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Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#11

Post by evgpbfhnr »

manga cafes in Japan have a fairly similar concept where you can rent different level of accommodations (a small chair in a corner, a proper box or in more expensive places even small rooms with a bed) for hours or days. Common spaces have plenty of books you can bring into your room to read quietly, not necessarily just mangas.

These obviously also have internet in rooms, but contacting one to try to setup and advertise distraction-free rooms might get you somewhere if they exist where you live.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#12

Post by arkitaip »

You need more research to understand the customers and their needs but I think will the right packaging and marketing you can probably find a market for this idea.

Some questions that may or may not be useful:

* Who is realistically experiencing enough pain that they would pay for this service?

* What psychological or social customer needs are not satisfied my the market?

* If Apple launched this service, how would it be? What about your local city admin? Hoe about a non-profit?

* What are the top 5 competing alternatives and what are their pros/cons?

* How would you prototype this idea with just 100 dollars and 2 days? What about a physical prototype over 5 days?

* Someone is ready to pay a premium price for this service. Why? Who? When? Where?

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#15

Post by sneak »

icy wrote: post #8
sneak wrote: post #4

There were at least a few companies that already tried something similar. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/recharge https://breather.com/

The second link 403s.

It works for me from a New York VPN IP. YMMV.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#17

Post by beachy »

You would be offering a product defined by what it didn't provide, rather than what it did (i.e no internet and no cell reception).

I can't think of a similar offer, since it's something you can achieve for yourself (given enough willpower) just by turning off your phone and not taking a device.

Would people pay for something they can have for free? Many wouldn't for sure, but would many? Even if they lacked the will power, would they be too embarrassed to admit they needed your service?

If there are no similar businesses that could be a sign it won't work.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#20

Post by howon92 »

beachy wrote: post #17

You would be offering a product defined by what it didn't provide, rather than what it did (i.e no internet and no cell reception). I can't think of a similar offer, since it's something you can achieve for yourself (given enough willpower) just by turning off your phone and not taking a device. Would people pay for something they can have for free? Many wouldn't for sure, but would many? Even if they lacked the will…

People pay for group workout sessions though. They can work out by themselves but they pay to get their motivation up.
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