Swapbox (YC W13) Launches And Aims To Pick Up Where Bufferbox Left Off • Hacker News Board

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

#11

Post by cbhl » Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 9:05 PM UTC

neel_murthy wrote: post #3

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.

What happened to the BufferBox installation on Pioneer Way?

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

#12

Post by csomar » Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 9:09 PM UTC

Some financial thoughts:

Machine operating at full capacity and efficiently. All the machine boxes are used in a single day. This will bring 11 x $1.99 => $21.89/day => $656.7/month

Now let's look at the expenses:

1. The Machine itself. (Price, repair, damaged by kids...)

2. Renting the place (or getting free rent from generous stores?)

3. The surveillance camera.

4. Stolen goods (this happens, and you write that you'll cover the loses)

5. Customer support.

6. Your operating costs (Employees, Office Rent, Accountant...)

To the founders: Are you sure this makes financial/economical sense?

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

#13

Post by neel_murthy » Fri, Mar 15, 2013, 9:29 PM UTC

csomar wrote: post #12

Some financial thoughts: Machine operating at full capacity and efficiently. All the machine boxes are used in a single day. This will bring 11 x $1.99 => $21.89/day => $656.7/month Now let's look at the expenses: 1. The Machine itself. (Price, repair, damaged by kids...) 2. Renting the place (or getting free rent from generous stores?) 3. The surveillance camera. 4. Stolen goods (this happens, and you write that you…

You're totally right :) these prototype boxes don't make financial sense with the model you accurately described. These were the first generation of swapboxes, the ones currently in production have quite a few more compartments. We'll have a bigger update at demo day that should answer your questions, thanks for looking out though!

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

#14

Post by account_taken » Sat, Mar 16, 2013, 12:40 AM UTC

The reason I use Amazon is so I don't have to drive anywhere to pick stuff up. It's there when I get home. If I wanted to go somewhere to pick it up, I'd go to a B&M. Or tell UPS/FedEx to not deliver and I'll pick it up.