Fiverr.com
I just came across Fiverr.com and found the concept quite compelling. You can sign up on this website:
1) to sell any service for $5
2) buy any service for $5.
So why is it such an appealing idea anyway?
1) The first and the most obvious reason is the amount you pay for purchasing a service: only 5 bux! Be it tips, advice, postcards, music, articles or anything which can be delivered for that price!
2) The low price implies something else: The website's audience is vast. Almost anyone may find this website useful - either to try out a service/product or to post something which is their area of expertise.
3) It's niche and niche is beautiful in a web 2.0 world where everyone wants something so specific. You are talking about breaking down products/services too: a carpenter can give you advice on which tools to use, an architect can review your blueprints and point out any drawbacks of your design, a translator can translate some of your text or someone who thinks he/she is a good parent can give you parenting advice. When you think about it, almost anyone has at least one skill-set which they can offer for $5. All they need is a PayPal account, an internet connection and a skill/product with a nominal profit margin.
Employees of a company, a single mom, a home office business owner, a CEO of a company or for that matter even someone with a limited skill set can come up with a very specific service and offer it.
I think that's where their potential lies - a wide audience, seeking niche services and a throw-away price!
