Customer Reviews (32)

David Lyall • 2025-09-12T07:16:07.725Z

Recent update has removed the average price paid per share information

Micah Greig • 2025-09-09T09:35:40.705Z

stupid app is broken can not verify my adress

Bruce Smith • 2025-09-09T08:12:57.837Z

Really good, keeping you updated every day.

Summary of Key Insights

The Sharesies app appears to be a generally well-received platform for beginner investors, praised for its ease of use and accessibility. However, a significant number of users are experiencing technical issues, particularly with logging in, topping up accounts, and general app performance (slowness, crashes). There are also concerns about fees and the limited functionality of US stock charts. While some users appreciate the educational resources, others find the UI convoluted. The sentiment is mixed, with a significant number of 1-star reviews indicating critical issues that need immediate attention.

  • Strengths: Easy to use, accessible for beginners, good investment options, educational resources.
  • Weaknesses: Technical issues (login, crashes, topping up), slow performance, confusing UI, concerns about fees, limited US stock chart functionality.
  • Overall Rating: While the average rating might appear reasonable, the high number of 1-star reviews (10 out of 32, or 31.25%) is a red flag.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 37.5%, 4-star: 21.88%, 3-star: 3.13%, 2-star: 6.25%, 1-star: 31.25%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 32 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the context of the reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Qualitative analysis of user reviews, identifying recurring themes, sentiment classification (positive, negative, neutral) based on review content and star rating, and frequency counting of mentioned issues and features.

Key User Pain Points

  • Login Issues: Multiple users report being unable to log in, with the app getting stuck on the logo screen or encountering errors. This is a critical issue preventing app usage.
  • Topping Up Issues: Several users are unable to add funds to their accounts, encountering password loops or other errors during the top-up process.
  • App Performance (Slowness/Crashes): The app is reported to be slow and prone to crashing, leading to a frustrating user experience.
  • UI/UX Confusion: Some users find the app's interface convoluted, with too many buttons and unclear categorization of information.
  • Fees: Some users consider the fees expensive compared to other trading apps.
  • US Stock Chart Limitations: Users trading US stocks find the live chart functionality inadequate and lacking information.
  • Biometric Login Issues: Recent updates have broken biometric login for some users.
  • Address Verification Issues: Unable to verify address during registration.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Linking/Switching Between Multiple Accounts: Users want the ability to easily switch between different accounts (e.g., personal and shared accounts).
  • Automatic KiwiSaver Transfers: Users desire automatic transfers for KiwiSaver contributions, similar to other platforms.
  • Business Account Support: A user expressed a desire for business account support through the app.
  • More Detailed Information on US Stock Charts: Users need more comprehensive data and features in the US stock charts.
  • Average Price Paid Per Share Information: A user noted that this was removed in a recent update and wants it back.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users, especially beginners, find the app easy to use and understand.
  • Accessibility: The app allows users to invest with small amounts of money, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Investment Options: Users appreciate the wide range of investment options available, including stocks and ETFs from multiple exchanges.
  • Educational Resources: The app provides educational resources to help users learn about investing.
  • Good UI (for some): Some users praise the app's user interface.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Login Issues: Investigate and resolve the login problems reported by multiple users immediately. This is a critical issue preventing app usage.
  • Address Topping Up Issues: Fix the errors and password loops that prevent users from topping up their accounts.
  • Improve App Performance: Optimize the app's performance to reduce slowness and crashes.
  • Address Verification Issues: Resolve the address verification issues that prevent registration.

Medium Priority:

  • Simplify UI/UX: Redesign the user interface to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate. Consider user testing to identify areas for improvement.
  • Improve US Stock Chart Functionality: Enhance the US stock charts with more detailed information and features.
  • Fix Biometric Login Issues: Resolve issues with biometric login introduced in recent updates.
  • Re-add Average Price Paid Per Share: Reinstate the average price paid per share information that was removed.

Low Priority:

  • Consider Flexible Pricing: While the current pricing model is mentioned in the description, gather more feedback on whether users find it competitive.
  • Implement Account Switching: Add the ability to easily switch between multiple accounts.
  • Explore Automatic KiwiSaver Transfers: Investigate the feasibility of implementing automatic KiwiSaver transfers.
  • Evaluate Business Account Support: Assess the demand for business account support and the resources required to implement it.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Competitor Analysis Tool: An app that compares the fees and features of different investment platforms, including Sharesies, Tiger Trading, and IBKR.
  • Personalized Investment Education Platform: A platform that provides tailored educational content based on users' investment goals, risk tolerance, and experience level.
  • Automated KiwiSaver Transfer Service: A service that automates the transfer of funds from users' bank accounts to their KiwiSaver accounts within Sharesies.
  • Enhanced US Stock Charting Tool: A tool that provides more advanced charting features and data for US stocks, integrating with platforms like Sharesies.
  • Simplified Investment Account Management: An app that consolidates and simplifies the management of multiple investment accounts across different platforms.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring Technical Issues: The most prominent trend is the recurring reports of technical issues, indicating a need for improved app stability and quality assurance.
  • Beginner-Friendly Focus: The app is consistently praised for its ease of use for beginners, suggesting a strong market segment.
  • Negative Impact of Recent Updates: Some reviews indicate that recent updates have introduced new bugs or removed features, highlighting the importance of thorough testing before releasing updates.
  • Mixed UI/UX Feedback: While some users find the UI easy to use, others find it confusing, suggesting a need for further UI/UX improvements.

Conclusion

The Sharesies app has potential as an accessible investment platform, particularly for beginners. However, the high number of negative reviews related to technical issues is a significant concern. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. Improving the UI/UX and adding requested features would further enhance the user experience and attract more users. A strong focus on quality assurance and thorough testing of updates is crucial to maintain user satisfaction.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize fixing the technical issues and improving the app's stability. Once these issues are resolved, focus on enhancing the UI/UX and adding requested features.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=nz.sharesies.app