In a world where online marketplaces often expose sellers to risks of fraud and theft, Quincy Richards, the founder and CEO of Bamboo Marketplace, is pioneering a safer alternative. Launching in February next year, Bamboo Marketplace aims to eliminate the dangers associated with face-to-face transactions by offering a secure, cashless platform for buying and selling electronic devices. Richards, an account manager in a telecommunications company, was inspired to create the platform after a close call with a fraudulent buyer during a personal phone sale. His vision is to provide a seamless, contact-free transaction experience, ensuring both buyers and sellers can operate without fear of scams or physical harm. The platform utilizes an ‘Escrow’ system, where funds are held in a digital wallet until the item is delivered via Aeropost’s smart lockers across 14 locations in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, Bamboo Marketplace offers a 24-hour warranty and a dispute management team to address any issues post-purchase. With rigorous verification processes, including AI-driven identity checks and device serial number validation, Richards is confident that Bamboo Marketplace will set a new standard for safety in peer-to-peer online transactions. The platform also caters to businesses, offering subscription plans that exempt them from transaction fees and expand their market reach. Richards envisions Bamboo Marketplace becoming the go-to platform for secure online transactions, ultimately eradicating the recurring issue of fraud in the digital marketplace.