Livestream selling is a somewhat new phenomenon in the world, but vintage heads have been used to it for the past couple years. During COVID-19 we saw the surge of Instagram live auctions, and more recently the rise of independent livestream selling apps like Popshop, Whatnot, and now “Exchvnge”. The difference is that Exchvnge specializes in only selling vintage. Started by community favorite, FinalFlameVintage (Henry & Hailee Kaimimoku). We sat down with the App co-founders Henry and Haley to hear how they got started with the project, and what their goals for it are.

When did the app idea start- You guys partnered with a tech team to bring a live streaming app to life. 

What distinguishes you from other live streaming apps?

“We are focused 100% on vintage. Also, we are verifying all sellers on platform to ensure the highest integrity to the service. And we are completely open to feedback from members of the vintage community”. 

How do fees work?

“We are still structuring fees for now. We want to make sure we take a data driven approach and this is what the beta phase is all about. We right now are learning towards a tiered subscription model”. 

What’s been the biggest challenge? 

“The biggest challenges have been the tech buildout. So far, we haven’t run into anything crazy, but we are completely focused on feedback from our user base”. 

Is it special to you that this is a vintage driven app?

“Being for the community and by the community has always been a vision of mine that I’ve shared. Everyone that has reached out before to us never had that vision. All they wanted was a quick buck. It’s amazing being part of the development process.  I wouldn’t want to do it any other way”. 

Authenticity is huge to what you guys are doing right?

“It’s all about credibility at the end of the day. Everyone has specialties in different aspects of vintage. And you can’t replicate that authenticity with these other apps. You can’t last long in the community if you have a bad reputation. And we pride ourselves in the reputation we’ve built out.  This is a homegrown effort which I like”. 

Where do you guys envision this long term?

“I want this to be the top live selling app when it comes to not only vintage but anything fashion related. Vintage is our foundation. I want people to feel comfortable buying from credible people and also buying 100% authentic from people that share in our vision”. 

Who are the big names you guys have on board already?

“We have special announcements very soon as to some notable people within the community. Stay tuned”. 

What do you think about these vintage startups popping up in the last year?

“It’s smart- and I think this is the next level for vintage. Obviously not all of these startups are going to last but I love to see it because people are going to want options. I love it”. 

What do you think about everyone getting checks cut from some of these larger live streaming apps? 

“Get your check. You can’t pay for authenticity and that’s something they are missing. So, like I said, get that money. After these apps are gone, we are going to be the one that stays”.