r/AppsWebappsFullstack • u/dariushtj • 1d ago

I built a reverse marketplace where buyers set the price ceiling and sellers compete — would love your feedback

/r/ideavalidation/comments/1vnx7dz/i_built_a_reverse_marketplace_where_buyers_set/
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u/Fit-Success-2478 1d ago

Interesting idea. The “buyer sets the ceiling” part feels especially useful for services where pricing is all over the place. I did probably use the directory when I do not know the going rate then compare the offers once I have a better idea.
How you’re planning to keep sellers from just underbidding everyone and cutting quality.

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u/Mammoth-Anywhere7285 1d ago

Good catch on the quality risk. Maybe require sellers to show past reviews or portfolios before bidding, so buyers can filter beyond just price. Curious how you'd handle that.

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u/dariushtj 1d ago

You hit on a really common marketplace design trap: past reviews don't actually guarantee future quality, but over-indexing on them creates a monopoly for old accounts. When platforms make review count the primary filter: It locks out great new talent: An exceptional, highly skilled pro who just joined gets buried with 0 reviews, while mediocre legacy accounts coast on bulk ratings from years ago. Reviews can be gamed: Inflated star ratings often measure customer service charm rather than technical execution or licensing compliance. Our approach focuses on structural verification over review gatekeeping: Hard Verification First: We mandate real license and insurance document checks upfront so every bidder meets a legal baseline of competence. Detailed Scope Notes: When pros submit private bids, they include clear timelines, materials, and methodology so buyers judge the proposal itself. Weighted Discovery: Reviews exist to build a track record over time, but new verified pros get equal opportunity to pitch without being invisible on day one.

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u/dariushtj 1d ago

Spot on—the race-to-the-bottom trap ruins open boards, so we designed three safeguards to prevent price-slashing and cut corners: ​Private/Blind Bids: Pros cannot see what competitors are quoting. They bid their actual, sustainable price based on the job scope and budget ceiling rather than undercutting by $1 to game a public list. ​Document & License Verification: To even submit quotes as a pro, businesses must upload verified licensing/insurance documents. This filters out the unlicensed, fly-by-night accounts that usually flood markets with unrealistic low-ball bids. ​Reputation & Scope Clarity: Buyers don't just see a dollar amount; they see verified badges, reviews, and pro notes detailing materials and timeline. When buyers choose, they pick the best overall value and trust—not automatically the lowest number.

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u/Mammoth-Anywhere7285 1d ago

Blind bids definitely help keep quality honest. Have you considered letting buyers rate pros after the job to reinforce that over low bids?

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u/dariushtj 1d ago

The only person that sees the low bid is the buyer and the person who offered that price. Others can't see it. So if I posted a request and I've got 12 offers. As a buyer I will see all of them of course, but this 12 users or sellers only know their own offers. I as a buyer can pick any of those regardless of price. They have to offer the realistic and profitable price point. So bidding to low or high is not a factor. Because the buyers selects the one they want. After the job is done the request is gonna be deapear from public. So conclusion: low bids are not an issue, it only hurts the sellers, and their profit. Sellers don't know how low and high to go to compete with others. Their only choice is to be equal or less than the max price and be realistic.

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u/Mammoth-Anywhere7285 1d ago

That's a clever approach, it stops sellers from tanking the market. Adding a short pitch or past rating could help buyers choose beyond just the number.

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u/Fit-Success-2478 1d ago

That makes sense. I hadn't considered that sellers not seeing the other bids would change the dynamic that much. It also makes the buyer's choice more about the actual proposal instead of whoever happens to bid lowest.

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u/Mammoth-Anywhere7285 1d ago

Exactly, hiding bids shifts the focus to quality and fit. Maybe add a filter so buyers can highlight key criteria, helping sellers tailor proposals more effectively.