maxbrown

I use the Ritual app in Chicago for just that.

This is my understanding as well - you don't just get all the IBM software you want, but there are ways to internally acquire what you need on funded projects (or similarly, I would assume, acquisitions).

It's worth noting that more and more of IBM's software/platforms are cloud-based and even publicly available (e.g. Bluemix) so I imagine the landscape for this type of software acquisition is changing even internally.

Can't find a lick of information about Starfighter online - is that on purpose right now then? (Pre-"plug"/launch?) Definitely curious, give us the 2-sentence version if you can?

You are essentially pre-ordering one of their watches for a $20 discount. What's there to complain about? Sure, in unproven items you are gambling somewhat (they may not deliver) but you should evaluate that risk when you put your money in.

None of us think we are buying equity when we put money in, and yet clearly 31,000+ people are willing to put their money in to pre-order the product without equity. Good for that company, that they have that level of pre-order demand, no?

Great MVP, great focus. Few thoughts -

Make sure top phone # is tappable on mobile browsers.

Examples that don't make me question your ability to deliver - airline example seems to be hiding complexity (I question it as I read it), others really good

Why do the fees vary? Why couldn't you have flat min fee + % of total cost? Am I missing something? I feel like pricing transparency is key to scaling quickly here.

1. Maybe it's just quoted at a ridiculous price

2. They may just be able to say it's not available and still maintain a positive experience for 99.9% of customers.

3. It doesn't seem like they're charging such a large fee that I expect them to do something crazy for me... I expect value in some proportion to my payment. Amex concierge might get the cheesesteak for a customer who spends 6-figures with them but not 4-figures, for example.

There are far more differences than similarities. I would analyze them more before making an accusation (didn't sound like you were just trying to harmlessly point out the similarities).

Any idea on the LCV for Azure of the average YC startup? I know the average YC startup is going to be a cut above, but are a large percentage of them going to break the $500k in an early stage?

Great work and happy to see the support from all those corporations.

Agreeing with the others on the Minnesota label being needed on the site, but moreso - what do you think would be required to take this to other major cities? Is the limiting factor just data or is there more to it?

Aside: if this is still in active development, I'd be happy to offer some time on design & UX

I'm sure user research would answer this quickly, but my guess is that many may still have smart phones or, if not, public library internet access.

For product development, they could focus on a few companies and cover many brands... Proctor & Gamble, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, etc.

Also, once you have their reputation, I bet companies come to them.

Interesting. Are stores that unaware of what's out of stock that they'll incentivize customers through you? Is the assumption that the person is in the market for the item in the picture, and you'll try to sell them the item through the app?

They are probably long-term positive, but in the short-term they both could provoke negative press for the companies.