Request for Proposal (RFP): Development of a Shared Economy Marketplace for Short-Term Commercial Rentals
*1. Project Overview*
We are seeking a skilled software development agency to build an innovative **online marketplace for short-term and partial commercial rentals**. The platform will connect landlords and property owners with underutilized spaces (e.g., empty shops, office spaces, empty lands, malls, museums, parking, libraries, hotels, schools, etc.) and businesses or individuals seeking affordable, flexible rental options. Inspired by the shared economy model (e.g., Airbnb), this platform will focus on monetizing underused spaces and creating opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and event organizers.
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*2. Objectives*
- Create a user-friendly platform that enables property owners to list underutilized spaces for short-term or partial rentals.
- Provide businesses and individuals with affordable, flexible rental options for commercial use, events, and other purposes.
- Incorporate advanced features to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
- Build a scalable and secure platform that can grow with our user base.
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*3. Target Audience*
- *Primary Users*:
- *Property Owners*: Owners of underutilized spaces (e.g., empty shops, office spaces, lands, schools, malls, museums, libraries, hotels, buildings, etc.).
- *Businesses/Individuals*: Businesses, entrepreneurs, event organizers, or individuals seeking affordable, short-term rental options (e.g., pop-up shops, retail spaces, storage, parking, advertising, event spaces, showrooms).
- *Demographic Focus*: Landlords, business owners, startups, freelancers, event planners, and property owners in urban and suburban areas.
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*4. Geographic Focus*
- The platform will initially focus on *[Saudi Arabia]*, with plans to expand regionally or globally in the future.
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*5. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)*
- *Key Differentiators*:
- Focus on *short-term and partial rentals* for a wide range of commercial and public spaces.
- Affordable and flexible rental options for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and event organizers.
- Monetization opportunities for property owners with underutilized spaces.
- AI-powered matching between property owners and renters.
- Transparent pricing and secure transactions.
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*6. Core Features*
- *Essential Features (MVP)*:
- User registration and profiles (property owners, renters).
- Space listings with photos, videos, and detailed descriptions (e.g., size, location, availability, permitted uses).
- Advanced search and filtering (location, price, size, type of space, intended use).
- Map integration (Google Maps or Mapbox).
- Messaging system for communication between property owners and renters.
- Reviews and ratings for property owners and renters.
- Secure payment gateway for transactions.
- *Advanced Features (Future Phases)*:
- *AI-driven recommendations*: Suggest spaces based on renter preferences, past behavior, and location.
- *Dynamic pricing tools*: Allow property owners to adjust prices based on demand, seasonality, or other factors.
- Virtual tours or 3D views of listed spaces.
- Analytics dashboard for property owners to track space utilization and earnings.
- Advertising space management (e.g., billboards, building facades).
- Event management tools (e.g., booking calendars, attendee management).
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*7. Types of Spaces and Potential Uses*
- *Underutilized Spaces*:
- Empty shops or kiosks in malls.
- Unused office spaces or meeting rooms.
- Lands (e.g., for storage, parking, pop-ups, events).
- Building facades, land boundary walls, rooftops (e.g., for advertising).
- Museums, libraries, or galleries with unused rooms or halls.
- Hotels with vacant event spaces or meeting rooms.
- *Potential Uses*:
- Pop-up shops or showrooms.
- Event spaces (e.g., weddings, conferences, workshops).
- Storage or parking for short-term needs.
- Advertising spaces (e.g., billboards, digital screens).
- Co-working spaces or temporary offices.
- Art installations or exhibitions.
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*8. Monetization Strategies*
- *Revenue Streams*:
- Listing fees for property owners.
- Transaction fees for successful rentals.
- Subscription plans for premium features (e.g., advanced analytics, priority listings).
- Advertising revenue from businesses promoting their services on the platform.
- Affiliate partnerships (e.g., insurance providers, logistics services, event planners).
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*9. Technology Stack*
- *Frontend*: React.js, Angular, or Vue.js for a responsive and interactive UI.
- *Backend*: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails for scalability.
- *Database*: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.
- *Hosting*: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
- *Map Integration*: Google Maps API or Mapbox.
- *Payment Gateway*: Stripe, PayPal, or local payment processors.
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*10. Design and User Experience (UX)*
- Focus on simplicity, ease of use, and mobile responsiveness.
- High-quality visuals and intuitive navigation.
- Future consideration: Mobile app development.
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*11. Legal and Compliance*
- Ensure compliance with *Saudi commercial real estate laws* and *data protection regulations*.
- Implement fraud prevention measures (e.g., verified listings, user authentication).
- Draft terms of service, privacy policy, and user agreements.
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*12. Project Timeline*
- *Phase 1*: MVP development (3–6 months).
- *Phase 2*: Full platform launch (6–12 months).
- *Phase 3*: Post-launch updates and scaling (ongoing).
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*13. Budget*
- Estimated budget: *$25,000 to $50,000*.
- Please provide a detailed cost breakdown in your proposal.
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*14. Submission Requirements*
- Company profile and relevant experience.
- Proposed technology stack and architecture.
- Development timeline and milestones.
- Cost estimate and payment terms.
- Examples of similar projects (e.g., appearhere.co.uk & thestorefront.com).
- Team structure and key personnel.
- Post-launch support and maintenance plans (e.g., updates, scalability options).
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*15. Evaluation Criteria*
- Technical expertise and experience in building marketplaces.
- Quality of proposed solution and alignment with project goals.
- Cost-effectiveness and transparency.
- Ability to meet deadlines and deliver on time.
- Post-launch support and maintenance offerings.
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*16. Contact Information*
- *Email*: (removed)
- *Submission Deadline*: April 15, 2025