Collaborators wanted for already built mobile apps

[Kenny Blair]

Like most other people, I had a couple of ideas that I thought would make good mobile apps. For a number of reasons, rather than seek funding at the concept stage I chose to self-fund the building of these apps, and they are both complete and available on the Apple and Android app stores.

One app is most definitely for-profit, a social app that allows its users to selectively and anonymously share their location in order to discover known contacts in close proximity and to arrange to meet. Revenue will come from advertising.

The other is more of a social enterprise, it allows people with surplus food to share it with those in the local area who need it.

Having built them, I am now considering how I attract users and drive adoption. I would be keen to hear from others with complementary skills eg marketing, social media, web design, legal etc who would like to get involved in these apps, either for a share of the revenue (first app) or for the greater good (second app).

More details on request.

 

[billybob99]

For your latter idea, food sharing - you must have seen these gals.

It's probably best to see what has been working for them, content, social, good press and strategic partnerships.

Marketing 1 app is a mission and requires a lot of elbow grease, so I wish you luck with both.

 

[Kenny Blair]

Yes, I am aware of OLIO, but they are a for profit company, they charge shops to remove surplus food and are looking at a paid premium membership that I presume will give you early warning of food. That is why they attracted investors and could build the app.

That does not seem right to me, hence my app is completely free to all.

 

[billybob99]

Yes, I am aware of OLIO, but they are a for profit company, they charge shops to remove surplus food and are looking at a paid premium membership that I presume will give you early warning of food. That is why they attracted investors and could build the app.

That does not seem right to me, hence my app is completely free to all.

The fact you're going to be free for all is one of your PR/marketing points right there.

I've seen OLIO picked up in some pretty big newspapers and online sites, a lot of this marketing is just reverse engineering.

 

[Julia Sta Romana]

Your first app sounds like a dating app, specifically Tinder. And I've seen other proximity apps like our advertised heavily through mobile and native advertising. What does your app have that makes it different from the other proximity apps out there?.

 

[Nico Albrecht]

I see a couple problems with the social enterprise app that might have impact on use and marketing to be honest. If somebody needs food how can they afford a smartphone and run your app? Also if you are aiming at business for surplus you app doesn't solve a problem in regards to food wast really and just drags out a problem. Also I can imaging that end consumers don't really wanna deal with giving food away.

If it comes to food wastage over 90% is done by house holds , another 7 % restaurants and the rest leaves stores and supermarkets.

To solve that 90% problem an educational app for consumers might be a better option if you want to solve the actual problems. There are a lot of good ideas but most of them never actually solve the underlying problem.

Best luck with your apps.

 

[garyk]

Yes, I am aware of OLIO, but they are a for profit company, they charge shops to remove surplus food and are looking at a paid premium membership that I presume will give you early warning of food. That is why they attracted investors and could build the app.

That does not seem right to me, hence my app is completely free to all.

Being free is not a USP. The fact is OLIO for profit is irrelevant, its touching a very hot topic (surplus food) and using it in a socially responsible way. Attracting investment is really the only way to grow and scale this sort of business. How will you afford marketing spend (which needs to be pretty sizeable nowadays to get noticed) whilst the app is generating zero revenue?

 

[Kenny Blair]

Your first app sounds like a dating app, specifically Tinder. And I've seen other proximity apps like our advertised heavily through mobile and native advertising. What does your app have that makes it different from the other proximity apps out there?.

The app is similar to Tinder only in that it uses location services! Tinder and most of the proximity apps are geared towards finding new people, mine is about being informed when existing contacts are close by.

For example, if I am visiting London on business I would like to know if I have friends, family or colleagues within one mile that I may choose to contact and meet up with. The app allows me to share my location selectively and anonymously.

 

[Kenny Blair]

I see a couple problems with the social enterprise app that might have impact on use and marketing to be honest. If somebody needs food how can they afford a smartphone and run your app? Also if you are aiming at business for surplus you app doesn't solve a problem in regards to food wast really and just drags out a problem. Also I can imaging that end consumers don't really wanna deal with giving food away.

If it comes to food wastage over 90% is done by house holds , another 7 % restaurants and the rest leaves stores and supermarkets.

To solve that 90% problem an educational app for consumers might be a better option if you want to solve the actual problems. There are a lot of good ideas but most of them never actually solve the underlying problem.

Best luck with your apps.

I don't think one can assume that someone in need of free food does not have a smart phone, from speaking with food banks they tell me a number of their customers have very up to date iphones. Undoubtedly some in food poverty will not have a smart phone, but the app would enable charities to collect the food and redistribute it. As for end consumers, some will want to give food away, some wont, at least this app gives them the ability if they choose to do so.

I am not saying that one app will solve all the world's problems around food waste and food poverty, I am just hoping to make the current situation a little better.

 

[billybob99]

I don't think one can assume that someone in need of free food does not have a smart phone, from speaking with food banks they tell me a number of their customers have very up to date iphones. Undoubtedly some in food poverty will not have a smart phone, but the app would enable charities to collect the food and redistribute it. As for end consumers, some will want to give food away, some wont, at least this app gives them the ability if they choose to do so.

I am not saying that one app will solve all the world's problems around food waste and food poverty, I am just hoping to make the current situation a little better.

The irony is, without being funny, beggars on the street are accepting donations with an iPhone and PayPal card reader/contactless.

So you can't just assume people who don't have the ability to purchase food don't have a smart phone - you have to take into account the circumstances. You could have bought a smart phone ages ago, then fallen on very hard times, with a run of bad luck and now need to utilise a food bank, and in most cases it could be just for the short term.