Lonely Planet is set to launch online classifieds on its website LonelyPlanet.com. The company plans classifieds to be a

Lonely Planet is set to launch online classifieds on its website LonelyPlanet.com. The company plans classifieds to be a niche player rather than a generic service.

Published: 15 Oct 2006

Lonely Planet is set to launch online classifieds on its website LonelyPlanet.com. The company plans classifieds to be a niche player rather than a generic service.

With this offering, travellers can connect with each other to buy and sell travel related products, find or advertise rental or share accommodation, find or advertise employment opportunities or meet up with like-minded travellers.

Lonely Planet’s digital products manager Pamela Philpot said, “We plan for Lonely Planet classifieds to become a trusted online resource where like-minded travellers can connect with each other. From hiking boots to a Combi, travellers can buy gear off travellers who have been there and done that. They can fund their next trip by selling their stuff to fellow travellers, find a job to suit their travels, rent a room or simply hitch a ride.”

The classifieds categories include Flat/house share; Stuff for sale; Vehicles for sale; Travel companions and shared rides; Friends and missed connections; Jobs.

On classifieds, travellers are able to search for products and services via categories, location or keyword. Travellers will be able to post classified ads based on the same set of categories.

According to the company, during the initial phase, posting a classified will be free of charge. But after further growth of the site, travellers will have the option of purchasing premium listings.

“Lonely Planet does not participate in the transaction at any stage; we introduce travellers who then determine whether the transaction is taken through to completion. Uniquely, buyers will be able to search for products from around the globe rather then being restricted to search by regions,” stated the company.

The classifieds site merely facilitates the connection between the buyer and seller, with the transaction performed externally as determined by the buyer and seller. Transaction types include:

· Nominated price: the seller nominates the price they will accept for the product/service they are offering.

· Make me an offer: the seller lists the “price” as make me an offer and can negotiate with various interested parties to get the best deal.

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