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In my opinion, Couchsurfing.com failed as a business model; especially if you compare it to AirBNB, which basically copied it and to start just had better photo
by O__________O 4y ago
In my opinion, Couchsurfing.com failed as a business model; especially if you compare it to AirBNB, which basically copied it and to start just had better photos.
Regardless of where people meet, given enough people on the platform, you will have users that abuse it. Obviously meeting at a private residence is likely more dangerous than meeting in public.
Feel like charging percent based on the cost of ingredients, meal, etc — will ultimately create dynamics that result in sub optimal experience.
Sound wise, maybe stick to low volume times/days to start; for example, Monday nights.
Main thing is, to me, you need a single measurable point of impact, for example new restaurants discovered, new people meet, etc. Then make it happen without limiting it unless it’s not economically viable, illegal, etc.
If there’s anything I missed covering (from my perspective) or you have additional topics, let me know.
I do think that if neither party has been to the restaurant and during off hours, most restaurants would be happy to give a significant discount on the meal if the customers are blindly given the restaurant; basically only filters parties could give us dietary, general location, and timing limits. Especially, if the restaurant is struggling to get business.
Basically it’s Groupon for Tinder; specifically mentioned dating app, since friend finding apps rarely work as a business model and most professionals would rather meet over coffee or alcohol in my experience.
- gus_massa 4y agoI agree. IIRC AirBnB and Uber started as a peer to peer service, but soon fall into professionalization, and it would be difficult to avoid. Also, the price of the meal and quality may cause big discussions. Are they natural smashed potatoes or the mix that comes dehydrated in bags? Jam of just slides of pink food made of pork[1]? @OP: Are you panning a vegan / organic option? [1] Here it's illegal to call something jam unless it meet a few criteria. So supermarkets also sell some jam replacement without a clear name and that in tiny letter says something like "food made of pork and other ingredients".
- claudio_h 4y agoHey. I myself am vegan but I don't like to exclude people so I would make an option to filter for allergies and how someone eats. Yes defining what food is what is pretty difficult. I mean I think I solve this issue with time through ratings of the food. The price would be just the ingredient costs to keep it low and avoid legal issues.
- claudio_h 4y agoThanks for your reply! Agree with the first two. Regarding the charging. The visitor would just see the price and not the actual cost, so I think if you make it a fair percentage which everyone can live with, it should not be that big of a problem. I agree aswell with the restaurant part. I mean you would kinda do Affiliate Marketing for them. I'll try if the business model works. I think it works since the get to know each other is related with food, which one, given the resources, pays for and consumes every day. If any incentivizing model for homecooks comes to your mind I would love to talk about it :)