Classifieds site Craigslist still rules in the U.S., but that doesn’t stop eBay from trying to innovate in the space. eBay Classifieds Group launched a new free app available in San Jose and San Diego on Monday that works with iOS and Android devices.
The app lets people buy and sell in a classifieds format through their mobile devices. As the name implies, Close 5 says it believes that “everything you need should be available within 5 miles of wherever you are.”
The app also enables users to interact in a safe environment, it promises: “Our in-app Chat feature allows you to securely interact with community members while keeping your personal information private. Public profiles ensure you know who you’re dealing with before you meet up. See what others are selling and saying in the community, and follow them!”
eBay’s Close 5 acquired Rumgr (and acqui-hired the Rumgr team). According to Tech Cocktail, “Close5 takes the features that Rumgr worked to iterate and improve upon over the last three years, and packages it in a location-based app for buying and selling goods from nearby users.”
Close 5 is running a promotion in San Diego to encourage users to download the app and sign up. Submitting a photo of their messiest closet or garage will get users a chance to receive a gift certificate for a closet or garage makeover. In addition, Close 5 is celebrating the launch of the app by making a donation to a San Diego charity every time a person downloads the app.
eBay has been much more successful in the classifieds space in Europe, where it has acquired many services, and in Canada, where it launched Kijiji, a brand that bombed in the U.S.
eBay Classifieds Group operates eleven brands globally in 1,000 cities: alaMaula, BilBasen, dba.dk, eBay Classifieds (eBay Kleinanzeigen and eBay Annunci), Gumtree, iBazar, Kijiji, LoQUo, Marktplaats.nl, mobile.de, and 2dehands/2ememain.
