I have automatic in my car, and it can read my gas gage. Could I just loop it in on this process and never have to think about gas again?
Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
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Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#102This article from a few months ago comes to mind: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-02/gas-delive...
I'm adding gasoline delivery to the list of startups which should absolutely not "move fast and break things" or "beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission" > "We haven't talked to them. I don't know about that. It’s news to me" > "You can never ask for permission because no one will give it"
We take this seriously. We comply with all regulations (local/state/federal). The Bloomberg article was a little... off... on a number of things. And we actually go above what is required by law on a number of things relating to safety. See also https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12073856
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#103Seems like there's potential for partnerships with car-sharing companies like Zipcar, Getaround, etc. Do they currently outsource refueling?
Yes, to their customers. With Getaround you need to go to a gas station and refill the car to a specified level (typically full) every trip, no exceptions ever, even if you only used it to move your groceries 10 blocks. OTOH, the hourly price is lower.
With Zipcar you must return the tank at least 1/3rd (maybe it's 1/4th) full, but there is a gas card in the visor. They're apparently using some kind of fleet management system, because the gas pump itself prompts you for the odometer value and your "driver ID" number (on your Zipcard) before fueling. Same interface at competing gas stations, so it's apparently a standard thing.
It's a bit unpleasant because you can't cut the reservation time too close to your needs - need to allow extra time to go to a gas station and back.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#104I've never owned a car in a city as dense as SF or New York so maybe it's different in places like that, but this strikes me as yet another example of the "Uber-For-X" SV startup that doesn't solve any real problem. Stopping by the gas station once a week on my way home is simply not a big enough annoyance for me to subscribe to yet another service. I'm also skeptical of the long-term prospects of this business model…
Seriously. Is it really that painful to stop for gas like twice a month?
Not to mention many people like to stop for gas for an excuse to grab a snack or drink.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#105I think the HN crowd underestimates how valuable target users consider their time. I probably average 2 trips to the gas station a month and I have a below average commute. Each trip takes me 10 mins out of my way + 10 mins of fueling depending on if there's a line or not. And it's always before work (I'm in a rush) or after work (want to get home to family). Paying a startup $15/mo to reclaim even 40 mins a month of…
>>Paying a startup $15/mo to reclaim even 40 mins a month of my personal time is a no brainer.
Just asking, how do you wish to spend those 40 mins you are likely to save per month? Which you will likely get in installments of 20 minutes per 15 days(avg 1 minute/day).
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#106I have automatic in my car, and it can read my gas gage. Could I just loop it in on this process and never have to think about gas again?
We don't have an API yet that something like automatic can report your gas gauge to. Though it's something we're thinking about.
However, the way that the service works now, it wouldn't save you anything in the average case. We come by and fill your car up regularly (usually once or twice a week) without you having to "order" when you need it. Unless you take a long trip and need a fill-up off-cycle, you shouldn't need to ever use the app to call for gas once you are setup.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#107Earlier quoted context omitted.
What type of gas options are there? All Octane levels, Ethanol free? I actually go out of my way to find the latter.
We offer both regular (87 octane) and premium (91/93, depending on the market) grade. Not ethanol free but it is high quality ("top tier" in most markets).
Stocking racing gas would be awesome. (Sunoco SS100 is street legal in California, too.)
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#108What are the carbon costs of this service? Is less carbon burned into the atmosphere because of this service? Or, more? Is there a public analysis that we can view? Edit: Really? Buried to the bottom for environmental concern questions? Is this another case of YCombinator being unable to adequately respond to critical questions?
I'm not even sure what you're saying.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#109Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#110I'm curious about trademark issues WRT the company having the same name as a well-known Nintendo character. IANAL, and I know that the context in which a name is used affects whether or not the name is protected, but I've got to think that if (for example) I started an extremely not-video-game-related company named "Pikachu" that I would likely get some heat for it, even if it was just a toothless nastygram from a lawyer asking me nicely to not use the name.
Is the name "Yoshi" not as protected for whatever reason (more common name/word/etc.), or is this just a case where the company is in a different industry therefore Nintendo's protection doesn't apply, or is this a risky thing to do? I'm just genuinely curious about how this stuff works, I have no stake in any of it. It's a great name and I wish the startup the best.