Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Yoshith Weerakoone, the Founder at Onsbay about Onsbay

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

Services permeate our lives on a daily basis, yet none of us have a means to find services at a moment of need without having to resort to rudimentary technologies such as asking people who have used a service, or flipping through a directory of listings. Similarly, smaller service providers find it hard to compete against service giants that have massive spending capacities to gain reach. I wanted to create a solution that took a wholesome approach to creating opportunities for the small service agents, whilst allowing the users to change how they perceive and use services. Eventually, the vision is that Onsbay will disrupt and re-write how people consume and deliver services forever.

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

Based on analytics. iOS and Android currently dominate the global smartphone market. At one point we began developing for Windows phone as well but that market tanked so we dropped that like a bad habit.

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

Onsbay is not just an app, it is a platform for both service users and professionals. The apps are only ONE of the front-facing clients available. We also have a web front for legacy access, and a chat bot (that is still in testing) for the younger market segments.

We want to be the app anyone thinks about whenever they think about service: gardening? Onsbay. Electrician? Onsbay. Baby sitter, dog walker, house sitter? Onsbay. We aspire to be the app that will take the current “there's an app for that" attitude and change it to “there's an app for that industry".

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

We aim to get version 2.0 released as soon as possible. Version 2.0 will contain massive changes to the UI and the UX of how the app flows. You can try v2.0 from the Google Play Store by requesting to become a Beta tester. On iOS, you will have to get in touch with us via email so that we can add you to TestFlight.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

Meeting all the amazing people I've met is hands down the most rewarding aspect of creating this app. Taking this platform to the world is a gargantuan task, but it's all worth it when small service providers and people from many walks of life come and tell you that “they've been waiting for an app like this forever".

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

I believe our coolest feature is the platform itself. Being able to tell someone that our platform can host ANY service ever, and then watching the reaction on their faced go from confusion to incredulous disbelief to straight up disbelief is pretty cool. Besides that, probably our search range scale which goes from “walking distance" to “light-speed warp jump".

What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?

The start-up industry of the world. I have never met such a supportive community of people focused on one specific task besides a professional sports team. They have helped me a lot on this journey and I can say without a shadow of a doubt they will continue to support me to the end.

Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?

Apps like PickMe, Uber, AirBnb, and Airtasker really inspired the feel and the UX of the app but I think Google inspired the concept. Google are living proof that you can dominate a market if you are brave enough to face those challenges.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?

Stop talking about your app and first build it. No one is going to give you money for just an app. Build your MVP. Put it on the stores. Use your money to grow it and get some downloads. When you get this far on your own money, you'll feel the burn. This way when you do get invested in, your knowledge of how to run something on a shoestring budget will make you successful faster.

You can view Onsbay here