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June 17, 2022 - No Comments!

Meet the Team: Justin

Today we're bringing you the first instalment of our brand new 'Meet the Team' series. Every month we'll be bringing you a short interview with a member of the Paperclip family...

This week we're saying hello to Justin, our long-serving Marketing Manager. Justin has been with us since 2017 and has been growing, and rewarding, the Paperclip community ever since!

Hey Justin, go ahead and introduce yourself to the blogosphere...

Hey everyone I'm Justin, the Marketing Manager here at Paperclip HQ. I mostly work on developing and executing our digital and email marketing strategies as well as providing general support to the team and our users.

How did it all begin?

So it'll be my four year anniversary as a full-time member of the Paperclip squad this coming August. I was studying Business Management at Swansea University and I was working for Red Bull as a Brand Ambassador the same time. In my final year, I wanted to gain some more work experience and started an internship with Paperclip. Once I graduated, there was only one place I wanted to work and that was right here. I started my first job after uni as a Marketing Coordinator and after a year, I became Marketing Manager!

A fresh-faced Justin on his first day on the job (sorry, not sorry - Ed.)
So what attracted you to the role?

I like having a variety of roles and taking on new challenges as it enables me to learn something new, and develop my skills. As we were in the early start-up stage, I thought this would be a great time to jump in and help the company, and community, grow.

What motivates you to keep going?

I love to build things and lead on projects. I love watching them develop and really take pride in any successes we have individually or as a team. I've been lucky to work on so many projects from the ground up, whether that be growing our student communities, creating ad campaigns or email flows to keep our users engaged and feeling valued.

What do you get up to outside of work?

I really like working on my own projects and start-up ideas, currently running a personalised hoodie blanket company! I also love Muay Thai, and will hopefully be having my first fight soon.

Do you have a favourite movie?

Pulp Fiction. What a film! Even though I've only seen it once, and that was about about 10 years ago, I really enjoyed it.

What's your dream holiday destination?

That's a tough one. Though I've always fancied going on a food odyssey in South East Asia on a motorbike. Maybe next year. If I do go, I'll be sure to share the photos on the @Paperclip HQ socials!

And finally, tell us a fun fact about yourself...

Hmmm, well this is kind of embarrassing, but when I younger I learned to play 'Numb' by Linkin Park on the piano. It's actually the only song I know how to play on there. Maybe one day I'll expand my repertoire...maybe.

Keep up to date with the latest news from Paperclip. Follow us on Twitter here.

Published by: Laurence in Team

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June 9, 2022 - No Comments!

Our top 5 homeware items

If you've been with us for awhile, you'll know that Paperclip isn't just a place for gorgeous preloved garments, fabulous fitness items and awesome games & consoles. In fact, you can find countless bargains across all of our item categories.

Our 'Home & Garden' category boasts over 10,000 new and preloved items from sellers up and down the United Kingdom. If you're on the app or visiting us on your web browser and want to check out everything homeware, just head to the slider across the top of the screen and select the category. You then have the option to sort by price, date added or by sub-category making it super easy to find what you're looking for.

Today, we're bringing you our pick of the top five homeware items currently available on our beloved marketplace...

Metamec Wall Clock
clock, homeware

First up is this gorgeous retro wall clock from Paperclip seller @philip_1. Made in England back in the 1960s, these clocks were built to last. In stylish gold and cream, with all it's original detailing, this piece is listed at a reasonable £120.00. Still in perfect condition with no scratches or scuffs, this could be a perfect addition to your living room...

Floor lamp
lamp, homeware

We love this classic adjustable electric floor lamp and shade! With it's sturdy pine wood tripod stand and double brackets, you can see why this item has been viewed over 400 times. The lamp features protective feet pad prevent your floor from damage, a handy foot pedal switch and can be adjusted from 99cm to 1.43m!

You can pick it up now from Paperclip seller @c2hope! Even though it's brand new, it's a real bargain at only £75.00.

Pink flamingo
flamingo, homeware

Bright, colourful, and fun, this funky pink Flamingo could be a fabulous addition to your garden. These kitsch ornaments became popular in America in the 1960s but are enjoying a revival of late - at least on the Paperclip marketplace. You can purchase our avian amigo for less than a tenner (including delivery!) from Paperclip Powerseller @rf2022.

Sea grass baskets
baskets, homeware

Nowadays, storage space is at a premium. These authentic sea grass woven-baskets will keep your bits and bobs organised whilst keeping your pad looking stylish. This pack of three small, medium and large baskets feature white trim pom pom decorations and toggle fastening. Another listing from homeware queen @c2hope, this trio can be picked up for just £30.00.

Evil eye pendant
seeing eye, homeware

Now this is where things start getting a little spooky...

The evil eye wall hanging or 'nazar' as it's known in Middle Eastern cultures, is an eye-shaped amulet believed to protect against evil spirits. Not limited to the region, there are variations of these amulets that span across North Africa to Southern Europe to the Indian sub-continent. Not something you see every day and can easily hang off your wardrobe, wall or door. We think this piece would be an interesting addition to your front room, whether you're superstitious or not.

This amulet comes with its own box and is listed at £17.00 plus delivery. Be sure to check out new seller @aysen's other great listings whist your there too!

Be sure to keep checking the Paperclip marketplace for even more awesome homeware bargains.

Keep up with the latest news from Paperclip HQ. Follow us on Twitter here.

Published by: Laurence in Musings

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May 25, 2022 - 1 comment.

Listings never leave?

We're coming to you today with some exciting news...

Our development team have been working tirelessly over the last few months to bring you the biggest update of the year: a fundamental change to the buying/selling experience.

If you've read our recent blogs on fast-fashion faux pas and the perils of overconsumption, you'll know that we're waging a war on waste. Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for you to find a new home for the stuff you no longer need, and to save preloved goods from landfill.

Your social inventory

At Paperclip, we see the future of item ownership as temporary - you merely hold onto an item while you're using it - and then you flip it on for sale to someone else.

Also, we realise that one of the biggest hurdles to selling your things online is the listing process itself. Because of this, Paperclip allows you to relist items you've previously bought in just three taps, without having to take the time to add a photo, description, price and everything else.

How does it work?

Once an item is bought on Paperclip, the item appears in your profile. From there, you can choose to hide that item, or relist it with ease when you're done using it.

When you go through the listing process, you'll be asked to confirm that the following details remain the same;

Photos: if the condition or look of the item has materially changed, please add new photos.

listings, social inventory


Price: if the item has risen or fallen in value, you can easily amend the price of the item.

Location: the item location may differ from your location now, if the location has changed, you can quickly update it.

Privacy

Photos: We recognise that not all of our members would like to have their photos re-used for relisting. During the add item process, you're able to unselect the checkbox that states 'I am comfortable having the photos of my item reused by the buyer'

social inventory, listings

Items: It's recommended that you keep your purchased items public, so that other members can make an offer on that item - you never know when you might receive a higher offer to sell something on! However, you are able to hide items on your public profile at any time.

These changes are being rolled out this week. They're ready to go on web, but if you want to start building your new social inventory, just update your app for free to get the full Paperclip experience.

How are we doing?

What do you think about our new update? Whether you love it or loathe it, we want to hear from you! Be sure to leave a comment below...

Get the latest updates from Paperclip HQ. Follow us on Instagram here.

Published by: Laurence in Uncategorized

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April 22, 2022 - No Comments!

A look ahead on the sharing economy

It has been just over 15 years since Airbnb changed the way we think about where we stay. They democratised property rental and rewarded a whole generation of property owners and travellers alike. Since then, we've seen many other sectors transformed by the sharing economy. From food delivery (Deliveroo, Uber Eats) to transport (BlaBlaCar, Uber, Lime) to self-storage (Stashbee, StoreMate), we are witnessing a fundamental change to the way people are accessing goods and services.

But what about the humble marketplace? Commerce is a story as old as time, from the bazaars and souks to eBay and Gumtree. Not much has been done with this traditional model of buying and selling, except perhaps the 'mobile revolution', where marketplaces simply got a facelift for smartphone access.

Our vision for the future of marketplaces

If you think about it, it never really makes sense to buy something and hold onto it while you're not using it. We live in a world of overconsumption, facilitated by the traditional ecommerce models and incumbent buy/sell marketplaces.

Why not rethink the model, and instill a cultural shift towards temporary ownership? Imagine a world where everything you owned was online for people to buy, borrow or rent off you. Your car, your bikes, clothes, books, powertools - even the food in your cupboards -  listed on an online profile. You could browse the profiles of other people around you, moving items (and ownership) from profile to profile, seamlessly.

  • Need a powerdrill for 30 minutes? Bob round the corner will rent you his.
  • Looking for a new book to read? Sarah nextdoor has all of her books listed on her Paperclip profile.
  • Run out of cinnamon and need a dash for that apple pie? That house across the street has some, even though you've never met them before.

This would get you what you want, when you want it, and for far cheaper, faster and more sustainable than buying new.  That's the future that Paperclip is working towards.

Over the course of this year, we'll be taking the necessary steps to transform the culture of consumption and provide a marketplace that truly serves the people. Stay posted!

If you wish to keep up to date with the latest news from Paperclip HQ, simply follow us on Twitter here.

Published by: Laurence in News, Perspective

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April 13, 2022 - 1 comment.

The true cost of overconsumption

What motivates the team at Paperclip HQ to keep going?

In short, we're on a mission to challenge the way people think about the things they own and we believe that our trading community can make a difference. We understand the size of this challenge, but we also understand that we are a critical moment in terms of securing our future on this planet. There's never been a more urgent time for us rethink our shopping habits and reconsider how we buy, sell and swap.

Shocking Sustainability Statistics

Sibilance aside, we’re living in an era of mass overconsumption. We're already seeing the effects in our environment and these statistics really do paint a bleak picture of our collective consumption habits...

Fashion faux-pas

If you checked out our piece about fast fashion last year, you'll know that the fashion industry now manufacturing four times more items than it was back in 2001! Most of these new items are cheap, disposable items of clothing. These often end up in landfill, where it can take over two hundred years for them to decompose.

  • Over two tonnes of clothing bought each minute in UK
  • Amazingly, the average garment is worn just ten times before it's thrown out
  • Less than 10% of all the clothes we throw out gets successful recycled
  • Globally, the equivalent to a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on landfill sites every second
Kitchen Nightmares

It's not just clothes that end up in landfill. Despite a sustained push to increase the rates of food recycling in the UK recent years, our environment is still struggling to digest our leftovers...

  • Right now, the UK wastes around 9.5 million tonnes of food every single year
  • Despite this, 7 million people in the country are struggling to afford to eat
  • Globally, a whopping 33% of all the food we produce is thrown out
  • It's not just` the food itself that we throw out, crockery and kitchen utensils often can't be recycled due to the materials used in the manufacturing process
E-waste embarrassment

The term 'e-waste' refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their 'useful life.' Computers, mobiles, televisions and even games consoles are increasingly seen as 'disposable tech' with repairs often costing almost as much as a new device.

More and more electronics are finding their way into landfill

The amount of e-waste has been rising for years, but only now are we beginning to understand the real cost of our addiction to electronics.

  • Millions of tons of e-waste are generated globally every single month - the equivalent of throwing out 1000 laptops a second.
  • E-waste contains extremely toxic chemicals, including: lead, arsenic and mercury. Exposure to these chemicals, directly or indirectly, can cause a myriad health problems.
  • It's predicted that global e-waste levels will skyrocket to 74 metric tonnes by 2030 – almost double the figure recorded in 2014!
  • Though recovery and recycling rates for e-waste across Europe in 2019 stood at 59%, the global average was just 17.4%.

Paperclip is on a mission to help reshape these habits by facilitating the sale of preloved items and championing the sharing economy. With over three quarters of all the items sold on Paperclip being second hand, you have a great chance of finding a new home for your old iPhone, or the unwanted gift sat in your wardrobe.

It's free to join and with no fees for adding items, why not list your stuff for sale on the Paperclip marketplace today?

Keep up with the latest news and views from Paperclip HQ. Follow us on Twitter here.

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This article contains research and statistics from the following sources; Labfresh Waste Index, United Nations FAO, edie and The World Counts.

Published by: Laurence in Musings, Perspective

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March 21, 2022 - No Comments!

Spotlight on: Trade Centre

Over the last few weeks, the team at Paperclip HQ have been working hard to add new features and further improve our user experience...

In response to the feedback we collected from our trading community back in 2021, our Development team set about revamping our Trade Centre. Today, we're taking a look at some of the upcoming changes to the way you buy and sell on Paperclip.

Simplifying Buying and Selling

Right now, trades are separated across several tabs depending on what state they were in. In the 'Selling' section of the Trade Centre, items you have listed are broken down into five separate categories; Items, Offers, Accepted, Declined and Sold.

In the 'Buying' section, all items that you have ever made an offer for would be found in one of four categories. These are currently; Active, Won, Didn't Win and Completed.

Trade Centre, buy, sell
The current 'Buying' section categories on web

In our next update, both 'Buying' and 'Selling' will be simplified for a smoother user journey. Both sections will have just two tabs; Active & History. This will make it easier to find all your 'live' trades in one place.

Filtering your trades

Rather than having a long list of all trades that are yet to be completed, you'll soon be able to filter the trades displayed to further drill down into trades requiring a specific action e.g. locating an item that you've made a previously placed a bid on.

The new options for filtering active items in the 'Buying' section

These changes will be reflected on all platforms. So whether you're using the Paperclip marketplace on iOS, Android or a web browser, you'll soon get access to the new look, easy-to-use Trade Centre.

Oh, and it's not just the Trade Centre we're updating. You can head on over to our previous blog post to learn more about the exciting changes happening to Paperclip Groups!

We've got some huge exciting partnerships and new features in the pipeline for the next few months, so make sure to keep up to date with the latest news from Paperclip HQ. Follow us on Twitter here.

Published by: Laurence in Features, Perspective, Trades

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February 18, 2022 - No Comments!

New arrivals: top five gaming items

Happy Friday from the team at Paperclip HQ!

Here's a quick rundown of some of the fabulous new additions to our 'Games & Consoles' category. As mentioned in our last blog post, we've seen a massive 500% increase in gaming items added to the Paperclip marketplace over the last 12 months.

More than ever before, the gaming community are choosing to buy, sell and swap their preloved items online. With over 100 consoles, games and accessories added to marketplace in the last week (many at a fraction of the RRP) we thought we'd take a look at the our most viewed, and most favorited, gaming items from the last 7 days...

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Gaming Headset

We're kicking things off with a brand new listing from Paperclip Powerseller @clarissahope. This SteelSeries Gaming Headset features the IGN award-winning Arctis signature soundscape. Compatible with both Xbox One and PC, this headset features a detachable ClearCast noise cancelling microphone for Discord-certified natural sounding clarity. The adjustable headband is reinforced with real steel for a perfect fit and lasting durability.

    This item comes used, but in great condition with all the original packaging and accessories. Listed at 50% of the RRP, this item really is a 'steal'!

    Sega Mega Drive II

    For gamers of a certain age, nothing will excite them more than the prospect unboxing a Sega Mega Drive for the second time. This seminal console was a real gamechanger when it was first released over 30 years ago. This item, from Paperclip user: @techtime, also includes all of the original control pads, cable and packaging. This listing includes two classic Sega games; 'Golden Axe' and the iconic "Streets of Rage".

    For under £70, you can have all this delivered straight to your door!

    PowerA Fusion Pro 2 controller

    Listed on Tuesday by Paperclip seller @sjnewton1, this ergonomic wired controller, compatible with Xbox One/S-Series puts premium materials and pro-level gaming features at your fingertips. With a mappable Pro Pack containing customizable paddles and three-way trigger locks, this is a great option for seasoned gamers.

    Featuring swappable faceplates and thumbsticks, dual rumble motors and magnetic impulse triggers, this really is one for the pros.

    Simpsons Hit and Run

    We couldn't quite believe it when we saw that this early 2000s classic appear on our marketplace. A firm favourite with Simpsons lovers and retro gamers, this item from @jamie_b has already been favorited over 20 times since it was added earlier this morning!

    OK, so maybe the graphics don't stack up with new releases, but this Sierra Best Seller is a thoroughly enjoyable ride nonetheless. You pick up this little slice of nostalgia for less than a tenner!

    Razer Naga Trinity Gaming Mouse

    Just added this morning by @cw3stern, this MOBA/MMO Gaming Mouse really is something special. Optimized for precision and speed - you'll never miss a clock. The mouse features four interchangeable side plates with different button configurations.

    With advanced 5G optical sensor and 19 programmable buttons, it's no wonder that the Razer Naga the award-winning industry leader. With over 30% off the RRP, it won't be here for long.

    With new games, consoles and accessories added every single day, be sure to check back to our Games & Consoles section regularly.

    Keep up with the latest news from Paperclip HQ. Follow us on Twitter.

    Published by: Laurence in News, Trades

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    February 8, 2022 - No Comments!

    Paperclip Levels-up!

    With so many of us stuck at home over the last couple of years, it's no surprise that the video games industry has enjoyed a period of enormous growth. Since the end of 2019, an extra 3 million Brits have made their first foray into the world of gaming. In fact, the UK is now the leading video games market in Europe and the fifth largest worldwide! With video games becoming an increasingly popular pastime among players of all ages, the gaming industry is now the UK’s most lucrative, and fastest-growing, in the entertainment sector.

    Here at Paperclip, we've seen a 500% increase in items added to our 'Games & Consoles' category in the last 12 months alone. Not only that, but we've witnessed a huge growth in new users opting to join our gamer's trading groups as well a spike in those requesting specific gaming items.

    games, gaming, Paperclip
    Some new editions to our 'Games & Consoles' category

    With that in mind, we've decided to make some tweaks to our marketplace to help cater for the 36 million gamers in the UK - and the 1.4 billion worldwide...

    Updates incoming!

    The marketplace will focus on enabling our users to buy and sell gaming laptops, consoles, computers, components and accessories quickly and securely with our trusted trading community.

    games, gaming, Paperclip
    A sneak peak of our new-look gamer's platform

    Our unique social inventory feature is positioned well as it mirrors the kind of inventory that a gamer would have in-game: we're bringing the in-game efficiency of resources to the real world!

    We will be implementing changes to the way you add items and manage your listings - making it even quicker and easier to buy and sell your gaming essentials.

    Also, our groups feature allows us to cater for the sub-communities and niches that world of gaming has to offer. Here users can interact with others in the Paperclip community with similar interests as well as giving users to option to buy, sell, swap and request items. We will be adding new gaming groups over the next few weeks and implementing a rewards system those users who start, and grow, their own communities on the platform.

    More to come...

    Over the next month we will be giving you more tips on how to maximise your chances of selling your stuff, more exclusive deals from our partners and more opportunities to win fabulous prizes. Stay tuned to our blog for what promises to be an exciting 2022.

    Oh, and there's a special treat for gaming marketplace users is being discussed but it's secret for now...

    Want to keep up to date with latest news from Paperclip HQ? Follow us on Twitter here.

    Published by: Laurence in News, Perspective

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    January 4, 2022 - No Comments!

    Paperclip Year in Review: 2021

    The team at Paperclip HQ would like to wish a very happy new year to all of our trading community!

    2021 was another difficult year for us all, however, we are pleased to report that it was by far our most successful. Even with so many changes to our platform we still managed to hit a record number of marketplace transactions and items added, all whilst welcoming thousands of new users to the Paperclip community. Here's a whistle-stop tour of what we achieved in 2021 as well as a sneak peak of what to expect in the coming months...

    Our 2021...

    Transactions: on the platform are up a whopping 1,186% since January! With the majority of those listing an item making a sale within the first two weeks. It has never been a better time to sell your items on Paperclip...

    Items added: we've never had so many items added as this year, with the number of items being added up over 586% since the beginning of 2021! Our most popular categories being women's fashion, baby & child and electronics.

    Powerseller Programme: since launching our Paperclip Powerseller rewards programme earlier this year, we have since onboarded over 200 new sellers with 50 items or more. Head to our Instagram and check out some of the fantastic sellers we have championed throughout 2021.

    Charity partnerships: over the course of the year, we partnered with a number of charities in order to help them sell donated items online, showcasing their items to our 200,000+ strong community of users on, rather than just the regular footfall from their High Street locations. It's been a real pleasure to help YMCA, Sustainable Wales and Craft For Charity develop their online presence and generate revenue for such fantastic causes.

    Sustainable Wales' new Paperclip store

    Features: online payments were released early this year, which enabled us to also implement Paperclip Credit; a way of giving back to our community via discount codes for credit, which can be redeemed and spent on the marketplace.

    Our iOS and Android apps were updated considerably, with greater user experience all round. It's not easy managing 600 screens across iOS, Android and Web with development team of 4, and so we had to manage resources carefully, focusing on user-benefiting tweaks.

    Parent's Pack: the last few months have been particularly challenging for parents, especially those having to home school their children throughout the pandemic. With this in mind, the team decided to release a pack of deals, discounts and giveaways for parents, totally free of charge! The pack features offers from Clarks, Ocado, Amazon and more. You can grab yours for free here...

    What to look out for in 2022...

    One-tap relisting: when you buy something on Paperclip, that item will soon move into your Paperclip profile, ready to be relisted for sale at the touch of a button once you're done with it!

    Delivery: once we integrate a delivery provider, you'll be able to have your items collected and delivered to buyers without having to go to the post office!

    A lick of paint: our Trade Centre and feed are being overhauled for a much crisper browsing and transacting experience, following some extensive feedback from our Powersellers.

    Powerseller rewards: after successful trials, we'll take the Powerseller programme to the next level, with new rewards, badges for top sellers and new features on our social channels.

    More, more, more: we'll onboard more communities than ever before, meaning a sharp rise in a the amount of items and transactions on the platform as we look to run ads

    ...Spoiler Alert! We're also working on a number of other features that will benefit our community, but for now it's best we keep them under the hood... everyone loves a surprise.

    Stay tuned to our blog for more exciting developments throughout the year and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn here.

    Published by: Laurence in News, Perspective

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    December 8, 2021 - No Comments!

    How to claim your £3 Paperclip credit

    First off, here's a massive thank you for signing up to our Parenting deals, discounts and freebies pack.

    We all know that 2021 has been a difficult year for everyone, but it has been especially challenging for the parents of young children. That's why we've decided to offer our users, new and old, a selection of great discounts from some of the best known names in kid's fashion, toys, baby-care products, (plus a few juicy deals for you too) all completely free!

    We're also giving everyone who has signed up a free £3 credit to spend on any item from the 'Baby & Child' category on the Paperclip marketplace. It's super easy to load up your credit and get started...

    How to access your credit...

    1.) You can access Paperclip on the web or download the app here!

    2.) Create a free account (it only takes 30 seconds)

    3.) Head to 'Profile' or your icon bottom right corner if you're using the app

    4.) Head to 'Balance'

    5.) Enter code: PWP3 and press 'Redeem code'

    That's it! You're all set!

    Now search for anything from the Baby & Child category, select 'Buy Now' and you will have the option to use your credit on the final stage of checkout.

    If you run into any problems, just drop us a message at: hello@paperclip.co and someone will be on hand to help!

    Remember to head back to Parent's Pack regularly as we will be adding more deals, discounts and freebies throughout December and into the new year!

    Keep up with the latest from Paperclip HQ and follow us on Instagram here.

    Published by: Laurence in Digital Welcome Pack, News