Creating ToolSwap specialised tool trading platform

The challenge

An individual startup founder from the USA approached WeAreBrain with a vision rooted in his passion as a DIY enthusiast and strong belief in trading hardware tools through a dedicated online marketplace. His goal was to create a marketplace more user-friendly and trustworthy than eBay, which sells everything but lacks the focus and usability specifically for tools.

The challenge was to design and develop the first version of a specialised online marketplace where people can easily buy, sell, and trade tools. The platform needed to ensure a smooth user experience, simple listing process, transparent browsing and search capabilities, and built-in trust features for both buyers and sellers in a market dominated by generalist platforms.

Our solution

WeAreBrain collaborated with WSS (Web Systems Solutions) to create ToolSwap.com, an online marketplace specifically designed for professionals and DIYers in the USA to buy, sell, and trade tools, both new and used. WSS handled the complete development process, ensuring specialised marketplace expertise throughout the build.

After careful consideration comparing Buy or Build technical platform options, custom platform development was chosen to support optimal user experience of a two-sided marketplace where users can switch between buyer and seller roles seamlessly. This approach also enabled seamless integration with Stripe Connect for Marketplaces and Shippo for shipping, which existing marketplace builders did not support.

What makes ToolSwap innovative:

1. Niche specialisation

ToolSwap focuses exclusively on tools, unlike generalist platforms like eBay, providing a focused listing and browsing experience tailored specifically for tool enthusiasts and professionals.

2. Trust by design

Every transaction is backed by buyer protection to ensure safe transactions, whilst the platform incorporates community-focused features tailored for enthusiasts and professionals who care about quality, brands, and value.

3. Integrated marketplace functionality

The platform features secure marketplace payment and checkout flows via Stripe Connect, support for shipping integration through Shippo enabling sellers to create shipping labels easily, and a sharp categorisation system specifically designed for tools.

The result

Through our collaboration with WSS handling the development process, ToolSwap achieved significant milestones in bringing a specialised tool marketplace to the American market.

1. Efficient development cycle

After a thorough definition and design phase, the development of the first release took 4 months, demonstrating the effectiveness of custom platform development for specialised marketplace requirements.

2. Successful market launch

ToolSwap.com launched in May 2025 and is actively growing its user base, establishing itself as a trusted alternative to generalist marketplaces for tool trading.

3. Strong market validation

Early market traction and reviews demonstrate strong resonance with both professionals and hobbyists who value a trusted, tool-focused marketplace environment over generic trading platforms.

The platform successfully addresses the gap in the market for a specialised, trustworthy tool trading environment, creating value for a community that was underserved by existing generalist marketplaces.

Technology used

• • Custom marketplace platform developed by WSS
  • Stripe Connect for marketplace payments
  • Shippo integration for shipping management
  • Specialised tool categorisation systems