out of 5 stars by
AppAppeal Editor
OhSoWe gives local groups an easy way to swap items they need. The website is designed to reduce the amount of waste produced while giving users an inexpensive, easy way to find the items they need without buying them brand new. OhSoWe focuses on local groups, such as churches, schools, teams, neighbors, coworkers, friends and anyone belonging to local clubs or Google groups. Users create a group on OhSoWe and invite members to join and begin sharing items. Users can also log on and search for specific items in their area so those who are not currently members of groups can see if there is anyone local willing to lend. The OhSoWe homepage includes a list of recently added items as well as skills for users who offer services rather than objects.
OhSoWe was founded by Chuck Templeton and Arun Sivashankaran as a way to help users save money, get more use out of their belongings and connect with the people in their community. The website’s sentiment is in the right place however the location options are currently limited to neighborhoods in the United States only. The site also does not connect to any popular social networks, like Facebook or Twitter. Considering the number of people sharing on such networks, this seems like integration would be among the first features on OhSoWe’s list.
OhSoWe is not different in any way from applications that are similar to it. In fact the main difference is really a negative: the fact that it does not connect with sites like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Users must essentially reform their groups on OhSoWe from scratch rather than simply tapping into already formed groups on other websites. The site does not offer anything new in the way it works, even its focus on local groups is not terribly unique considering how many other sites have already jumped on the location-based bandwagon. The site is also very limited at this time in terms of communities served. Yes, this will grow as more users join and add to the pool of available items and services but for someone brand new it could make the application virtually unnecessary.
OhSoWe has a nice, professional logo and clean design however the site in general is very bland. Users are given little to look at beyond a few hints of bright green. For some this may be appealing because the site offers a utilitarian setting to find and post items. Others may be put off considering the appeal of alternative sites that provide better service and a more comfortable atmosphere to work in.
New users can join the OhSoWe community by clicking the yellow “Register” link at the top, center of the homepage. The user is asked to provide their home address (which should be expected since OhSoWe is location-based) as well as a first and last name, email address, time zone and password. The form includes embedded Google Maps to help the user verify their location. After submitting the form, the user is advised that they must check their email inbox for a confirmation message to complete registration and begin using OhSoWe.
OhSoWe does not charge a thing for its service. Considering its shortcomings, this is probably a good thing because the site really needs to grow its community to become a formidable competitor. All features and services are included when the user creates a free account. There are no al la carte items or subscription options at this time. Some users may charge a fee for use of their items or services, however this not a requirement.
OhSoWe is somewhat helpful for users living in areas that are well covered, however these are few and far between. Most seem to focus in New York and New Jersey communities. Others will find little of interest on the site (unless they are willing to be the first person in their community to list items for sale and see what happens).
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