Zero Bid Finder for eBay - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

There are two of us at 'Firestorm Apps', Craig is a full-time web developer and I (Jon) had no previous app development experience. Craig brought his web skills to design the app and web service, whereas I am responsible for concepts, user experience and design.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

Starting with just an idea, and with no app development experience, we were really starting blind with the process and found the most challenging area creating a great user experience. We found out quickly, through reviews of v1 of 'Zero Bid Finder', that whilst the idea was great, the delivery was not up to expectations. It really challenged us to put our egos aside and listen carefully to the feedback, it pushed us to up our game, and improve the app. We continue to do that to this day.

_{Jon Shehan - [Firestorm Apps]}

A part-time designer, part-time coder and full-time auditor. I live just outside Winchester, England and can be found reading, attempting to stretch my hamstrings, and watching trashy horrors on 'Netflix'.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

'WhatsApp' - it has changed the way I contact my friends and family. 'Headspace' - it really helps save me from myself. 'Sleep Cycle' - wakes me up at the perfect time within my sleep routine.

How long have you been working on this app?

3 years.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

With so much selling on 'eBay' every minute a lot of the best deals go missing, and we wanted to help users find deals that no one else has and save money!

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

We're really proud that our app is such a simple concept yet gives powerful results - we don't entertain the idea of doing automated bidding or other sniping tools because, as well being a violation of eBay's terms and conditions, it requires the user to give over their user names and passwords. We've really challenged ourselves since v1.0, and continue to do so, to create the best app we can and are constantly trying to improve its functionality to give the best user experience we can.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

Agile improvements are completely key to us. We strongly believe in user feedback (both good and bad) to continually try and improve 'Zero Bid Finder' for which we have a full Kanban board of updates. We want to further develop our advanced filters and then add great personalized user experience so when a user opens the app, they're seeing the items they're interested in, ready and waiting for them.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

Just have fun and use the app to find some great deals on 'eBay'. We love hearing of our users' successes and another feedback, or suggestions are welcome as well.