What happens after you interview at Y Combinator — and get rejected.

This story is inspiring, but the business they've started, <a href="http://shoplocket.com" rel="nofollow">http://shoplocket.com</a>, is even more interesting -- it looks like it can take a lot of the hassle out of selling products and services on the web. They currently only support PayPal as a payment provider, but as the article mentions, they're working on other options.<p>One thing I think can be improved: The company's logo doesn't have any high-tech items in it (except maybe a CD, which is a bit dated), so it might not appear relevant to somebody who's interested in selling software or computers or e-books rather than makeup and lingerie.

Just one piece of feedback on <a href="http://shoplocket.com/" rel="nofollow">http://shoplocket.com/</a> - the thing I went looking for straight away was the demo of the actual widget, with an actual product in it (even if it wasn't something I could actually check out with) - I couldn't find a demo linked from the homepage, which I think is a missed opportunity.

The website is beautiful - in regards to Objection Two, have you had a look at Stripe?<p><a href="https://stripe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://stripe.com/</a><p>I think this would work really well with your product. I'm glad you got your funding, your product looks fantastic.

A small feedback on the demo video on shoplocket.com - I admit it is beautifully produced, but it spends more time on explaining what ShopLocket is not, rather than what it is.. The "what it is not" part could easily come in the copy IMHO. Also, what simonw said - I immediately looked around for a demo of the widget but couldn't find one..

Great article. I think one thing that helps those who are successful be successful is that they treat "failure" as a stage on the road to success, and this means taking every opportunity to learn and get better.<p>FWIW I am thinking about applying for YC funding for 2013 but not 100% sure yet. I am still in the process of selecting co-founders, transitioning from self-employment-mode to startup-mode, etc. and may have some investors closer to home. I will probably still do it for the experience that will come with it and the possibility that it may make us more successful.<p>Articles like this helps make the decision easier. Even if I plop down a significant chunk of change for an intercontinental plane ticket, I want to make sure that it will be worth it.

This looks remarkably like <a href="http://kout.me/" rel="nofollow">http://kout.me/</a> - are there substantial differences?

Hi Katherine,<p>The two objections seem fairly easy to overcome with time and money. Is it possible to be amenable to change in the interview process or is that considered a cop out to PG and the people involved?

Persistence &#38; determination are two of the most important factors. Why hang your dreams on any particular group? I say know what you want to do and let nothing stand in your way. And for Y Combinator? They simply can't support the dreams of everyone that applies. Not everyone is going to fit with what they are comfortable with and wish to get behind to support. If you get to the interview stage as this group did and are rejected, obviously the feedback can be fuel and added direction to further shape your vision going forward.

Nicely done! The site looks great, and it's a good inspiration to see the "Life after Rejection", as it were.<p>Are you going to apply to YC again this cycle, or are you too far down the chain now?

Here is my feedback, the site looks great as well as the widgets, I went to your site and wanted to give you my email for a beta invitation and here's what I got<p>"Thanks! Thanks for your interest in ShopLocket! We're opening up beta access on a rolling basis. Stay tuned for your invite"<p>Needless to say, that's not what I was expecting to see, I'll suggest to fix it.

Thanks for the story. It's inspiring.<p>I applied for YC W12 with a sure-bet idea of RFS 5 (development on handhelds). I didn't get an interview (granted, the software wasn't finished yet). It was kinda heart-broken, but it _drove_ me. I did crazy hours to get <a href="http://worqshop.com" rel="nofollow">http://worqshop.com</a> released. Now, I'm going to apply for S12.

Good article.<p>On a tangential note about shoplocket, I feel it is focused entirely on the seller. You can allay some of my fears as a buyer about the guarantees and security I have buying through this. It says risk free, but again for the seller. How can customers <i>trust</i> the seller?

Inspiring story. As others have said, entrepreneurs who use rejection as fuel have an infinitely better chance of succeeding than those who give up.<p>I do want to point out that while the website is very pretty, the viewer needs to scroll down a lot on the home page to see some important content. I don't have any specific suggestions for how to improve that, but that's something you might want to think about.

A lot can happen after you don't get in. My good buddy Jon has a positive story with Storenvy after not getting into YC. (similar space too)

Couldn't agree more. I see many people applying to incubators who plan to return to their day jobs if they don't get in -- if that's their mindset I don't think they are ready to take the plunge. To be an entrepreneur you need to be ready to make it work no matter what happens.

Other than the fonts looking a bit jagged on Win7/Chrome the design looks amazing.<p><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511546/pics/shoplocket.JPG" rel="nofollow">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511546/pics/shoplocket.JPG</a>

WARNING: this is nitpicking the writing of the post. In the first few paragraphs, there is heavy use of the words "I" and "we" without having a reference for what "we" actually means. It's sorta confusing.

I signed up for beta.<p>One question, what happens if there comes a time when I want to roll out to two, or three, or four products? Can I host them all on the same ShopLocket page?

Are you guys going to apply again? I also got an interview for W12 and didn't get in, but I'm applying again now and will again and again until I get in.

Love the site and immediately thought of 4 or 5 family/friends that could use something like this. Good luck. Whats it built in?

Product concept looks great! However, the site is cut off for me on my iPad.

Interesting post. But the most interesting part is Shoplocket, I'm a big HN lurker, I can't help but think you guys should talk to Sahil Lavingia of Gumroad!

Thank you for writing this, we are applying this year and it's great to hear a story on how the interview works and how you should build your product.<p>Keep up the good work and hope to see you this summer.<p>And remember: Good solidars are never left behind.