11–20 of 32 posts
This is 2 years old. Here's a better version: http://chrishoog.com/the-helloparking-postmortem-a-look-back... The last part is spot on, and says what you were probably just about to try to tell him (self-righteously I'd bet!).
The AirBnB of Parking. The ZipCar of Parking. The Priceline.com of Parking. The Groupon of Parking. There's your problem. You kept imitating other businesses instead of doing what makes sense for your customers.
Where possible, avoid creating a two-sided market unless there is asubstantial want or need on both ends. This seems like an over-generalization. I think the idea was a good one - more plausible than many others, and with an actual revenue model. I suspect that someone with better luck and/or execution will pull it off. Interesting and insightful story - thanks.
There are many startups like this: SpotHero (Chicago), ParkWhiz (NYC). I wonder if they are facing a similar fate, or what is different about them.
I heard a rumor once, and I have no idea how true it may be. But the rumor goes something like this: parking lots, beyond being ridiculously lucrative and turn-key businesses, are also fantastic money-laundering or tax-dodging opportunities. And so many of them are owned by shady characters, or shady companies. These types don't necessarily want to deal with things like processing credit cards, or getting into paper…
I recently heard of a startup that is disrupting the valet industry by helping them get rid of their cash boxes (which apparently are prone to theft) and use mobile payments. They're lining up customers quickly because the product essentially pays for itself by resolving the theft problem alone.
I wondered why we haven't seen anything similar for parking spaces, but the tax dodging, money laundering idea seems like it nails it. These folks wouldn't want anything that creates a paper trail.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
There are many startups like this: SpotHero (Chicago), ParkWhiz (NYC). I wonder if they are facing a similar fate, or what is different about them.
SpotHero is operating in Boston now, too.
Angel investors, especially, know that their money will go farther with a student who can live off cheap rent and Ramen noodles. Very true point. This seems to be behind YC too. The labor is cheap and the work ethic is high.
The More You Know™
I heard a rumor once, and I have no idea how true it may be. But the rumor goes something like this: parking lots, beyond being ridiculously lucrative and turn-key businesses, are also fantastic money-laundering or tax-dodging opportunities. And so many of them are owned by shady characters, or shady companies. These types don't necessarily want to deal with things like processing credit cards, or getting into paper…
I heard a rumor once, and I have no idea how true it may be. But the rumor goes something like this: parking lots, beyond being ridiculously lucrative and turn-key businesses, are also fantastic money-laundering or tax-dodging opportunities. And so many of them are owned by shady characters, or shady companies. These types don't necessarily want to deal with things like processing credit cards, or getting into paper…
That rumor actually makes sense. I recently heard of a startup that is disrupting the valet industry by helping them get rid of their cash boxes (which apparently are prone to theft) and use mobile payments. They're lining up customers quickly because the product essentially pays for itself by resolving the theft problem alone. I wondered why we haven't seen anything similar for parking spaces, but the tax dodging, m…
If the tech community wishes to actually do something about widespread surveillance, it's going to have to come around to seeing this philosophy as a virtue.
Angel investors, especially, know that their money will go farther with a student who can live off cheap rent and Ramen noodles. Very true point. This seems to be behind YC too. The labor is cheap and the work ethic is high.
Ageism: it's awesome! The More You Know™