OfferUp, a company based in Bellevue, Washington, has ventured beyond selling used goods and into the realm of home services by partnering with Thumbtack to create a marketplace connecting consumers with various local home repair and maintenance businesses. This move was described as a natural extension of the services already provided by OfferUp, allowing users to easily and affordably find solutions for all their local needs in one place. The company faces competition in this sector from other companies like TaskRabbit, Angi, and Handy, who also offer similar marketplaces for consumers seeking home services.
OfferUp has plans to introduce “direct posts” early in the next year, which would likely be separate from Thumbtack’s listings. Through this partnership with Thumbtack, OfferUp aims to connect its users with Thumbtack’s network of 300,000 local service professionals for a wide range of tasks, such as moving to a new home or landscaping projects. Founded in 2011, OfferUp competes with other marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook, facilitating millions of transactions each year and currently ranking third on the GeekWire 200 index of Pacific Northwest startups.
Revenue for OfferUp comes from advertisements and its OfferUp Premium service. In 2022, the company expanded its services by introducing job listings through OfferUp Jobs in its mobile app. In a statement from CEO Todd Dunlap at the beginning of 2024, it was mentioned that local businesses were utilizing OfferUp to promote their inventory to potential customers. The company intends to enhance accounts tailored specifically for businesses while addressing concerns within local communities about how this affects their ability to connect with individuals. OfferUp aims to bring more local businesses onto the platform while ensuring it does not inhibit the core experience for users looking to connect with others in their communities.
OfferUp secured $120 million in funding in March 2020 and also acquired rival company Letgo. This strategic move positions the company for further growth and expansion within the e-commerce and home services market. CEO Todd Dunlap emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting local businesses while also providing a seamless experience for users seeking to buy and sell goods or access home services through the platform. The partnership with Thumbtack expands OfferUp’s offerings to include a broader range of services, creating a one-stop-shop for consumers to find solutions for their local needs. Expanding beyond the sale of used goods, OfferUp is positioning itself as a comprehensive marketplace for both goods and services.
