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Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

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Re: Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

#3

Post by neel_murthy »

brodney wrote: post #2

Lots 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?

Hi, 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.

Re: Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

#6

Post by dougk16 »

Oh, 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.

Re: Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

#7

Post by atomicunit »

dougk16 wrote: post #6

Oh, 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.

At 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.

Re: Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

#8

Post by dougk16 »

atomicunit wrote: post #7
dougk16 wrote: post #6

Oh, 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.

At 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.

Cool...definitely a tough challenge...even computers have a tough time with it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bin_packing_problem).

Re: Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off

#9

Post by neel_murthy »

dougk16 wrote: post #5

I'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?

Some 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 :)
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