Publication:- H&V News

Date:- 27th November 2004

The Peoples Web

Want to sell online but not shell out on a website? The People's Web (www.thepeoplesweb.com) is a new low-cost service designed to enable UK companies and individuals to buy and sell products and services through personalised Internet accounts. Described as the first significant Internet invention since the dotcom boom, the site allows companies of all sizes to post details of their goods or services and upload their entire inventory. Both small and larger companies are also given the opportunity to drive traffic to their own websites, call centres or bricks and mortar locations. In the run up to it's launch The Peoples Web has under gone a successful trial period, with retailers such as Volkswagen and Crabtree & Evelyn becoming members and selling their inventory. Although these companies are not based within the hvac sector, other firms in the industry already have a presence on the site. Mark Tuppen, founder and the managing director of The People's Web say: "The heating and ventilation industry can now enjoy low-cost, instant access to consumers who are actively seeking their products. The People's Web not only provides a forum for buyers and sellers, it actively matches them." The new service is available to consumers for just £5 a year. Small businesses and service providers pay only £25 a year, while company accounts are available for £100 a year for businesses who want to have their entire stock uploaded for them by The People's Web. A key benefit for companies with both national and local operations is that consumers can define searches on a regional basis. The People's Web also gives businesses an internet presence without the need for a website. Small businesses and people offering services can enjoy improved search engine rankings, as search engines are already finding listings on The People's Web. "People should be able to use the Internet as it was intended - as a low-cost, democratic forum for sharing information," says Mr Tuppen. "The People's Web brings us closer to that goal." Companies and individuals can search and post in 12 categories: DIY, On the Drive, Fashion and Clothes, Food and Drink, In the Garden, In the Home, Jobs, Music/Film/Video, Travel and Holidays, Property, Services and Sport Members can browse each category, using The People's Web search engine, or be matched to sellers based on their wanted ads. "We are matchmakers, not middlemen, we don't profit from any sales made through our site," says Mr Tuppen. "We simply provide a website where buyers and sellers can meet and arrange their own transactions." Account holders have control over every aspect of their transactions, including the items they offer, who contacts them, and how they're contacted. All posting and listings are vetted to avoid offensive material, making The People's Web a family friendly service. Members can also enjoy a completely 'ad free' experience without the distraction of pop-ups or scrolling advertising. Just as people have e-mail accounts and mobile phones today, maybe one day everybody in the UK may have their own Internet account. Why? Because according to The People's Web, Owning your own account can allow you to control and personalize what you want to do on the internet.

CLOSE WINDOW | PRINT