While browsing my Google Reader feed today I saw a post on Vator.tv about YouhaveIwant. This is a real time matching based startup out of New York. Co-founder Vik Panda recently presented at a Vator Splash event in San Francisco.

The product has some interesting highlights including:

• Persistent Search
• Short Messages
• Enhanced Privacy
• Location-based
• Real-Time Intelligent Matching

It was quite easy to access the site, I used my already logged in Facebook account to connect to the system. In the age of instant gratification I was not disapointed as I was able to post an item to test the interface within seconds of account creation. The site seems as though it will be very useful for people who have unwanted items to allow them to easily find people who need those items. While browsing the recent items I found a need/want that matched ironically right on top of one another in the feed:

Need a Microwave? Here is one. How convenient!

Once these two find each other as a match they can connect using the instant messenger in real time or click links to send an SMS message or call the other user. The privacy settings are well done, they allow you to specify when your phone link is available and mask your Email address by providing a nick name. Another interesting aspect of the “Browse” function is the tag based navigation that we’ve all grown to recognize, know and love:

Familiar Tag Cloud Navigation

Once you’re ready to post an item, you can take the simple approach where there is very intuitive suggestion text:

Simple Posting Interface

Or if you prefer, there are more advanced options including a link to an external URL, min/max price, Location and additional description:

Advanced Posting Interface

I find the concept of this site to be fairly brilliant, but how do they intend to make money? They intend to connect businesses that provide matching products with the people who want them for a fee. This is a very consumer friendly model and shows some promise. Overall I can think of a lot of reasons why the idea could succeed but it may largely weigh on my ideology rather than my business sense. I see this as a great opportunity to prevent waste by matching people who have “junk” with people who want that “junk”. It takes E-Bay, Craigs List and Free Cycle to new heights. I’ve got a practically brand new Seally Box Spring that I cannot find a home for. I am hoping that someone will take it off my hands, Free. If I succeed using YHIW I will update this post.

Access YouhaveIwant.com