The experience economy has boomed in the last few years, as bragging rights have shifted from carrying the latest handbag to doing the latest cool experience (and sharing it on Instagram or Snapchat). As Money Magazine’s Dan Kadlec put it recently: “memories are the new Mercedes Benz.” A few years ago, IfOnly launched as an […]The post Building The Etsy of Experiences appeared first on Pursuitist.

The experience economy has boomed in the last few years, as bragging rights have shifted from carrying the latest handbag to doing the latest cool experience (and sharing it on Instagram or Snapchat). As Money Magazine’s Dan Kadlec put it recently: “memories are the new Mercedes Benz.”A few years ago, IfOnly launched as an experiences marketplace founded by San Francisco entrepreneur and philanthropist Trevor Traina originated as a place for the well-heeled to purchase celebrity encounters, backstage passes, and once-in-lifetime adventures that benefited charitable causes (Hamilton VIP packages and a styling session with Lauren Santo Domingo are currently popular on the site).Now IfOnly has expanded with a new more inclusive model that offers unique experiences with a better price point without losing the philanthropic angle.  These “everyday experiences” can be had for far less money but still deliver a “wow” factor beyond the usual.The company has plans to expand into 20 new local markets over the next year and i...