Revolutionizing Secondhand Shopping: Encore’s AI-Powered Search Engine
The secondhand retail market is booming, projected to reach $73 billion in the U.S. and $350 billion globally by 2028. However, finding the perfect pre-loved item can be a daunting task. Enter Encore, a game-changing search engine that streamlines the thrifting experience.
A Chance Encounter Leads to Innovation
Founded by former Apple engineer Alex Ruber and former Twitter and Asana engineer Parth Chopra, Encore was born out of a shared passion for thrifting. The duo met through Y Combinator’s founder match platform and later bonded over their frustration with finding specific items online.
Solving the Fragmentation Problem
Encore tackles the fragmented secondhand market by aggregating listings from multiple sources, including Poshmark, the RealReal, Grailed, Etsy, and eBay. Using large language model technology, users can input detailed queries, such as “Show me a dress that Emily wore in ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 3 Episode 4.” The search engine also suggests partial prompts and auto-populated suggestions to facilitate discovery.
Key Features:
1. Advanced Search: Type detailed queries or simple sentences to find matching items.
2. Multi-Source Aggregation: Search across various platforms in one place.
3. Image Upload: Find items by uploading images (coming soon).
4. Subscription Model: Unlimited searches, advanced models, and priority support for $3/month.
Growth and Revenue
Encore processes over 50,000 searches per month, with 26% month-on-month growth in searches and 15% growth in clicks. The startup generates revenue through affiliate shares and is exploring subscription-based models.
The Future of Secondhand Shopping
As the secondhand market continues to grow, Encore is poised to revolutionize the way we shop sustainably. With its innovative AI-powered search engine, Encore makes finding hidden gems easier than ever.
Optimize Your Thrifting Experience
Try Encore today and discover a more efficient, enjoyable way to shop secondhand.
