May 21, 2017
Be A Sharing-Economy Platform (Once upon a time Pop & Rest)
(flashback article when we used to be an Airbnb-like platform)
Our community manager caught up Andrew and Lynn right after a Pop & Rest booking last week in the fantastic Hoxton area. He asked them some questions about their guest/host experience through the Pop and Rest app.
Alex (Community Manager, P&R): Hi guys! Nice meeting both of you! I guess my first question is how was the Pop & Rest experience today?
Andrew (Startup founder, Guest): Hi Alex, nice to meet you! It was fantastic! I could get some good sleep and work a little on my deck pitch in peace.
Lynn (Self-Employed, Host): Hi Alex, welcome to my place! Do you like it? I tried to make it suitable for Pop & Rest! I put some plants in the living room so that the place will look more peaceful. I emphasise with the idea of having a comfortable and quiet space to take a nap, do yoga or just work with a nice cup of tea!
I am glad that I met Andrew today and thank him for booking my place.
Alex: Yes we can feel it when we entered the living room. The sofa is comfy! I guess my next question is for Andrew: Wasn’t it a bit weird to sleep in a random bed? I am curious to know. Also, are you an Airbnb user? If so what difference do you see between each service?
Andrew: So answering your first question: No, I didn’t feel any problem with that. I was so tired because I worked very late last night. I just needed a bed and pillow, and the linens were clean. On your second question, yes I have been an Airbnb user as a guest and host. I am really into the sharing economy thing! I don’t see too much difference really except the fact that Pop and Rest happens during the day and for just a couple hours.
Alex: Lynn, what is to be a host on popnrest.com? How did you find the company?
Lynn: I found one flyer in the elevator of the building! I thought it was a cool idea and an excellent opportunity to make a second income. I am self-employed, so I can manage my schedule and greet some guests to my place. I kind of like meeting new people too!
Alex: Next question is about the Pop & Rest app, how was your experience going through the app? What area of improvements can we make?
Andrew: It is very easy to sign up and create a profile. The app has a few locations listed across London. I received an email notification about my booking with all the information to find the place. I mean it’s a nice platform. As for area of improvement? Maybe connect the message feature with Messenger or WhatsApp, is that possible?
Alex : Oh good question. I will have a word with our web developer. What about you, Lynn?
Lynn: I like the look of the platform, the layout is clean, the colours are appealing. Though I haven’t used the app too much as I let Pop and Rest manage my place. They have created my profile, and they notify me by text message when a new guest is confirmed. If I am not at home, they send someone to do the greeting. They have been very helpful on this!
Alex: Great! Now let’s talk about travel and relaxation. Can you tell us if you are nap practitioner? What do you think about the value of Pop and Rest towards wellbeing?
Andrew: I love to power-nap! I feel way more productive after a coffee power-nap. Actually what I like the most about the Pop & Rest concept is getting access to a private bathroom to have a quick shower. It’s so useful before an important meeting or after a long trip.
Lynn: I remember having one guest that used the living room for her yoga exercises. She also enjoyed the quietness of the flat and the tea I offered to her. She said that she desperately needed a break from her noisy workplace. In my opinion, Pop & Rest has a great value, and you will help many people to feel more relaxed and happy.
Alex: My last question is on the sharing economy and the impact of companies like Uber and Airbnb have in services. How do you see the future of this economy? What will a company like Pop and Rest become?
Andrew: I think this is great! These companies are offering an alternative to hotels and cabs and are more in line with the new generation needs. Millennials love new experiences and sharing things. Pop & Rest has significant potential to grow and be in the main cities around the world. I can see that nowadays people try more things to stay healthy.
Lynn: Pop & Rest is a great concept. I like the idea of helping someone to have a good break and be able to earn money out of it. I also use Airbnb to maximise my income. As a host, I just need to organise my place and make sure that I put a clean sheet on the bed and that I provide a clean towel.
