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Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

cheapfoodmap.com

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Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#21

Post by jawns »

This feels like GasBuddy, but for food.

One of the reasons GasBuddy took off was that it wasn't just based on community reports; there was an incentive for gas stations themselves to accurately report their prices and keep them up to date.

It seems like you're trying to discourage businesses from participating (e.g. by not accepting sponsored placements), and that will have implications for your growth rate. I think you should look for ways to give businesses an active role, without eroding user trust in the recommendations, of course.

Think of the possibilities:

- Business can add coupons to its listing, making cheap food even cheaper

- Business can confirm a reported deal, adding to its credibility

- Business can provide full menu and a link to order takeout

I don't think any of those features would make users feel like the business is "buying" a listing it didn't earn.

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#22

Post by jaep1 »

mkw5053 wrote: post #11
mft_ wrote: post #7

I love the idea, but a quick glance (randomly at SF) reveals entries that aren't "meals" (IMO, anyway) but rather snacks - like two spring rolls for $8, or a slice of pizza for $5.53. Also, the days of a $1 slice may have (long) gone, but $5.33 for a slice seems median at best, not "cheap". Have you thought about either some guidance, or even a filter, for meal size?

Yeah a quick glance and none of the ones I saw around my office are meals. I'm honestly not sure a $10 meal exists in SF anymore...

You're right, and it's on me — I seeded SF from published menus to bootstrap the map, and some entries are snacks, not meals. Seeded rows are labeled "Posted on [date]" vs "Price verified [date]" for ones a human actually confirmed, but the meal/snack line needs to be a rule.. This week: pruning the non-meals and adding submission guidance

Thank you again for suggestion!

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#24

Post by jaep1 »

jawns wrote: post #21

This feels like GasBuddy, but for food. One of the reasons GasBuddy took off was that it wasn't just based on community reports; there was an incentive for gas stations themselves to accurately report their prices and keep them up to date. It seems like you're trying to discourage businesses from participating (e.g. by not accepting sponsored placements), and that will have implications for your growth rate. I think…

Wow, thank you for this suggestion. This might be most sustainable way to update prices, as long as I set boundaries correctly. I will research how GasBuddy set up their data pipeline this week to see if we can benchmark.

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#25

Post by foolinaround »

mft_ wrote: post #7

I love the idea, but a quick glance (randomly at SF) reveals entries that aren't "meals" (IMO, anyway) but rather snacks - like two spring rolls for $8, or a slice of pizza for $5.53. Also, the days of a $1 slice may have (long) gone, but $5.33 for a slice seems median at best, not "cheap". Have you thought about either some guidance, or even a filter, for meal size?

maybe, the calories for that item, and a lower limit that counts as a full meal?

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#26

Post by jaep1 »

esafak wrote: post #23

Why wouldn't you just use Google Maps with a single-$ price filter?

I guess we are trying to remove couple of steps. single $ sign mostly gives you fastfood chain restuarants. You wouldn't be able to find killer lunch special deals or local hidden gem menues. You can still find them, but it take efforts through trial and errors. I felt difficult finding killer deals, and having a website that shows these killer deals can bring value. But this is just me.. maybe this is my hopeful thinking?

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#27

Post by xandrius »

foolinaround wrote: post #25
mft_ wrote: post #7

I love the idea, but a quick glance (randomly at SF) reveals entries that aren't "meals" (IMO, anyway) but rather snacks - like two spring rolls for $8, or a slice of pizza for $5.53. Also, the days of a $1 slice may have (long) gone, but $5.33 for a slice seems median at best, not "cheap". Have you thought about either some guidance, or even a filter, for meal size?

maybe, the calories for that item, and a lower limit that counts as a full meal?

I can sell you a nice spoonful of old vegetable oil for less than $1 and topping the chart calorie-wise :D

Re: Show HN: CheapFoodMap – A map of good meals under $10

#29

Post by jaep1 »

jawns wrote: post #21

This feels like GasBuddy, but for food. One of the reasons GasBuddy took off was that it wasn't just based on community reports; there was an incentive for gas stations themselves to accurately report their prices and keep them up to date. It seems like you're trying to discourage businesses from participating (e.g. by not accepting sponsored placements), and that will have implications for your growth rate. I think…

Man.. I feel like I owe you lunch for making this suggestions. Noted and definitely taking this to heart
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