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Campus Second-Hand Marketplace: An Affordable and Sustainable Solution
Problem Statement: College students face significant financial pressure due to the high cost of textbooks, electronics, furniture, and other essential supplies. At the same time, every academic year, a large volume of usable items is discarded by graduating students or left unused in hostels and apartments. Existing platforms like OLX or Facebook Marketplace are either unsafe, too broad, or not tailored for the specific needs of students. This results in wasted resources, unnecessary expenses, and limited access to affordable alternatives for students.
Requirements:
Affordability – Students need access to quality items at prices they can actually afford.
Trust & Safety – Transactions should happen within a verified campus community to avoid scams and ensure credibility.
Convenience – The system must be simple, mobile-friendly, and designed for quick peer-to-peer exchanges.
Sustainability – The platform should encourage reuse and reduce waste, aligning with eco-friendly values.
Proposed Solution: We propose a student-only second-hand marketplace platform, accessible via mobile app and web. Registration will be linked to institutional email IDs, ensuring that only verified students participate. The marketplace will allow students to:
Buy affordable textbooks, gadgets, and furniture directly from peers.
Sell unused or surplus items to earn extra income.
Exchange or donate items to promote a sustainable culture of sharing.
The platform will include features such as category filters (books, electronics, hostels essentials), secure in-app chat, and peer reviews to enhance trust and usability. Additionally, partnerships with universities can help integrate the service into student life, ensuring adoption and long-term relevance.
Conclusion: This marketplace addresses a pressing student need — affordable access to essentials — while promoting sustainability and peer-to-peer collaboration. It reduces financial burden, minimizes waste, and builds a stronger student community.
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