College kids in New York looking to save a few bucks now have an easier way to search for discounted textbooks on the Internet.

Flierguy.com, a website launched Oct. 27 by Baruch College senior Jason Navallo, is an online marketplace for college students that is meant to alleviate the process of buying and selling school supplies and books at low prices, according to the site’s masthead.

Navallo said he was inspired to create the site after he saw students trying to buy and sell textbooks and other supplies on Craigslist. He said the last straw was when he and a friend were looking for a finance book and began posting fliers around campus. Navallo said that this waste of paper compelled him to make Flierguy.com, which went live in less than two days.

‘Using our site, you can buy/sell textbooks and electronics with your classmates for free,’ according to the website. ‘It’s that simple. We know the cost of college these days is expensive enough as it is. There’s no need to spend more money on textbooks and electronics than you have to.’

Navallo said he believes the site, which he calls a ‘Craigslist for college students,’ has several factors to draw members. A student does not have to pay to set up an account, and there is a ‘substantial drop in pricing’ when students buy books on Flierguy. The site also promotes communication among students, Navallo said. When a seller posts an item to the website, a buyer must respond with contact information. The two would then meet to make the exchange.

Navallo’s initial goals were to start with New York City colleges and allow people to get used to the site before making major changes. Despite not spending a cent on marketing, there are already about 120 users on the site, and reaching out is still on Navallo’s mind, he said. Navallo said he intends to bring the website to Syracuse University students and has acquired an angel investment from Disruptive Ventures, which he intends to use for future needs.

‘Expansion is the biggest challenge so far,’ Navallo said. ‘Updating servers and promotion will cost hundreds of dollars per month.’

SU and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry students generally seem willing to try out the website, but some have their reservations.

‘It is an interesting idea, and, if localized, it’s better than the ‘bulletin board strategy,” said Jordyn Conway, a junior environmental studies major at ESF.

Darcy Balcarce, a junior environmental science major at ESF, said she agrees with Conway, to an extent.

‘I would use it for some classes, but not all. If I want to keep a certain textbook, I’ll buy a new one from the store,’ Balcarce said.

The face-to-face encounters that Flierguy provokes make some students wary. Some said if the website allows for shipments rather than in-person interaction, it could become more popular.

‘I’ve had good luck with Amazon,’ said Arjun Mishra, a senior history major. ‘The lack of a shipping aspect certainly makes it less effective, but I see its appeal.’

Brendan Hoskens, a fifth-year industrial design major, said he has concerns about the site as well.

‘I can see myself using it, but I’d be hesitant about the head-to-head interaction. Meetings can be a waste of time if the quality is bad. There is something nice about the interaction, though.’

Navallo said he has received positive support from current users and friends so far. It strikes two chords with college kids by providing a new way to connect socially and keep some cash in the bank, Navallo said.

Said Navallo: ‘Our job is to take money away from the textbook companies and book stores that are sucking us dry.’

asmuckel@syr.edu

Published on November 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Andrew: asmuckel@syr.edu