What would it take to build out an initial system? What kind of expertise would be needed?

* Someone who knows how to found new coops from scratch (not me, in other words)
* Web front end
* Data management on backend
* Warehousing, logistics, delivery
* Probably some ML to fine-tune and efficient operation
* HR/staffing expertise
* Other?

Imagine if we could get the things we need delivered to our door, *without* funding a billionaire who exploits us and his workers. Who is on board?

Note: This is not my idea, but reserving credit to see if the person even wants to be involved/credited

EDIT: Thanks @dibi58 for the awesome idea!

@hosford42

Platform Cooperativism Legal

Governance Expert: You need someone who understands "Multi-stakeholder Co-ops." How do you give workers, consumers, and vendors a vote without creating a "committee that can't decide on lunch"?

Operations Research (OR) Scientist:

Logistics isn't just "trucks and warehouses." It is high-level math: traveling salesman problems, bin packing, and inventory placement. This is where Amazon wins.

Regulatory/Compliance Counsel:

Shipping involves local zoning, labor laws (especially if using gig-style delivery), and insurance.

Trust & Safety/Moderation:

eBay’s biggest cost isn't the servers; it’s dealing with fraud, returns, and disputes. You need a system for decentralized "justice."

Take it from an old tech guy, your first hire MUST be an old truck dispatcher, someone you cannot bullshit. Stay away from anything with an On Switch until you find that person

@tuban_muzuru @hosford42 I've been reflecting on this (mostly, because I'm sad I still use Facebook Marketplace as the de facto place for trading board games). What if, take inspiration from FB Marketplace pages: create a platform that allows people to create marketplaces of their own with their own rules. Default to report to a marketplaces admin, give admins notice if a participant is banned from other markets. Limit platform to bans for illegal behaviour and escalation.
Not logistical though.

@lachlan @tuban_muzuru @hosford42

Is there a way to make such services where people could use their existing fedi-logins?

Facebook marketplace works because people already have an account. Making an new account to do something is a massive barrier.

But, could this be... IDK like an extension for servers or something... but everyone could see and interact?