powered projects in underserved communities.
- Event Promotion Platform: Sharetribe can be used to create a platform where non-profits and social enterprises can promote their events and workshops, increasing attendance and engagement.
Example: A non-profit organization focused on community wellness creates a Sharetribe platform where users can discover and sign up for local events, such as yoga
Features vs Benefits Table:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Customizable marketplace | Tailor the platform to suit your organization’s unique needs |
| Multiple payment gateways | Accept payments from a variety of sources and currencies |
| User-friendly interface | Easily manage your marketplace without extensive technical knowledge |
| Scalability | Grow your marketplace as your organization expands |
| Extensive documentation | Access resources to help you set up, customize, and manage your marketplace |
| Robust API | Integrate with other tools and services |
| Mobile-friendly design | Ensure a smooth user experience across devices |
| Search and filtering capabilities | Help users find the products or services they need quickly and easily |
Cost-Benefit Comparison Table:
| Platform | Starting Price | Key Features | Open-Source | Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharetribe Go | Free | Customizable marketplace, multiple payment gateways, user-friendly interface | Yes | Yes |
| Sharetribe Flex | $79/month | All Sharetribe Go features, plus API access, mobile app support, advanced customization options | No | No |
| Other Providers | Varies | Varies by provider; may include similar features but with varying levels of customization and scalability | Varies | Varies |
- It has a simple and transparent pricing model based on the number of users in the marketplace. Users can start with a free 30-day trial and then choose a plan that suits their budget and needs. Sharetribe does not charge any transaction fees, but payment gateway fees may apply².
Getting Started with Sharetribe:
To begin using Sharetribe, visit the Sharetribe website (https://www.sharetribe.com/) and choose either the open-source (Sharetribe Go) or hosted (Sharetribe Flex) version. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create and customize your marketplace.
Mapping Benefits and Features for Non-Profits:
| Benefit | Feature Delivered by Sharetribe | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Timely assistance | Customer support and community | Receive prompt help from Sharetribe’s support team and community members to resolve any issues or questions. |
| Access to resources | Extensive documentation | Utilize Sharetribe’s documentation to learn about features, customization, and best practices. |
| Support networks | Integrated communication tools | Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers, as well as within the marketplace community. |
| Revenue generation | Multiple payment gateways | Accept payments from various sources, enabling your organization to generate income from your marketplace. |
| Customization | Highly customizable platform | Adapt the marketplace to align with your organization’s branding, mission, and goals. |
| Scalability | Scalable infrastructure | Expand your marketplace as your organization grows without limitations. |
| Easy management | User-friendly interface | Manage your marketplace with minimal technical expertise, allowing non-profit staff to focus on their mission. |
| Localization | Multi-language support | Reach a global audience by offering your marketplace in multiple languages. |
| User engagement | Search and filtering capabilities | Help users find the products or services they need quickly and easily, increasing engagement and satisfaction. |
| Collaboration | Built-in messaging system | Enable buyers and sellers to communicate directly, fostering collaboration and community. |
| Mobile accessibility | Mobile-friendly design | Provide a seamless user experience across devices, ensuring that your marketplace is accessible on the go. |
| Data management | Robust API | Integrate with other tools and services to streamline your organization’s data management. |
| Security | Secure payment processing | Ensure that transactions on your marketplace are safe and secure. |
| Marketing tools | Social media integration | Promote your marketplace through social media channels to increase visibility and reach. |
| Onboarding | Easy sign-up process | Simplify the user onboarding process, encouraging more users to join your marketplace. |
| Analytics | Reporting and analytics | Gain insights into marketplace performance, enabling data-driven decision-making for your organization. |
Additional Benefits for Finance Functions in NGOs:
| Benefit | Feature Delivered by Sharetribe | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlined financial management | Centralized payment processing | Simplify the management of transactions and payments within your marketplace. |
| Financial transparency | Detailed transaction records | Maintain clear records of all financial transactions, supporting transparency and accountability. |
| Budget tracking | Reporting and analytics | Monitor your marketplace’s financial performance to inform budget planning and resource allocation. |
| Automated invoicing | Invoicing and billing features | Streamline the invoicing process, reducing manual work and increasing efficiency. |
| Revenue diversification | Various monetization options | Explore different revenue streams through your marketplace, such as commissions, subscriptions, or listing fees. |
| Improved cash flow management | Real-time transaction tracking | Track transactions in real-time, enabling better cash flow management for your organization. |
| Financial risk mitigation | Secure payment processing | Minimize the risk of fraud and unauthorized transactions by using secure payment processing. |
| Donor engagement | Customizable donation options | Integrate donation options within your marketplace to encourage donor support. |
| Fundraising opportunities | Fundraising campaign integration | Incorporate fundraising campaigns directly within your marketplace to increase visibility and support. |
| Cost-effective solution | Open-source, self-hosted option | Save on expenses with the open-source, self-hosted version of Sharetribe, suitable for organizations on a budget. |
Pros:
- Easy to set up and manage
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Supports multiple payment gateways
- Offers both self-hosted (open-source) and hosted versions
- Strong customer support and community
Cons:
- Limited design customization in the open-source version
- Subscription pricing for the hosted version may be costly for smaller organizations
- May require technical expertise for advanced customization
By utilizing Sharetribe, non-profits and social enterprises can access a range of benefits, such as timely assistance, access to resources, and support networks, making it a powerful tool for these organizations.
(1) Sharetribe – Marketplace Software to Power Your Business. https://www.sharetribe.com/
(2) Sharetribe - Pricing: Affordable Plans that Grow With You. Sharetribe - Pricing: Affordable Plans that Grow With You
(3) ShareTribe | Open Source Marketplace Software - Containerize. ShareTribe | Open Source Marketplace Software