[AMA] I am scotty, the Founder of OzBargain. Ask me (almost) anything

scotty on 23/04/2015 - 09:06

Hello OzBargain community,

As neil has advertised, I ended up being the one doing the first Ask-Me-Anything (if you don't count our April Fool's one).

I am scotty, the founder of this very website, OzBargain. It started 9 years ago as a personal blog sharing deals that I found with a few friends, and now turned into one of biggest online community in Australia.

I am not sure what to expect here. I did an AMA with SavvySME back in February but mostly talking about the boring business side of things. However feel free to ask anything here — although there's no promise that I will answer everything.

Some simple rules:

  • Ask questions in the top-level comments, and leave the replies for me to answer your questions & discussions. Top-level comments that do not contain a question might get removed.
  • Please vote up the good questions and vote down the bad ones.

We'll see how it goes. Fire away guys! AMA.

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

  • Evil-Elmo on 23/04/2015 - 09:29
    +5

    When you first started OzBargain, did you think it would end up here? If not, where did you think it might end up?

    Somewhat related, and you may not want to answer this part, but as OzBargain has grown have you thought about an exit strategy, or are you here to stay? :)

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 09:50
      +19

      did you think it would end up here?

      No. Not at all. It started as a hobby — 10 years ago everyone and his dog has a blog (rather than social network profile these days). It was for fun (mostly) and share with my friends, where some are overseas students who have no idea where to shop.

      where did you think it might end up?

      When you started something you don't really think about where it might end up :) There wasn't a big community back then either. The ads revenue ended up paying for all the hosting and I was pretty happy that way.

      exit strategy

      Sure. I'll have to announce that on the first day of April next year.

      Seriously for the last 9 years there have been a lot of inquiries. For the first 4.5 years of OzBargain I was also running it along side with a full time job (+ a family with 2 kids) and at one stage I thought to myself, "nah I can't do this", and tempted to just accept an offer and sell to some company that I would not name here. For now I don't really want to think about the exit but just focus on building the community (with the help from everyone) and building the site.

      • ausmechkeyboards on 23/04/2015 - 11:57
        +25

        sell to some company that I would not name here

        Harvey Norman

      • Natura on 23/04/2015 - 12:08
        -5

        Hey Scotty I LOVE YOU! hahaha

        Thanks for bringing this AMA and of course making this site possible, just a simple 3 questions for you,

        Firstly, when you first started Ozbargain and I was a wee Ozbargain baby buying unecessary 3 packs of super durable umbrellas, you used to post a lot of Dell, dell related deals (Especially the business dell deals). I Loved those, but those have seem to have stopped a while ago, just wondering if Dell have decided to go down in the generosity stakes and go all corporate greed, or you simple lost access to such deals? Because your deals were killer back in the day.

        Secondly, i've noticed its getting harder to filter through all the great deals due to the sheer popularity of this site, is there any plans to implement user customized way to view content? ie put filters based on the categories that you are interested in viewing?

        Finally, after years of Ozbargaining, i've come to realize i am still not a millionaire, even though with all these savings. In your experience, now that are you a multi millionaire, how does it feel? does it feel like floating in clouds? What am I doing wrong? Maybe i don't ozbargain hard enough. Thanks mate

        • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 12:32
          +6

          Rule: Post questions as top level comment!

          As of Dell, where I used to work it was a Dell-exclusive shop so I get to know and use quite a lot of Dell gears. Since I started working on OzBargain full-time in mid-2011 I moved over to ThinkPads hence less Dell deals and more Lenovo deals these days.

          filters based on the categories that you are interested in viewing?

          You can already customise your home page. Go to your settings, "deals" tab, and under "General" you can show only selected categories.

        • Natura on 23/04/2015 - 12:43
          +7

          Sorry Scotty! Wish i could delete the above post, but thanks for responding :) I really don't ozbargain hard enough Take care

  • spendinghacker on 23/04/2015 - 09:39
    +2

    How did you choose a hosting provider for the site as its nature changes and the volumes of traffic have increased?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 09:56
      +5

      At the beginning it's easy. A single VPS that runs everything. When OzBargain first started back in late 2006 everything runs on an Xen VPS in Sydney with 192MB of RAM. I picked that because of the price :)

      OzBargain hosted with Crucial Cloud Hosting since September 2010 (see our credits page) mainly because I sorted of knew its founder Aaron. Over the years we have grown to a dozen little servers in a few places (mostly Crucial and Network Presence) however the main site is still here at Crucial. Once you get through the first level tech support these guys are brilliant. Also moving a large installation takes quite a bit of effort and right now I don't really have time for that. Otherwise "price" seems to be always the first thing I look at hosting :)

  • spendinghacker on 23/04/2015 - 09:40

    What is your social media strategy and which social media platform is generating the most amount of traffic for you?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 09:59
      +4

      OzBargain is social media. But we do post on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. We also ventured into Pinterest and Sina Weibo before.

      We don't have "strategy" — currently a lot of postings are automated to populate our social media profile with good deals that you guys have posted. neil would be the person to ask about our Facebook/Twitter posts.

  • spendinghacker on 23/04/2015 - 09:41
    +1

    How do you monetise the site other than AdSense?

    Do you have plans to introduce other means of monetisation (e.g. paid site-wide sponsorship, premium memberships etc)?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:04
      +32

      There are some affiliate links although logged in users don't see them. Logged in users also don't need to see the display ads either — just turn them off from your profile settings :)

      In terms of monetisation, I personally prefer something that doesn't need a lot of time. We use AdSense exclusively for that reason — it's pretty much set and forget. We are getting inquiries all the time from companies looking at "doing business together" — ranging from ad networks, data integration, customised CHAPTCHA etc, gamification system etc. However,

      • Those are most likely going to piss off our community users so definitely a no.
      • The rest are just taking too much time.

      There are too many things we want to build so we are happy to settle with "good enough" source of revenue.

  • spendinghacker on 23/04/2015 - 09:42
    +4

    How many paid staff do you have to help you manage the site?

    Are they all Australian based or do you outsource anything to overseas-based VAs?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:08
      +8

      Phew. Last question from ginmi for this morning. Currently I have

      • I myself
      • moocher (Sydney)
      • neil (Melbourne)
      • hamza23 (Adelaide)
      • Shaw (Wellington)

      Shaw is part-time mainly looking after our New Zealand site and I know he would be traveling soon.

      We might be putting on some new staffs or interns this year. Maybe, but that would be of a different post.

      • Fappo on 23/04/2015 - 12:14
        +3

        "our New Zealand site"

        That's choice, bro.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2015 - 23:07

          I like that website more than ours :( the theme is nice and it mainly has electronics droool.

      • enveloped on 24/04/2015 - 10:23

        In which way can I be sure that I will know it when you are hiring? I like ozbargain and want to work for it, plus a drupal themer/admin feel lonely admong the ocean of wordpress guys in Aussie.

        I created a google alart "hiring site:ozbargain.com.au" - I hope it will be effective. Besides, do you want to test your new people with contracts before becoming an staff?

        • scotty on 24/04/2015 - 10:57

          Not sure whether we'll be hiring more developers. I am more likely going to hire people to do the work that I don't like to do so I would have more time to do what I want to do, and I like developing :)

        • muncan on 24/04/2015 - 12:16

          @scotty: fiverr.com

        • DatBigTigrex on 25/04/2015 - 20:01

          @scotty: I can make you coffee/tea/dumplings.

  • brick007123 on 23/04/2015 - 09:44
    +1

    Your avatar surely does not reflect who you are, do you have a picture of yourself or the ozbargain team? :)

  • burner on 23/04/2015 - 09:45
    +1

    Hi Scotty,
    Thanks for doing this AMA:)
    Where do you see the site in 5-10 years?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:12
      +9

      Ideally: about the same as it is today and I'm not too stressed about the everyday running of the site.

      In reality everyone is talking about "growth" and expecting it. My account manager at Google called me yesterday asking me the same question. That stresses me out and I don't want to think too much about it. We'll just continue building the site & community, adding features people want, etc.

  • ChillBro on 23/04/2015 - 09:48
    +3

    Do you feel this community, being so focused on saving every penny, is a bit toxic?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:16
      +13

      That's what makes community a "community" :) Looking at other online communities in Australia — Getting good speedy broadband at home? Squeezing out the last bit of juice of your PC build? Optimising your frequent flyer points? Fashion, babies, etc — everyone of them are focusing on something that's the core of the community.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2015 - 09:48

    How would one best discuss a new business concept with you?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:16
      +1

      Depends. Email me although most likely I won't have time for it :(

  • rvsure on 23/04/2015 - 09:51
    +4

    Do you have any plans to diversify the Ozbargain business? I know that a dating website is ruled out (sadly :( ). As OzBargain generates so much referral traffic for companies do you have any plans to take advantage of that? For e.g. our own cash back program or referral bonus?

    • tomclancy on 23/04/2015 - 10:15
      +1

      our own cash back program or referral bonus

      ^ this. Scotty, you are giving so much traffic (and revenue) to SH/CR/Q. Surely this is an area for OzB to generate more revenue.

      And the referral bonus 'randomised' system is great. I've received a few unexpected referral bonuses recently. Well thought out.

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:21
      +10

      Cashback is definitely not the area I would want to get into. It's a data-consolidation & customer support business. Integrating with the affiliate networks is easy. However getting the transaction matched up and resolving any disputes — gives me headache even when I just think about it. I am more than happy to continue to send traffic to CashRewards, PricePal and Qwibble (and others that we have planned).

      Another thing to note is "revenue is not everything". Thankfully OzBargain has generated enough to support myself & my staffs so I don't need to think too much about cashflow & can focus on building the site.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2015 - 09:52
    +37

    Do you Eneloop?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:22
      +46

      I am just an amateur collector and nothing compared to the real professionals.

    • notewar on 25/04/2015 - 16:24
      +1

      This question cracks me up

  • watwatwat on 23/04/2015 - 09:55
    +1

    Why have you chosen such a conservative and slow approach to growth, choosing not to dedicate any ozbargain revenue to marketing? Why have you chosen not to truly try and monetise the site through affiliate programs, sponsored content or offering premium accounts?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:26
      +23

      choosing not to dedicate any ozbargain revenue to marketing

      Because slow & organic growth is free?! Don't you like something that's free?! :)

      chosen not to truly try and monetise the site

      See my previous reply. Basically

      • They piss off the community
      • They take up too much time

      Don't you worry we have enough revenue to pay our staffs & hosting :)

  • rvsure on 23/04/2015 - 09:56
    +8

    Did you ever have to share our personal data with the police or other govt agencies?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:29
      +43

      They haven't asked so no, I never have to. But as you know the servers are hosted in Australia, if someone from AFP knocked on the door of the data centre to find out who posted that secret coupon code — sorry I can't do anything about it either.

      • tightarse on 23/04/2015 - 11:37
        +24

        Haha… very funny scotty :)

    • Azn310 on 23/04/2015 - 23:07

      Secretly, he works for top secret agency and will soon crack down on the bargainers in a mission to save our economy

  • rvsure on 23/04/2015 - 09:56

    And few personal questions

    1. What was your job before founding OzBargain?
    2. What will you do if some company offers $10 billion for OzBargain?
    3. What's your favorite holiday destination?
    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:33
      +3

      1. Software architect in an ASX200 company. I was there because they acquired a financial software startup that I was a founding team of near the beginning of this century.

      2. Go shopping for a small island or something. Post that request in Find Me A Bargain forum.

      3. Home. I live in Sydney but my family are on the Gold Coast so visiting that "home" has been a good holiday destination for me.

      • spendinghacker on 23/04/2015 - 11:33
        +1

        but my family are on the Gold Coast

        Let's catch up next time you're in town. What do you think? :)

        I'd be honoured to meet the legendary scotty in 'real life'

        • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:50
          +3

          I'm heading up there in July during school holidays. You can get to me on LinkedIn :)

        • eug on 23/04/2015 - 14:32
          +17

          How many questions will you have for scotty then? :)

        • stickyfingers on 23/04/2015 - 19:14
          +3

          @scotty: Brisbane meetup!!

        • spendinghacker on 24/04/2015 - 15:33

          @scotty: LinkedIn message sent :)

      • ProjectZero on 23/04/2015 - 12:39
        +1

        Go shopping for a small island or something. Post that request in Find Me A Bargain forum.

        Sound like some villain in a spy movie… I knew it! OzB is helping fund a plan to dominate the world by controlling all the bargains! tin foil hat on

  • Chef-Johnson on 23/04/2015 - 10:00

    Perceived value, loads of stuff on here with perceived value. People buy buy buy based on the "RRP". You personally, do you fall in this trap?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:37
      +16

      OzBargainers never pay RRP.

      OzBargainers also help each other to have a better understanding of perceived value. Once a deal has been posted you'll see from the comments how the community perceive it, which in turn adjusts your own perceived value on that item.

      • The Gent on 25/04/2015 - 14:01

        Once a deal has been posted you'll see from the comments how the community perceive it, which in turn adjusts your own perceived value on that item.

        Spot on.

        How was I ever to know I was overpaying by at least double to get a key cut for $10?

        PS: anyone wondering, Bunnings all the way for key cutting.

  • bluedufflecoat on 23/04/2015 - 10:01
    +8

    How do I get a job at ozbargain? I hang out here too much.

    • Banana on 23/04/2015 - 10:12
      +1

      +1

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:40
      +10

      We'll advertise here when there's a position available.

      • The Gent on 25/04/2015 - 14:02
        +1

        I'll wear a billboard sign. You can pay me in coupons.

  • Forgot69 on 23/04/2015 - 10:01
    +29

    Do you have an all time favourite bargain that's previously been posted?

  • 2jzzzz on 23/04/2015 - 10:06

    Do you ever impulse buy some of the bargains posted?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:42
      +13

      Yeah a few times year? Usually those $1 items posted from overseas, or $2 games to expand my ever-increasing Steam collection which I may one day find time to play.

      • Banana on 23/04/2015 - 14:11
        +2

        This just reminded me that I paid 6 cents for an iPhone 6 plus screen protector 6 months ago and I am still waiting for it..

        • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 14:17
          +41

          Here's a tip. Well, not really a tip but my workflow to track things I buy on OzBargain.

          • Create a folder "Still waiting"
          • When I bought something especially cheap items from overseas, I'll bookmark it in that folder.
          • When I actually received the item I'll move it to another folder "Things I bought"
          • Every now and then I'll check my folder "Still waiting" to see who should I chase up.

          All can be done from inside OzBargain.

  • Evil-Elmo on 23/04/2015 - 10:21
    +2

    What do you do in an average day? (Relating to OzBargain, not talking about what you had for breakfast… although this could be interesting too! :) )

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:49
      +11

      Usually start after the kids have gone to school (8:30-8:40). Check emails. Log into chatroom with other mods & staffs. Sync with previous day's database backup so my developer site has the up to date data. git pull start coding, testing, etc. Actually post bargains that I received (from various sources) and comment on other people's deals. Read a bit of news — usually SMH, Hacker News and Techmeme.

      Well, that's the ideal day. Usually get interrupted by emails, phone calls, moderation tasks, etc. Try not to get distracted by Facebook and Youtube. Occasionally I will have to go to meetings, usually people sharing their business ideas that I'm not really interested in…

      I usually take a few breaks and then stop at 6pm. I'll get back online after 9:30 or 10pm when the kids are asleep.

      • CandyMan on 23/04/2015 - 18:29
        -1

        usually SMH

        but that's not free
        (I've got a trick to bypass the system though. I'm guessing you worked it out aswell)

      • ItsMeAgro on 25/04/2015 - 17:54
        +2

        I see no mention of reddit.

        Guess that's why you're a successful tech entrepreneur and I'm still in a dayjob…

  • spackbace on 23/04/2015 - 10:27
    +3

    When people ask what you do, what do you tell them? What's the reaction like?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:53
      +19

      I usually just say "I run some Internet business making websites". Most would just go "hmmmm okay".

      I don't really tell people that I founded OzBargain, as people seem to have polarised reactions. They are either a fan (which I really don't want the attention), or they have no idea what OzBargain is (which is a bit hard to explain).

  • Kironium on 23/04/2015 - 10:28
    +2

    Any plan changing the Ozbargain WebUI layout, colors for more workplace friendly

  • silverrat23 on 23/04/2015 - 10:30

    Red or Blue?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 10:55
      +5

      Red. Although redshirts usually die first :(

  • Forgot69 on 23/04/2015 - 10:34
    +1

    What's a feature you'd like to add to the website but can't for whatever reason?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:00
      +4

      "Click Here to Get 100% off" on every deal?

      There are a few features that I would like to add but can't, for technical reason. Usually something to do with machine learning and automations, as one of the goals is to automate as much work as possible. Automated tagging, taxonomy, linking to products etc. There's currently quite a bit of manual process there. I think it should be possible but all comes down to time & effort. Or I could add more staffs to do it but not sure whether the effort is justified.

  • pyramid on 23/04/2015 - 10:37
    +2

    Do you guys work from home or OZB has office in Sydney/Melbourne?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:02
      +8

      Everyone works from home. I work in a detached garage-turned-granny-flat. So no, we don't have office. I usually just meet people either in their own office or in coffee shops.

  • pyramid on 23/04/2015 - 10:45

    You founded financial start up and then OZB, so what next?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:05
      +3

      Retirement? I didn't think about what should start next when I worked in my previous job. It just happened. Nor am I thinking what should I be doing next, when I'm putting 100% behind OzBargain right now.

  • babylon on 23/04/2015 - 10:46
    +3

    What is your opinion on Whirlpool? What about Australian internet/forum culture in general?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:09
      +9

      It's a great forum and I'll say in many ways WP has inspired the moderation guidelines and some features on OzBargain (TWAM for example).

  • scrimshaw on 23/04/2015 - 10:57

    Scotty, what other side projects do you work on?

    • scotty on 23/04/2015 - 11:14
      +2

      None outside OzBargain at the moment. As with OzBargain & Co, we are planning to launch a similar site in SE Asia (like what we did with New Zealand). The white-labeling & customisation is almost done and ready to launch, but I don't have time managing it.

      • aliocroc on 24/04/2015 - 19:30

        Just answered my question, international branch offs/franchises! Surely you could sell the infrastructure to other countries and let them manage the day to day. Europe is crying out for a EurBargain, Usa a UsBargain, Russia a RuBargain.

  • akd on 23/04/2015 - 10:59
    +6

    Are there any plans for Official mobile app in near future? Current Ozbargain apps are not official and needs improvements.

    • scrimshaw on 23/04/2015 - 11:11
      +18

      Personally I don't think there's a need for an app. The mobile site is plenty usable enough.

      Besides, when you click a link that takes you out of Ozbargain, you will have to open a standard browser window anyway to view the vendor's website. You may as well be viewing Ozbargain on your browser, and be able to use a tabbed web interface.

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