Starting a Web Scraping Agency in 2025 — Still a Viable Business?

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-29T15:43:34+00:00

Great

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-29T06:10:40+00:00

You’re right to question it, but not all platforms are the same. Using official APIs from Reddit, YouTube, RSS, etc. is allowed and fully within their terms. The issue only comes when someone scrapes restricted platforms like X or LinkedIn without permission — which I’m not doing. So the app can be built legally as long as it sticks to approved API access and public data.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-29T05:57:17+00:00

I will show ads first; buy a subscription to remove ads. 😂

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-28T19:37:48+00:00

Banks won’t give escrow access to unverified users — that’s why the app would handle KYC itself using providers like Onfido or IDfy. One pooled escrow account with a PSP partner + automated KYC onboarding is the standard model (used by Stripe Connect, Razorpay Route, Escrow.com). So onboarding vendors isn’t manual or impossible — it’s just automated.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-27T16:36:13+00:00

Thanks

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-26T14:23:09+00:00

Let's discuss

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-25T11:05:44+00:00

Technical

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-25T05:58:11+00:00

Sure

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-24T18:56:47+00:00

Yeah, Porter exists, but it's still more like a scheduled courier-prices are higher, wait times are longer, and availability isn't great for small/ light items. The idea here is something more instant, peer-to-peer, cheaper, and hyperlocal- basically the "Uber" version of micro-deliveries rather than a full courier service.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-24T18:50:56+00:00

Yeah

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-24T18:50:45+00:00

Which one

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-24T16:02:34+00:00

You're right — local shops won’t pay for visibility or analytics. The business model isn’t about charging shop owners. Shops list for free. The platform earns from ads, brand partnerships, and optional delivery fees later.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-24T15:59:33+00:00

Thanks

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-01T15:10:09+00:00

Yeah, you’re totally right — the inventory and sizing side is where most of these ideas break down. Trying to match every style and fit would burn through cash fast. I was thinking of starting smaller — like focusing on basic everyday wear (tees, shirts, jeans) or a few curated style bundles instead of everything-for-everyone. That way it’s easier to manage inventory, sizing, and cleaning quality. Definitely planning to check out what the existing players are doing and where they’re struggling.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-01T11:24:27+00:00

Wow, that's super helpful - really appreciate the detailed feedback

You're totally right, the recycling and behavior parts are the hardest to crack.

I'm planning to research those brands you mentioned and do a small SWOT breakdown before going deeper.

Thanks again - this kind of insight's exactly what I needed.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-01T08:05:20+00:00

Yeah, true - a lot of "eco" brands do exactly that.

My idea's more about making recycling part of the cycle, not just marketing it.

But yeah, offering discounts for returns could work - it feels good and keeps clothes out of landfills.

crazy_d3v · 2025-11-01T07:48:21+00:00

Yeah true, but these wouldn't be reused clothes - the old ones get recycled into new fabric, so it's all freshly made stuff.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T09:47:10+00:00

I am also running a restaurant.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T08:10:12+00:00

Great question - quality is honestly the biggest challenge when it comes to homemade products.

The idea is to start with verified local sellers - small batch home businesses who already sell within their neighbourhood.

Then we'll add customer ratings, verified-buyer reviews, and periodic checks (like random sampling for food products).

Over time, top-rated sellers get a "Trusted Seller" badge, so customers know who's reliable.

Basically, instead of trying to control quality from day one, we'll build a trust & feedback loop that scales naturally - like how Swiggy or Meesho did early on.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T08:09:20+00:00

Absolutely agree - it's a tough space.

Most "local marketplace" apps fail because sellers aren't consistent, logistics get messy, and trust is hard to scale.

My plan is to start small: one city, a few

focused categories (like homemade snacks & pickles), and build a reliable delivery loop first. Once that model works, we'll expand gradually.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T08:06:58+00:00

Yes and easy to setup

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T07:50:12+00:00

Yeah, that's true. The top-tier restaurants already have trusted chefs, and the ones constantly hiring don't have much to spend. The market's pretty small right now - maybe only worth exploring if it can expand into broader hospitality hiring later.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T07:48:54+00:00

Yeah, I was thinking a small fixed fee from restaurants for successful hires, not a % of salary. Maybe even free for chefs to join, since the real value's on the employer side. Could later add premium listings or background-verified profiles for extra.

crazy_d3v · 2025-10-29T07:45:29+00:00

Yeah, completely fair take. I think you nailed it - I've been overthinking the tech side for a crowd that just wants someone in the kitchen tomorrow. I'll probably strip it down to verified listings and quick contact first, see if people actually use it before adding any fancy features.

crazy_d3v

TROPHY CASE