Can I build a marketplace with AI tools?
Quick Answer
Yes, but marketplaces are complex. You can build a functional MVP, but features like escrow payments, dispute resolution, and trust systems require careful implementation.
Full Explanation
Marketplaces (think Airbnb, Uber, Etsy) are among the more complex app types to build, but AI tools have made them more accessible.
What AI tools handle well:
- Listing creation and management
- Search and filtering
- User profiles for buyers and sellers
- Basic messaging between parties
- Review and rating systems
Where complexity lives:
Payments: Two-sided payments (buyer pays, seller gets paid minus commission) require Stripe Connect or similar. This is more complex than regular payment processing.
Trust and safety: Verification systems, fraud detection, and dispute resolution are hard problems that AI doesn't solve automatically.
Liquidity: The classic chicken-and-egg problem-you need sellers to attract buyers and buyers to attract sellers. This is a business problem, not a technical one.
Practical approach:
- . Start with one side of the marketplace (maybe just sellers listing, you manually connecting buyers)
- . Validate demand before building complex payment flows
- . Use existing marketplace infrastructure (Sharetribe, Shopify) if possible
- . Custom-build only when you've proven the concept and need features those platforms don't offer
Marketplaces are possible with vibe coding, but they're not the best first project. Start with something simpler to build skills.
Related Questions
How do I accept payments in my app?
Stripe is the standard choice-it integrates with most AI tools and handles subscriptions, one-time payments, and tax compliance. Expect to spend some time on this integration.
What if my app needs custom features?
AI tools can build most custom features with good prompting. For truly unique requirements, you can extend AI-generated code manually or hire help for specific components.
Is vibe coding just for MVPs or can I scale?
You can scale AI-built apps to significant user bases. However, high-scale applications usually require professional optimization and may need partial rewrites.
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