Ask HN: Is it possible to 'shop without borders'?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7166333

by guybrushT • 12 years ago

2 4 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Do you think friends/strangers could bring stuff for you from abroad (given right incentive)?

The reason I am asking is because I am working on this - https://yenbe-beta.appspot.com

guybrushT• 12 years ago

I was thinking that to make this work:

1. Exchange of favor - e.g. bring stuff and I will show you th city, concert tickets etc. 2. The buyer's card is authorized (not charged) and traveller gets paid after the stuff is delivered. 3. Pickup/dropoff points in a city (ofcourse, doesn't scale) Do any of these mitigate concerns?

phantom_oracle• 12 years ago

Good Idea, but couple of problems you should address:

1) Food - this won't work. There are strict laws in place in some countries to prevent people from bringing in food (and with good reason). Research this. Ideally, you'd want food out

2) Trust - even with motivating factors, you're still going to get dodgy people doing dodgy things with the service

3) Customs - here comes hell... If the traveller gets caught for bringing in something very expensive and ends up in jail, whose fault is it?

Don't let my problems I've identified discourage you. It's a solid idea, just address the problems and be on your way to the next airbnb

(remember me with 0,01% equity if you succeed :P)

manvi• 12 years ago

There are at least 2 startups on this idea with big funding coming this year and there are some problems already mentioned that are hard to solve right now. Also be aware that companies like amazon offer cheap products and delivery. Taxes must be considered at the airport and many more.

konaseer• 12 years ago

trust is the biggest issue. imagine drug smuggling inside an antique ordered by your user.

Ask HN: Is it possible to 'shop without borders'?

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