Online community marketplace lets users discover, teach or host a class

Chicago-based Dabble is an online community marketplace connecting people wanting to learn a new skill, with those willing to teach.

Whether it’s learning to speak a new language or how to make pottery, many people dream of learning a new skill, but are frequently put off by the high price of professional classes. However in Chicago, Dabble — an online community marketplace — aims to make it easy for people to try something new, or host a class for those willing to learn. Launched in June, Dabble allows users to either find, teach or host a class. To teach a class, users submit their proposal and select whether or not they already have a venue booked. Once Dabble have approved the idea, they handle bookings, payments, and the promotion of the class on the site, enabling teachers to focus on planning their lesson without the hassle of paperwork. Dabble encourages all those wishing to establish themselves as experts, gain new clients, or test new concepts and gather feedback, to sign-up as teachers. No professional qualifications are required, as Dabble’s philosophy is that learning should be fun, informal and passion-led. Those seeking to learn, meanwhile, can choose from approved classes on the site, currently ranging from wine-tasting to welding. Each class costs USD 20 per person to attend, of which the teacher receives USD 10. Venue owners can also sign-up to host a class, raising awareness for their shop, gallery, school or café. Dabble is a cheap and easy way to learn a wide range of new skills, and a free way to market businesses and services through teaching. Could a similar concept succeed in your area?