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BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

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Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#51

Post by necubi »

hnriot wrote: post #49

These are ugly things, and I'm sure that it wont be long before they are used for nefarious purposes. So instead of going to the UPS offices to pick up the package for free, I instead go to one of these for a fee. I don't see the advantage, there are UPS locations everywhere and are easy enough to get to. This just seems like an ugly solution to a not real problem, and with a WebVan like costly infrastructure before…

You seem to have a very myopic viewpoint, unable to see that just because you may not have a use for this, it couldn't possibly solve an actual problem. If you live in the city and don't have a car, getting packages can be a huge pain. I live in San Francisco, and would love a service like this. Packages can't be delivered to my apartment (the door opens onto a city street), and since I don't drive to work having packages delivered there can by annoying as well. If one of these were installed within a few blocks of me I would very happily use it.

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#52

Post by maratd »

tobias3 wrote: post #38

DHL has those in Germany. In fact over 2400. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packstation I'm an avid and happy user. Of course something like BufferBox would have been better, but I understand that investment does make a lot more sense as a parcel delivery service, as you bind customers to you. I hope they break up that monopoly at some point. The question is why nobody did something like this before BufferBox in the US…

> The question is why nobody did something like this before BufferBox in the US?

Because there is a post office in almost every US town with postal mailboxes available? You can use that to have all USPS packages and mail delivered.

There are also UPS Stores, Fedex Kinkos, 7-Elevens, etc. which offer the same service, plus allow from delivery from private carriers.

On top of that, for 99% of Americans, having your package dropped off at your door is just fine. Nobody is going to take it. And if you're that paranoid, just have it delivered to your neighbor or to your office.

I really don't understand what void this product is trying to fill.

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#54

Post by davidpayne11 »

pattern wrote: post #44
[deleted] wrote: post #35

[deleted]

Obligatory pedantic reply: it's "piqued" not "peaked"! Source: http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/peaked.html , Paul Brians, Professor of English at WSU

Hey, then you could also check out 'GFYS'..you might like doing it..who knows (:

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#55

Post by salman89 »

hnriot wrote: post #49

These are ugly things, and I'm sure that it wont be long before they are used for nefarious purposes. So instead of going to the UPS offices to pick up the package for free, I instead go to one of these for a fee. I don't see the advantage, there are UPS locations everywhere and are easy enough to get to. This just seems like an ugly solution to a not real problem, and with a WebVan like costly infrastructure before…

Have you ever gone to UPS to pick up a package? I've tried before - I ended up just deciding to wait for redelivery. If you've ever lived in an apartment complex that's gated/closed, you miss a ton of packages.

There is also the receipt of packages while away on vacation, etc. Certainly not a huge market, but I don't think its fair to say this isn't a "real" problem.

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#56

Post by kineticflow »

maratd wrote: post #52
tobias3 wrote: post #38

DHL has those in Germany. In fact over 2400. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packstation I'm an avid and happy user. Of course something like BufferBox would have been better, but I understand that investment does make a lot more sense as a parcel delivery service, as you bind customers to you. I hope they break up that monopoly at some point. The question is why nobody did something like this before BufferBox in the US…

> The question is why nobody did something like this before BufferBox in the US? Because there is a post office in almost every US town with postal mailboxes available? You can use that to have all USPS packages and mail delivered. There are also UPS Stores, Fedex Kinkos, 7-Elevens, etc. which offer the same service, plus allow from delivery from private carriers. On top of that, for 99% of Americans, having your pac…

>On top of that, for 99% of Americans, having your package dropped off at your door is just fine.

You really can't pull numbers out of a hat like that. How many people live in an apartment with no front doorman, or requires a buzz code to get in? Probably more than 1% of Americans.

Or what if you ordered a shiny new laptop from Amazon? Would you leave it at your front door, even if you live in a safe area? I personally wouldn't.

Plus, These guys started in Canada, it's unfair to judge from purely American point of view.

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#58

Post by nchlswu »

As a user of the service since it was in its MVP stage, I really like the service and I'm excited to see them grow.

To hear that they have a big vision is great. Partnerships with retailers is one thing, but the potential for them to make key innovations on the logistical side of things is huge. I think they can make some big moves in this space (outside of boxes).

I'm curious how they'll address the "only ship to billing addresses" problem?

Re: BufferBox (YC S12) Solves The Problem Of Missing Packages

#60

Post by colmvp »

MaysonL wrote: post #29
rexf wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Looks like they're focused on Toronto: "The team has plans to expand into 100 new locations, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and transit stations within Toronto" The service sounds useful as a way to receive deliveries (and potentially a place to drop off a small package for pickup later by yourself in the same day).

Is that what the mysterious "GTA" on their site means? "Greater Toronto Area"? Groan.. If so, they could probably save themselves a lot of puzzled support emails by expanding the TLA.

People in Toronto know what GTA stands for.
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