Who's behind buythechange?
buythechange was founded by St. Paul natives and childhood friends Josh Becerra, Colin Hirdman, and Zack Steven. The business grew out of conversations about how we could use our business and entrepreneurial experience to "be the change" we wished to see in the world.
Our Fair-Profit Philosophy
In one of our early conversations we coined the term "fair-profit" to describe our business philosophy. It is in the same vein as "fair trade," and represents a hybrid between for-profit and non-profit that strives for social and economic returns. (more)
Capitalism has developed a a tarnished reputation in recent years and we built buythechange to model its power as a tool for social good. contact us with your ideas, critiques, and successes so that we can sooner become the community we desire.
Why buythechange?
Now more than ever it matters what you buy and where you buy it. Choose buythechange because you:
- value a vibrant local economy
- would rather buy from someone you might see again
- prefer to reuse or buy used when possible
- want to support a nonprofit you care about
buythechange promotes commerce at a hyperlocal level and connects you to people you have something in common with -- a friend, a neighborhood, a cause.
Join the movement!
Together we can harness the power of our purchases to create a social movement that shifts billions of dollars toward a more conscientious and sustainable economy.
What is buythechange?
buythechange combines the best of craigslist, Angie's List and social networking to help you find what you need from someone you have something in common with. You can:
- Connect to friends, neighbors, businesses, and nonprofits
- Advertise goods and services and promote events
...to your connections and the entire network
...posts are searchable via Google, Yahoo, and MSN
- Browse and search profiles, ads, events, and other content
- Get notified when your connections post ads and events
- Raise awareness and money for nonprofits you care about
70% of posting fees go back to nonprofits in the community!
Learn about buythechange for businesses and nonprofits.
How does buythechange work?
Whatever you post on buythechange shows up on your neighborhood page and the profiles of the people, businesses, and nonprofits you are connected to.
- Join and create a free profile
- Connect to other members
- Post events, want ads, and free items
- Get notified when your connections post
- Subscribe to benefit a nonprofit
- Post unlimited ads of all types
- Invite others to join
Events, want ads, and free postings are free, but goods and services for sale, jobs, and housing ads require a subscription. It's $20 a year for unlimited ads, and 70% goes to the nonprofit of your choice!
buythechange for businesses
buythechange is the place community engaged people look to find everything local and independent. You can:
promote your business in the community and online with unlimited ads, events, and announcements
connect with your customers and their friends, and connect your customers with each other
support a nonprofit you care about and show your commitment to your community
$100 for a year of unlimited ads
70% benefits the nonprofit of your choice
Learn about buythechange for people and nonprofits.
buythechange for nonprofits
buythechange connects community engaged people and nonprofits to maximize social impact. You can:
promote your nonprofit in the community and online with unlimited events and announcements
connect with your members and their friends and connect your members with each other
raise awareness of your mission and programs and earn recurring revenue to support them
FREE! all features are completely free for nonprofits
70% of fees paid by your members go back to you!
Learn about buythechange for people and businesses.
local classifieds with a conscience
Why buy and sell with strangers? Chances are someone connected to you, your neighborhood, or a nonprofit you care about has what you need or needs what you have! Make a difference by joining a network of real people building community one posting at a time.
Tell a Friend Learn More Join Now
