From Coin Shows to SaaS Gold: How I Built a Niche Marketplace Platform

Building a SaaS Product Comes With Unique Challenges

When I noticed Montana had almost no coin shows, I didn’t just see a gap—I saw a real opportunity. As someone who loves building niche marketplaces, this felt like the perfect moment to create something meaningful. Here’s how a simple observation turned into a thriving SaaS platform for collectors and event organizers.

Spotting the Real Need

Digging into forums and conversations, a few things stood out:

• Collectors in remote areas really wanted local events
• Information about shows was scattered and hard to find
• Different collector groups often overlapped in interest
• Small communities were highly engaged and supportive

Making Sure the Problem Was Real

Before coding anything, I talked to 50 collectors, shop owners, and organizers. Their frustrations were clear and consistent:

“I never know when or where the next coin show will be until it’s too late to plan.” – Collector from Billings

Choosing the Right Tech Stack

I wanted to move fast but build for the long haul. Here’s what worked for me:

Core Components

• Frontend: Next.js for SEO and performance
• Backend: Node.js with Express
• Database: PostgreSQL with PostGIS for location search
• Authentication: Firebase Auth
• Payments: Stripe Connect for secure transactions

Key Code Snippet: Finding Shows Nearby


// Sample query for finding shows within radius
async function findShowsNearLocation(lat, lng, radius) {
return await db.query(
`SELECT * FROM shows
WHERE ST_DWithin(
location,
ST_MakePoint($1, $2)::geography,
$3
)`,
[lng, lat, radius]
);
}


Staying Lean and Focused

I avoided feature bloat and stuck to solving the core problem first.

Phase 1: Basic Directory (Weeks 1-4)

• Simple event listings with dates and locations
• Search by location
• Email alerts for new events

Phase 2: Adding Marketplace Features (Weeks 5-8)

• Table rentals for vendors
• Ticket sales for attendees
• Basic analytics for organizers

Launching Quickly and Getting Traction

Within two months, we had our first paying users. Here’s how:

How We Found Our First Customers

• Partnered with local coin shops early on
• Shared stories about Montana’s “hidden gem” collections
• Built trust by highlighting real collector experiences

Early Growth Numbers

Six months in, here’s where we stood:

• 120 active event organizers
• 5,000+ registered collectors
• 32% monthly growth

Lessons for SaaS Builders

This journey taught me a few things worth sharing:

1. Start With a Real Problem

Actual pain points beat hypothetical ideas. The coin show gap was something people felt every day.

2. Build Small, Learn Fast

We launched with just event discovery and added more only after people asked.

3. Tap Into Existing Communities

Collector forums and local shops became our best sources for feedback and early users.

Where We Are Now

What started for Montana coin collectors now serves multiple communities across the Northwest. The lesson? Start small, listen closely, and grow from there.

Today, we’re expanding into gun shows, card shows, and other specialty events. It turns out, even niche SaaS products can scale when they solve real problems for real people.

Related Resources

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