Oxford goes BOSO
Oxford University students now have their very own online marketplace.
Described by marketing director Vivienne Bearman as "an oxford student version of eBay", www.boso.co.uk is a free service where students can buy and sell goods online.
It is one of the businesses set up under the Young Enterprise Graduate Scheme, which is run by Oxford Entrepreneurs. Users can browse items for sale, advertise their unwanted possessions and post requests. Items listed range from used textbooks and second hand bikes to mini-bars and football socks.
The site has been under development since midway through last term and was inspired by the popularity of second-hand trade in Oxford. Bearman told The Oxford Student: "Everyone at university needs the same things which they'll never use when they leave."
Members of the www.boso.co.uk committee were enthusiastic about the possibilities the website offered to students living on a budget.
www.boso.co.uk committee member and Oxford Entrepreneurs President Kulveer Taggar said: "University generally is an expensive time and we can make it cheaper for everyone by offering this choice."
It is an entirely student focused service which invites registered members to give feedback and suggestions.
Transactions are made privately, with email details being accessible to members after registration. The arrangement relies largely on trust and the company cannot be held liable for purchases made.
The terms and conditions are similar to those of eBay, the main difference is items are priced by the seller rather than being open for bidding.
The website has proven extremely popular so far, with 23,000 hits being made within the first week. Over a hundred items have been sold and the company has ambitious plans for expansion into other universities and product areas.
"The way we branch out will be responsive to what students want," said Taggar.
A link to another student website, amiworthit.com, will be added this week. The Boso committee of 11 will be joining volunteers in auctioning themselves for Valentine's Day dates with all proceeds from this collaboration going to charity.
3rd Feb 2005