Paytagz is the latest startup to harness the extensive reach of social media as a new medium for online shopping. By tapping into Instagram, Paytagz founder, Kris Hamoud, has made it easier than ever to sell items, effectively turning the social media channel into an e-commerce site.

By taking a picture of an item, uploading it to Instagram and hashtagging #forsale along with the price, users can very easily advertise their wares, which are automatically hosted on Paytagz.com for people to browse. Once you’ve settled on an item to buy, you simply pass on your shipping information to the seller who also receives a shipping label, making the entire buying/selling process more streamlined. Paytagz takes care of all shipping, card handling and refunds, offering users a very simple e-commerce experience.

Since launching in December last year, Paytagz has logged 2,500 sales, with around 8,700 registered users selling everything from home ware to hedgehogs.