Ukrainian iOS/macOS developer Serhiy Basin created the Sarafan application, a platform for checking people’s reputation by phone number.
Ukrainian iOS/macOS developer Serhiy Basin created the Sarafan application, a platform for checking people’s reputation by phone number.
He said this on LinkedIn.
Sarafan positions itself as a «platform of people for people,» where users can verify anyone by phone number — from freelancers to clients. The app features ratings and reviews left by other users, as well as the ability to build your own digital reputation.
Users can read detailed reviews about people, get notifications about new ratings, track what people are saying about them, and leave feedback themselves, all in an effort to create a more transparent environment for collaboration and interaction.
However, after launch, the developer faced problems with onboarding and monetization. According to him, the key barrier was registration: the application is tied to phone numbers, and SMS verification through Google services turned out to be too expensive.
«If something goes wrong, there’s no point in moving the bed—you need other solutions,» he explained. As a result, Basin decided to change its approach. Now users can view reviews without registering in anonymous mode. Registration is left only for those who want to leave reviews or interact with features that require identification.
The monetization model was also changed: the function of receiving reviews about your number in real time was made free, although it was previously paid.
In addition, the developer has reviewed the UX and design of the product. According to him, this is only the first stage of changes, and he plans to continue experimenting with the product in the future.
