CloudShopper encourages users to start shopping socially. The system makes a friend’s opinion much more accessible. Users can create various lists related to shopping. For example, a list could be compiled by a user for a friend’s birthday. Users can take their lists and share them with others through Cloud Shopper using Facebook. Those who view the list can make suggestions or help users come to a final decision about which item to buy. Users can also access Cloud Shopper to get a second opinion about an item. They can assist friends by providing recommendations of products they liked or share information about products that they felt didn’t measure up. Cloud Shopper gives users a fun, social way to learn about new products and ask the people they know and trust shopping questions before they make a purchase.

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CloudShopper was founded in October of 2010 by Peter Martinez, Josue Rodriguez, Sebastian Val and Ulises I. Orozco. The application was intended to provide advice using crowdsourcing through the user’s social networks. The team current consists of around five individuals, including all of the original founders and consultant Emmanuel Pozo.

Cloud Shopper is unique because it gives users an easy way to discuss products with the people they know. Many people feel that their friends and family are a trusted source for information. Individuals are much more likely to make a purchase if someone they know recommends a product. Cloud Shopper gives users the tools they need to talk to the people they know about products. Users can also build wish lists and gift lists for others.

The CloudShopper website invites users with cheerful white clouds. The homepage features puffy clouds and a light blue sky. Blue buttons across the top of the page help users navigate to their friends list, favorite items, recent activity and lists. A large search bar assist users in locating specific items. Every part of the user’s Cloud Shopper profile is nice and clean, allowing them to focus on the joys of shopping with friends.

A new user can join Cloud Shopper by clicking on the dark blue “Sign in with Facebook” button found at the top, right hand corner of the homepage. A separate browser will appear asking for the user’s Facebook log in details. Cloud Shopper thrives on social networking, so naturally the site would require a login through a social network. There is no traditional registration form or alternative option. It is understandable that the site would require this type of log in, however the addition of other social network login options would be a nice touch.

Anyone can use Cloud Shopper for free. The site offers many fun features, but it really isn’t something that would justify a subscription fee. Of course the user may wind up spending more money by purchasing items recommended by friends on Cloud Shopper. However it is entirely up to the user whether they spend anything at all. Cloud Shopper is still in beta, so this could change in the future. There is no indication that the site will require a fee anytime soon.

Individuals who love social networking sites like Facebook as well as shopping can really get into Cloud Shopper. The application essentially combines both of those popular internet pastimes. The system is easy to use and allows the user to do many things related to shopping with the people they know online.

• Register and log in through Facebook
• Create gift lists for the people you know
• Ask for advice about a product before you buy it
• Provide a review for a product you have tried
• Provide assistance when users ask about gift options and other shopping questions

Visit cloudshopper.com