One Red Paperclip

Start with one thing. Trade up.

Create a campaign with a start item and a goal. Others make offers. You trade, confirm, and move closer to your goal—one swap at a time.

Browse campaigns Create an account

500+

Campaigns

1,200+

Trades

Growing

Community

How it works

The same idea that took a red paperclip to a house.

  • 1

    Start

    Create a campaign with something you have and something you want.

  • 2

    Offer

    Others browse and submit offers: they propose a trade for your current item.

  • 3

    Trade

    Accept an offer. Both parties confirm the trade to complete it.

  • 4

    Goal

    Your current item updates. Keep trading until you reach your goal—or beyond.

Inspired by a true story

In 2005, Kyle MacDonald traded a single red paperclip through 14 swaps until he owned a house—all in one year. His experiment proved that small trades can lead to big things.

Read the full story

Active campaigns

See what others are trading toward.

View all →
No public campaigns yet. Be the first to start one.

Ready to trade up?

Join others who started with one thing and see how far they go.

Browse campaigns Create an account