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After nearly 30 years in the technology industry, first in software development and then as a tech executive recruiter, Harvey Lawner started his own tech company that launched in June a classified ad website — a market that will be difficult to win business away from established giants like Craigslist.org.
The Nashua, N.H.-based TLG Internet Inc. launched Uzap.com, a free online classifieds site that enables users to scan consumer products and prices on other major websites, such as Amazon.com and eBay.com, allowing the poster to price their items competitively.
Lawner, who before working as an executive recruiter was president of the Americas for Acorn Computers Ltd., said he founded his latest company to capitalize on the e-commerce market in an otherwise sluggish economy. “The market is so ripe,” he said. “It’s just a great time if you have the interest and the financial means.”
The market Uzap.com is entering is a large one, and capturing just a small percentage could be enough to generate a decent profit. That said, it’s a tough business, say analysts. “It’s extremely difficult to find an exploitable niche in the market,” said Barry Parr, media analyst for JupiterResearch LLC.
Nationally, classified advertising — both online and offline — generates about $17.3 billion a year, with online now capturing about $3.9 billion of the total, according to the Kelsey Group Inc., a New Jersey-based research firm.
Before Acorn, Lawner held positions at several tech companies, starting at Bunker-Ramo Corp. in the late 1970s. Others included Sony Corp. and Data General Corp. He founded TLG Internet with an undisclosed amount of his own capital in October 2007.
Uzap.com is generating revenue through advertisements on the site, though the website is too young to reveal traffic or revenue figures, Lawner said. It also features a tool that enables users to make donations to nonprofit groups while enabling such groups to list what they’re seeking.
Uzap.com user Bash Ahmed, manager of Windham, N.H.-based Elegant Premier Homes LLC, said he recently employed the website’s price-comparison tool when selling his Toyota 4Runner. He has also posted house and apartment listings on Uzap.com, which he likened it to Craigslist, but easier to use.
“It has more sex appeal,” he said. “It’s more friendly, if you will.”
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