Emmanuel Okeke

Retão

Description

Retão is a mobile-first borrowing and lending application built with Expo React Native. It allows users across Latin America to lend or borrow non-monetary items such as tools, camping gear, gardening equipment, and more. With an intuitive onboarding-style listing flow, localized discovery, and built-in messaging, Retão fosters community sharing and promotes resourceful living. Node.js Backend and Postgres hosted on Railway.

Frontend

Tech

Expo React Native

Node.js + Express backend

PostgreSQL

Railway

JWT + SecureStore for auth

Custom REST API

WebSockets for real-time messaging

Expo In-App Purchases (IAP) SDK

Google Places API (location)

React Query (data fetching & caching)


Listing Flow

Onboarding-style item listing with smooth step-by-step UI.

Select from pre-defined categories like Tools, Camping, Gardening, Furniture, etc.

Upload item images with custom preview and edit capabilities.

Choose availability (Available Now or Custom Schedule) and set location manually or via auto-detect.

Review screen to confirm details before publishing.

Listing Flow

Browse & Discovery

Browse items by category or location.

Filter items by subscription tier or city.

Clean mobile-first cards with thumbnail, title, location, and availability.

Map or list views for enhanced discoverability.

Browse & Discovery

Messaging & Borrowing

Built-in messaging to chat with item owners before borrowing.

Conversation view with typing indicators and read receipts.

Timeline of borrowed items with borrow and return dates.

Status indicators for 'Listed', 'Borrowed', and 'Rented' items.

Messaging & Borrowing

User Profile & Onboarding

Onboarding for new users with avatar, bio, handle, and location setup.

User profile shows listed and borrowed items.

Supports anonymous browsing for unregistered users.

User Profile & Onboarding

Subscriptions & Plans

Free, Pro, and Unlimited subscription tiers.

Pro and Unlimited users can list more items and access premium features.

In-app purchases with receipt validation and restore purchases flow.

Subscriptions & Plans