Seems like there's potential for partnerships with car-sharing companies like Zipcar, Getaround, etc. Do they currently outsource refueling?
Sort of. Car2go gives you credits for refueling the car, for example.
Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
111–120 of 281 posts
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#112I'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.
For most no. For some, probably.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#113I 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).
If you're rushing to get home before your young children go to bed, you simply cannot put a price on those extra 40 minutes.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#114I 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).
For me it would be not needing to experience the little bit of stress I see when the fuel indicator is edging down to 1/4 tank and wondering when I'm going to squeeze in a trip to the gas station when I'd really rather be somewhere else.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#115Seems like there's potential for partnerships with car-sharing companies like Zipcar, Getaround, etc. Do they currently outsource refueling?
Nice idea. I don't think they do
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#116Earlier quoted context omitted.
>>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).
For me it would be not needing to experience the little bit of stress I see when the fuel indicator is edging down to 1/4 tank and wondering when I'm going to squeeze in a trip to the gas station when I'd really rather be somewhere else.
Isn't it just as much of annoyance to coordinate two handoffs of your car keys?
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#117Guys, guy, can you look beyond what you see today? Filling gas is merely an MVP. The goal at the minimum is to manage every car post purchase
Gas is merely a way to start the relationship between the car and the owner.
car servicing is a massive low hanging fruit after the gas one. Presently my car is over a month due for servicing, I'll happily pay 15% more to get someone come do it where I parked it.
My suggestion to the founders would be to test switching between "refuelling" tagline and "serving where you are" and see which converts better. I believe too many people who need the second will dismiss you on seeing the mundane first.
Best of luck!
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#118Earlier quoted context omitted.
For me it would be not needing to experience the little bit of stress I see when the fuel indicator is edging down to 1/4 tank and wondering when I'm going to squeeze in a trip to the gas station when I'd really rather be somewhere else.
Isn't it just as much of annoyance to coordinate two handoffs of your car keys?
No need for key handoffs https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12073211
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#119Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd be a little angry if I worked at that company. What are they doing for the folks who don't drive in every day?
Whenever I've mentioned all the health costs associated with offspring (which I don't have!), the HR dude has always referred me to the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. I'm not sure it really applies, but I get the feeling we're not supposed to complain about that sort of thing...
You can take the larger view that your co-workers' children will one day pay your Social Security. That seems like a huge net plus for you.
But seriously, the remarkable part of your comment is your HR department. If someone in HR hears a valid complaint about fairness and then tells you to read the "don't be a whiny bitch" parable in the Bible, you should be able to get away with murder at that company. Why not clock-in a 4:50PM and call it a day after 10 minutes per said parable.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#120Guys, guy, can you look beyond what you see today? Filling gas is merely an MVP. The goal at the minimum is to manage every car post purchase Gas is merely a way to start the relationship between the car and the owner. car servicing is a massive low hanging fruit after the gas one. Presently my car is over a month due for servicing, I'll happily pay 15% more to get someone come do it where I parked it. My suggestion…
I agree with you and it seems to be a semi-proven model with https://www.yourmechanic.com/ being the leader in that sort of thing atm.