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Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off
- brodney 14y agoLots of references to filling the void Bufferbox left. It doesn't seem to be an acquihire, so they still exist. What's the difference between you two?
- neel_murthy 14y agoHi, we never wanted to insinuate that BufferBox wasn't around, they are alive and well and we've spoken with them. However, we're not sure what Google's plans are and we know this solution is necessary in the US right now, so I think there is room for multiple players in this space. BufferBox also doesn't exist in the US.
- cbhl 14y agoWhat happened to the BufferBox installation on Pioneer Way?
- jordanthoms 14y agoSo HN today is about Dropbox, Mailbox, Swapbox, and Bufferbox. Is box the new -ly?
- dougk16 14y agoI've always just had packages shipped to my place of employment or even a neighbor/friend if there was some problem with shipping them to my residence. Do services like Bufferbox or Swapbox have any advantages over these practices?
- neel_murthy 14y agoSome people have definitely figured out ways to fix this issue (sounds like you have), but for others the service that Swapbox provides means the difference between getting your package ontime and maybe never getting your package. I don't think that this solution is right for everyone, but I think that there are so many pain points in this space and Swapbox can solve some of them. Also, if there's ever anything perishable or you don't want to lug it home from work, check out Swapbox :)
- dougk16 14y agoOh, another question, what happens when the kiosk is at capacity, or something doesn't fit? Even if you reserve space in the kiosk at the time of order, packages can come in different sizes than you expect, and even then, the delivery men might collectively load the kiosk in a non-optimal way.
- atomicunit 14y agoAt the moment if we're over capacity we'll find a time that works for you and deliver the package to your door. Going forward our plan is to install higher capacity units in neighborhoods that require them. You're right though - non-optimal usage is definitely a concern and we're working on processes to help tackle it.
- dougk16 14y agoCool...definitely a tough challenge...even computers have a tough time with it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bin_packing_problem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bin_packing_problem).
- nawitus 14y agoLooks pretty similar to Finnish Post Office's (nowadays Itella) SmartPOST: http://www.itella.fi/english/smartpost/introduction/ http://www.itella.fi/english/smartpost/introduction/
- csomar 14y agoSome financial thoughts: Machine operating at full capacity and efficiently. All the machine boxes are used in a single day. This will bring 11 x $1.99 => $21.89/day => $656.7/month Now let's look at the expenses: 1. The Machine itself. (Price, repair, damaged by kids...) 2. Renting the place (or getting free rent from generous stores?) 3. The surveillance camera. 4. Stolen goods (this happens, and you write that you'll cover the loses) 5. Customer support. 6. Your operating costs (Employees, Office Rent, Accountant...) To the founders: Are you sure this makes financial/economical sense?
- neel_murthy 14y agoYou're totally right :) these prototype boxes don't make financial sense with the model you accurately described. These were the first generation of swapboxes, the ones currently in production have quite a few more compartments. We'll have a bigger update at demo day that should answer your questions, thanks for looking out though!
- account_taken 14y agoThe reason I use Amazon is so I don't have to drive anywhere to pick stuff up. It's there when I get home. If I wanted to go somewhere to pick it up, I'd go to a B&M. Or tell UPS/FedEx to not deliver and I'll pick it up.