From a transition year idea to a web business – Flog.ie

“Having both used various classified websites in Ireland in the past, we believed that the current sites leading the classified market were impersonal and lacked an element of fun. The idea was simple – to develop a classifieds website making buying and selling easy and having a bit of fun along the way,” they said.

“Our image and our branding are very important to us. Our site has a real personality, which we have created through social media and marketing, which brings life into the website.”

Collins said when he was in transition year he was encouraged to explore his passion for competitions and this led him to enterprise.

“I soon found myself selling on eBay and trying to design an iPhone app. My eBay business has since been postponed and that iPhone app has fallen through but the idea of getting a product into the marketplace for the world to see, that sense of unlimited success, gives me an indescribable thrill!

A yearbook in transition year

“Towards the latter stages of transition year, I decided to gather two of my fellow-pupils, one of whom was Andrew, and bring out a yearbook for our year. The idea was simple but hadn't been thought of previously and we each made a tidy sum.

"The project was perfectly executed and we had successfully earned money. This sense of achievement spurred myself and Andrew into Flog.ie. Response from family and friends has been excellent so far and we will not rest until we succeed.”

Forde said he has always wanted to make money as well as having an impact on his community. 

“The crazy expierience of setting up our own business, trying to get it off the ground and setting ourselves the goal of establishing a classified website, wasn’t always on my list of things to do.

“Until transition year debating was my big hobby. I had done really well and it wasn't until myself and Jack got involved in creating the yearbook that I got my first real insight into the joys of business. Pushing yourself, making your own decisions and giving yourself the tools to become your own person is exciting.”