free B2B trading site

[TracyMacey]

Hi all,

My other half (starting up as a web designer) has designed an online trading post for businesses. There are a couple of typos in it but otherwise its a reasonably good site and it is functioning. Best of all its free to all businesses. The idea is, that if you have a requirement for a product or service you post your requirements on the site and then companies can provide bids for your project. At the end you choose a winner and award the business. (All bids are sealed)

Anyone can use it and once its fully populated you will be able to support your local businesses by posting and bidding in your own area (eg SW, SE etc)

Theres no catch - he wants it up and running, then he'll improve it (and the typos!!) and use it in his portfolio.

Its on www.localtradenetwork.com

Let me know what you think and if you need anything post it there and see if you get any bids!

Tracy

 

[creospace]

[FONT=&quot]Looks good but one thing that definitely needs changing is the bright green rollovers , they burn my eyes

I would recommend your husband try to move away from using a html editor and play with manual coding ASAP. Also gem up on CSS and it's applications. He will cut all the unnecessary code out like all that java and all those tables in the source.

He should also make himself aware of validated code and compliancy as there isn't a doc type at the top of the page. If he's using dreamweaver 8 *I've been told* there's an option to switch on compliant code but I know no more than that.

If he needs any help then happy to offer some advice.

Good job!

Gary[/FONT]

 

[TracyMacey]

Hi Gary,

I'll pass your comments on to him - they are very much appreciated

Tracy

 

[Michae]

Hi

Just joined up!

 

[CG Effect]

How does a site like this work for designers do we have to do a days work then find out whos going to be paid? Or does a designer bid his quote and then does the work after they are picked?

 

[TracyMacey]

Hi,

You do the work after you;re picked - once you're picked you can arrange with the buyer your own terms regarding the completion of the work etc - its just a way to facilitate business, the actual transaction doesnt go through the site, but buyer and seller can add feedback.

 

[CG Effect]

I like the site by the way it works well so far. The only thing I'm worried about is the lack of information from the clients who are looking for bids. Maybe put a guide on the site so they know what to put to get accurate quotes.

 

[am:pm graphics]

I agree with Imageman - good site and idea but the clients looking for bids need to be clearer about what they require. I would have thought more info would encourage more bids and certainly reduce the questions being asked.

Good luck with it all though, I am sure it will go well

Pauline
ampm graphics

 

[TracyMacey]

Sorry all,

I put those requests on to demonstrate where all the requests should go! (Its a new site and will prob take forever to populate it but please use it - if it gets popular you can all have a free ad on it!)

 

[Virtually9-5]

Hi I have signed up too - now everything settle down need to focus on on Virtual PA - so if anyone needs any help give me a shout I will even offer 10% discount for members. www.virtually9-5.com...

PS - did anyone understand silent witness last night and tonight - either I am not with it or they have lost the story line...