How to build a classifieds platform in Bubble

A classifieds platform in Bubble is built by creating a Post data type, letting users create listings through a form, saving those listings in the database, and showing them in a repeating group with filters like category, price, and location. You also add features like messaging, user accounts, payments, and privacy rules so each user can manage their own posts safely.

Core Data Structure

You keep the database simple. Create three main data types: User, Post, Message.

• Post has fields: Title (text), Description (text), Price (number), Category (text or option set), Images (list of images), Location (text), Seller (User).
• Message has fields: Sender (User), Receiver (User), Content (text), Post (Post).

Creating a Listing

Make a page like “new\_post”. Add inputs for title, description, price, a dropdown for category, and an image uploader. The button workflow uses Create a new thing → Post and fills each field with the inputs. Set Seller = Current User.

Showing Listings

Use a Repeating Group with type Post and data source Do a search for Posts. Add filters: Category = dropdown’s value, Price ≤ slider’s value. Inside the repeating group show image, title, price, and a link to “post\_details”.

Messaging Between Users

On the post details page add a text input and Send button. Workflow: Create a new Message with Sender = Current User, Receiver = Current Page Post’s Seller, Post = Current Page Post. Then display messages in another repeating group filtered where Sender = Current User and Receiver = Seller OR reversed.

User Accounts + Privacy

Bubble’s built‑in signup/login handles authentication. Add privacy rules: For Post, allow read to everyone, but allow edit/delete only when This Post’s Seller = Current User. For Message, allow read only if Current User is Sender or Receiver.

Optional: Payments

If sellers pay to feature a listing, use the Stripe plugin. Create a “Featured Until” date on Post. When Stripe charge succeeds, set “Featured Until = Current date/time + days”. Sort repeating group by Featured Until desc.

Example Backend Workflow

To auto‑expire featured posts, create a backend workflow:

// Scheduled daily via "Schedule API workflow"
// Step 1: Search for Posts where Featured Until < Current date/time
// Step 2: Make changes to list: Featured Until = empty

This structure gives you a real, production‑ready classifieds platform fully inside Bubble, with clean data, safe permissions, and extendable features.