The problem ConsultX solves

Here's how our project solves the problems of traditional centralized consultancy network platforms:

• Pricing: Finding the perfect expert can be expensive due to high fees and restrictions imposed by the centralized platform. By removing the middleman, experts can set their own prices and users can access a wider range of expertise at potentially lower costs.
• Censorship: Centralized platforms have the power to censor content and limit the types of expertise offered. Blockchain ensures secure and transparent transactions, including automated payments and clear records of expertise and service delivery.
• Reputation of Experts: Traditional platforms lack transparency in how expert reputations are built and managed. Clients struggle to assess the true credibility of experts. Our platform can leverage blockchain to create a transparent and secure system for tracking expert performance. Client feedback and ratings can be immutably recorded.
• Lack of Transparency: Traditional platforms are often monitored and regulated, in our platform all transactions and interactions are recorded on the blockchain, allowing for more open and honest exchanges.
• Payment Disputes: The limited transparency in traditional platforms can lead to disagreements regarding service delivery, making it difficult to resolve payment disputes fairly. Our platform integrates secure escrow contracts. Funds are held in escrow until the client confirms completion of the service, minimizing payment disputes and protecting both parties.
• Middlemen: Centralized platforms act as intermediaries, taking a cut of the fees and potentially hindering direct interaction between experts and users.

Challenges we ran into

Building this project wasn't all smooth sailing! Here are some specific hurdles we encountered and how we tackled them:

Testnet Deployment:

Deploying the smart contracts to a testnet wasn't as straightforward as hitting "go." Testnets often have different configurations and quirks compared to the mainnet. Testnets often require "fake coins" to interact with the deployed smart contracts. Acquiring these coins can be tricky, as they're typically distributed through faucets – services that dispense limited amounts for testing purposes. We located the official faucet for the chosen testnet. Sometimes, these faucets have limitations on how much "fake coin" you can get, requiring multiple requests or exploring alternative testnet providers with more generous faucets.

Solution:

We reached out to our project sponsors. Sponsors might be able to provide access to private testnets with more features or even grant "test coins" directly to facilitate development.