BYU NewsNet - Online auction site connects locals

Students who are moving in looking to furnish their apartments or those moving out hoping to get rid of the last of their dishes now have a new way to connect online with local buyers and sellers.

Two BYU students created an online auction site for Utah Valley as their last contribution to Provo before they graduate.

Matthew Abinante, a senior majoring in exercise science with a minor in business, and Michael Farrell, a senior graduating in marketing, launched their new site, Utah Valley Exchange, last Friday.

Abinante said he first heard of a community online auction while at home for Christmas and thought it would be a great addition to Utah Valley.

“I liked the idea of bringing the community together and creating something that could serve the locals,” Abinante said.

Abinante said the Web site is a mix between Ebay and Craigslist but there are a few differences that set it apart.

“The Web site has a more personal community feel and it is free to use,” Abinante said.

He said customers can feel confident listing items on the Web site because they are more selective in order to prevent fraud and because everything is locally listed people have the opportunity to go see the merchandise they are bidding on.

“One of the great things about selling your goods locally is that it cuts down on shipping costs, especially for bigger items,” Abinante said.

The Web site is funded by advertising deals from local businesses and there are also giveaways sponsored by local businesses to the first 200 people who list items on the site.

Abinante said in the next month or two, a business directory and local event calendar will also be added to the Web site.

“Our future goal is to continue to keep our business going and to expand our idea,” Abinante said. “We are currently selling our software so others can start their own Web sites in their areas.”

Randon Campbell, a sophomore majoring in architecture, uses Craigslist and said a more local site would provide better shipping options.

“It would be great to not have to wait a week or two to get the items you brought and it would cut down on shipping costs if you could go pick it up,” Campbell said.