Good Market Info > About > Marketplace Commons > Shared Infrastructure
Good Market is a responsive web app with a mobile-first design. The app can be used in any browser across any type of device by going to www.goodmarket.global.
A web app was chosen for the following reasons:
In 2022, the software team completed a rebuild to transition to React.js and single page application (SPA) architecture. They are currently working on transitioning from a web app to a PWA. This will make it easier to use the app offline or in low signal areas, add Good Market to a home screen, and handle notifications.
PWA | Web App | Native App | |
Accessible from search engines | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
Easily shareable links | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
Works across all devices | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
No download required | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
No updates required | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
Offline functionality | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Mobile push notifications | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Easy to add to home screen | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Full screen experience | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
Integrations
Many Good Market approved enterprises already have online stores and marketplaces. They are requesting apps and plugins that enable them to display their current marketplace listings on Good Market.
Marketplace Improvements
The initial marketplace release was very basic. As community members continue to add products, services, events, opportunities, places to visit, and other content to the community marketplace, it becomes more clear what the future requirements are. This will inform future improvements related to search, filters, and the marketplace user experience.
Chat to Cart
Traditional ecommerce sites work best for enterprises that have a large inventory of uniform products that can be directly added to a cart. Many Good Market approved enterprises have products that are unique handmade, upcycled or customizable. The “chat to cart” feature is for community members with one-of-a-kind products that require additional communication before the order is finalized.
Custom Quote
Good Market approved enterprises are often involved in both B2C and B2B trade and are looking for opportunities to supply products to distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and private label buyers. In the future, it will be possible to send custom quotes for large or customized orders.
Community Currency
Marketplace payments are currently in fiat currency. The long-term goal is to partner with others to integrate mutual credit and other forms of community currency to increase economic resilience and circulation within the new economy movement.
Improved Forum
The initial forum release was very basic. As community members have added and replied to questions, the requirements have become more clear. The forum page will be redesigned to include improved category and location tags and filter and search options.
Group Chat
The same service provider that is used for direct chat can be used for group chat as well. Individuals, enterprises, and networks will be able to form groups, define the topic, language, location (if relevant), and community rules, and invite participants. Many members are trying to avoid Facebook owned services like Messenger, Facebook Groups, and WhatsApp.
Translation of Community Content
The online application, profile page, and other static content is translated by the community using the OneSky translation platform. In the future, the Google Translation API will be used to translate community content including marketplace listings, forums, and profile page description paragraphs. This will make it easier to connect and share information across language barriers.
Interoperability and Integrations
Good Market is committed to interoperability and integration with other software tools and platforms. Systems will be put in place to enable developers to offer extensions or integrate the platform with other services. Additional services might include APIs for headless commerce, impact reporting, procurement tools, blockchain based supply chain tracking, community currencies, media and content integrations, etc.