Text Reject and Bazaarboy Compete for SXSW Honors

Have you ever wanted to hand out a fake number to an unwanted suitor that just won't take no for an answer? Or maybe you're a Washington University student looking to swap a textbook or catch a ride to Schnucks.

Either way, two Wash U student run tech start ups have you covered. And they're in the semifinals for the Student Startup Madness tournament for this year's South by Southwest Interactive festival in Austin, Texas. The final eight startups will get to pitch their businesses to well-known investors and entrepreneurs who can help them transform their ideas into business success.

Text Reject is a little project started by Philip Thomas and Andrew Hess, according to the St. Louis Business Journal. The site is currently up and running and offers five "fake" numbers that people can hand out to unsuspecting suitors. When called, the number plays back a recorded message, "Hello, you're receiving this message because you're unwanted. Sorry for the bad news. By."

When the number is texted, the service waits five minutes then sends back a zinger like "I’m leaving you behind in 2012. You’ve been rejected with TextReject.com." You can eavesdrop on the messages at their site.

Bazaarboy is currently in beta testing. The St. Louis Business Journal reports that Bazaarboy is run by Eric Hamblett and a team of six students. They are also applying to the Arch Grants business plan competition.

The beta site shows how Washington University students can trade goods, like a six pack of beer, or services, like a ride to the grocery store. Users post what they need or want with a price tag or swap offer.