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Dustin Curtis's new web app

snail.dustincurtis.com

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Re: Dustin Curtis's new web app

#32

Post by dcurtis »

ericb wrote: post #26
dcurtis wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well, the dollar breaks down like this: * 10c to paypal * 44c to stamp * 40c for envelope and paper I make about 6c on each letter.

What type of envelope and paper cost that much?

I think if someone is paying to have a letter sent, it should be made of high quality paper and be sent with a high quality envelope.

Re: Dustin Curtis's new web app

#33

Post by ericb »

dcurtis wrote: post #32
ericb wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What type of envelope and paper cost that much?

I think if someone is paying to have a letter sent, it should be made of high quality paper and be sent with a high quality envelope.

I would check that assumption. Most letters I have sent were required because some service was living in the stone age, or making my life difficult.

For example, to cancel my gym membership, I had to mail a notorized document to their corporate office. The entire purpose was to discourage and inconvenience me. I'm sure they toy with the idea of making cancellations in-person only, at an office on the peak of Everest. I'd just assume that letter arrive flaming as printed on high quality paper.

Re: Dustin Curtis's new web app

#34

Post by auston »

dcurtis wrote: post #18
bprater wrote: post #15

Build a API dude. This type of service can be useful to some of us who need to send snail mail to customers when they sign-up, cancel, etc. And I agree with everyone else about the prices. Eventually 6c won't cut it and then you'll have to jerk the price up. $1 sounds sexy, but you need to eat.

Well I just built this for fun, and I will definitely end up in the red overall. How many people would use a physical mailing service like this, if it had an API and lots of options for paper and envelopes?

i would be more likely to use it if it had an API.

Re: Dustin Curtis's new web app

#35

Post by lucifer »

dcurtis wrote: post #7
RiderOfGiraffes wrote: post #5

I suppose if the service gets popular you'll have to find some way to make it pay, otherwise it will cost you a fortune in stamps. Any plans? Or is it "Wait and see.." ??

Well, the dollar breaks down like this: * 10c to paypal * 44c to stamp * 40c for envelope and paper I make about 6c on each letter.

That black ink may get you into red.

http://www.printpsi.com/automated_mailing_system_maverick_in...

Here's your business model if you want to get serious:

1 - You setup a few offices in key metropolitan areas. (NY, LA, etc.)

2 - Each office has an automated setup to print envelopes and letters and stamp them. (I'm sure USPO has a system for this so you wouldn't need to literally stick things on an envelope.)

3 - Web-app/api is centrally hosted and linked to the distribution nodes. Based on destination, you assign the letters to the nearest distribution node.

4 - You undercharge FedEx/UPS/etc 2 day. (That's your ceiling). If you mail in NYC to another NYC address, they're gonna get it the next day.

You have fixed up front costs (the machines) and recurring monthly costs (rent, electricity, paper, ink, etc.).

I would think an investment of around a few 10Ks could get you up and running in the initial key metros (NYC, SF, etc.) and then expand.

Re: Dustin Curtis's new web app

#40

Post by jlees »

dcurtis wrote: post #7
RiderOfGiraffes wrote: post #5

I suppose if the service gets popular you'll have to find some way to make it pay, otherwise it will cost you a fortune in stamps. Any plans? Or is it "Wait and see.." ??

Well, the dollar breaks down like this: * 10c to paypal * 44c to stamp * 40c for envelope and paper I make about 6c on each letter.

Time spent posting the letter? Or is that wrapped in..
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