The newly launched app, Dibbs, aims to revolutionize the way local businesses connect with customers by offering exclusive deals without any marketing costs for the businesses. Founded by brothers Jj and Emmanuel Arciga, Dibbs allows users to “call dibs” on discounts from local establishments, enhancing community support and encouraging customer engagement.
Dibbs is designed to be user-friendly. Local businesses can register and promote their offerings on the platform at no expense. Customers browse available deals, select one they like, and pay a mere 10% of the deal’s cost through the app. The remaining balance is paid at the business location when the customer collects the product or service. This model not only benefits users with discounts but also ensures that businesses receive immediate payment when customers arrive, eliminating the need for delayed payments.
Jj Arciga shared, “We’ve partnered with 30 local businesses so far and are trying to make this the go-to app for everything local. The app is full of deals from local businesses that are exclusive to our platform.” Since launching the beta version shortly after Christmas 2023, the app has attracted over 400 users, with more joining each week.
Origins and Vision
The concept for Dibbs emerged during a challenging time for Emmanuel Arciga, who had experienced the devastating effects of the 2017 Tubbs Fire that destroyed his sporting goods store in Santa Rosa. In 2020, he and his wife, Dana, began brainstorming ways to support local businesses. They envisioned a platform that could help both business owners and consumers connect more effectively.
Initially, Emmanuel relied on traditional marketing methods and faced significant challenges. He discovered that established marketplace apps did not support small businesses effectively, prompting him to consider creating a solution. “I decided that one day, I’d build a platform that actually helps small business owners,” he said, emphasizing their desire to foster community support.
Despite lacking software engineering experience, the Arciga brothers developed the Dibbs app, which received positive preliminary feedback from family and friends by late 2023. With Emmanuel’s focus on his ongoing sporting goods business, Jj, then a student at Chico State, took the lead in launching Dibbs.
Growth and Future Plans
Graduating in December 2024, Jj dedicated his efforts to making Dibbs a success. “I really believed in the Dibbs vision,” he explained. His enthusiasm and persistence eventually convinced Emmanuel to commit fully to the project, and they began working together to establish the platform.
The brothers have ambitious plans for Dibbs. They aim to refine the app’s functionalities, particularly the redemption process for businesses, and are integrating artificial intelligence to enhance user experience. They anticipate having at least 75 local businesses on the app by its public launch in March 2024.
“We want Dibbs to be the go-to platform for small businesses,” Jj stated. “It’s similar to how every business signs up for Google or Yelp to help their community find them.” The brothers envision expanding Dibbs beyond Chico, aiming for cities across the state and eventually nationwide.
The Arciga brothers are committed to their mission of supporting local businesses, and their enthusiasm for the app is palpable. Emmanuel expressed that seeing local community members use Dibbs and positively impact the businesses involved is the most rewarding aspect of their work.
For more information about the Dibbs marketplace app or to sign up as a beta user or business, visit their website at https://thedibbsapp.com.
