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A few weeks ago CrankApps helped eBay launch a very cool new social shopping application. The application name is "Gift-it" and it helps you find really good gifts for people that you know. The application is a great step forward for social search and social shopping, and provides a unique user experience. With over 90,000 monthly users in the first 2 weeks it seems to be getting great traction.
It works something like this:
First, you pick a friend.
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We used Facebook to make it really easy. For example, I chose my friend Manu. After selecting a friend, the application will automatically search through their profile for what they might like based on information stored in their profile.
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From the example, I see that Manu likes Football, Soccer, Technology, and a list of other things. At that point I can select from a list of interests that might be suitable matches.
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Then, as any good search engine does, it provides me a list of results from eBay to find the best possible match. I think Manu will like the football tickets.
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Now, granted, this is only in the earliest phase of social search, but it is clear that the possibilities for shopping are very large. I think that they are really on to something.
See for yourself.