Client

Nichole Bestman
Email: <nb577@cornell.edu>

The client is founder and CEO of Shipfair.

Student contact

Jennifer Yu <jmy53@cornell.edu>

What is Shipfair?

Shipfair is an international peer-to-peer shipping platform that levels the playing field for small to medium-sized textile and apparel producers in emerging markets that need to ship small parcels and packages. Shipfair pairs these producers with vetted, hyper-frequent travelers seeking to monetize their extra luggage space.

An important issue with the service is the legality and security surrounding it. Many other successful platform companies have had this same hurdle (e.g., Uber, Airbnb and Airmule). The client, who has a background in shipping and logistics in West Africa, has secured partnerships that alleviate security concerns and continues to iterate the business model to address international payments and trade law. These business decisions and considerations are not within the scope of the project.

Why?

For companies that source and manufacture textile and apparel goods in emerging markets, small parcel shipping can costs up to 4-5 times more than their counterparts abroad. As a result, thousands of small volume producers leverage informal shipping networks to save profit margins. Shipfair levels the playing field by formalizing their best-kept logistics secret (travelers, shipping via suitcase).

Beyond providing a more reliable, frequent and affordable alternative to informal and formal shipping methods, Shipfair is also driven by a social mission: By dramatically reducing shipping costs, we increase access to global markets for companies that are investing in artisanal labor, skills, and manufacturing jobs in the developing world.

Deliverables

The client would like a minimum viable product for Shipfair's platform. It will include basic features necessary for users to create accounts and post trips/packages. A particularly important part of the system is its pairing algorithm that will collect data, create listings and connect travelers and shippers. She also would like to see a robust user interface and, if time allows, a basic tracking system for the packages.

How it works (Basic Version)

• Shippers can post packages that they want delivered by a certain date and the amount they are willing to pay a traveler to take it.
• Travelers choose from a listing of packages that align with their trip and pick one they are willing to deliver (whether it is an item that needs to be bought or if it is an item that needs to be delivered to them locally).
• They connect with each other and complete the transaction.

Some minimum requirements

• Set up a server for travelers and shippers to make accounts.
• Shippers can post packages that need to be shipped for a price they decide.
• Be able to show all available packages and let travelers choose ones they can deliver.
• Travelers and shippers can view each others' profiles and can indicate when the item has been delivered.
• Payment options can be handled by client.
• This can be a website, if an app is not possible.

Note: scope

This is an ambitious project. As part of the feasibility study, the team must consider whether they can manage the minimum requirement within a single semester. If not, they should work with the client to select part of the system.

Note: non-disclosure agreement

Because this project is for a start-up company, team members will be expected to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The student contact can provide a copy of this agreement for you to read before joining the team.