OVERVIEW

neigh*borrow is an online platform that provides offline access to things people need to use but don't need to own. It connects people in local networks, allowing them to collectively utilize "stuff" more efficiently and economically. Almost any physical item that can be used more than once by more than one person is "neigh*borrow-able" though items such as books, tools, electronics, sporting goods, recreational equipment, household goods and baby goods are most popular. Our members borrow, lend, share, and co-purchase items to save money, conserve resources, and strengthen the communities in which they live.

FEEDBACK ITEMS

1) User Acquisition: Building "neigh*borrow-hoods" with a dense enough user base has been difficult. We would like to discuss the most effective user acquisition techniques and associated costs. Does this concept work better initially for a subset of items/categories which limits what is available through the system or a more open platform that includes more items/categories?

2) Motivating Users: Once acquired, what are the most effective ways to engage users? We need to regularly keep neigh*borrow in our members' daily work/life flows so that they think of us when they need something. Specifically, how effective are newsletters, game mechanics, guarantees, rewards programs, etc. as they relate to our model?

3) Mobile Only: More and more products and services are mobile-only or mobile-mostly. We are currently considering a mobile product as a companion to our website. How much time and effort should we dedicate to the mobile platform? Should we consider focusing on a mobile application as our core product and user interface?

BIOS 

Adam Berk and Dave Tomback are lifelong friends and the co-founders of neigh*borrow. Adam is a former NASDAQ equities trader who created the original concept vision of neigh*borrow and began managing its development as a side project. Dave is a former investment banker and management consultant who joined full-time to help Adam grow the concept into a business. They are both really looking forward to getting feedback from the group!

Hosted by Hive at 55 (@hiveat55)

This month’s event is being hosted by Hive at 55, a new coworking space in Lower Manhattan.  The Hive offers flexible and affordable workspace creating a community of like-minded individuals interested in collaborating, networking, and sharing ideas and skills.  The Hive is offering a one day free trial to all attendees of the Feedback Forum.  Just mention you came via the Feedback Forum for your free day! www.hiveat55.com, hiveat55@downtownny.com, (646) 556-6805.

Hive at 55

55 Broad Street, 13th Floor

New York, NY  10004

Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Wall; JMZ to Broad; A, C to Broadway/Nassau

About the Feedback Forum

The Feedback Forum is a monthly gathering of NYC entrepreneurs and technology-based startups or businesses in the NY metro area. Feedback Forum is an official programming partner of the New York Venture Community, (NYVC), a grassroots community with 7,000 members committed to helping the entrepreneurial ecosystem in NYC (through curated incubation events, social gatherings, speaker series, etc.).  

Each month we focus on a specific company and discuss critical operational challenges in an open environment that creates a learning opportunity which can benefit the broader NYC entrepreneur community.

The Feedback Forum is organized and moderated by Tobin Schwaiger-Hastanan (@tobins); founder of Plan.fm an event-based social-networking startup in NYC and an Assistant Organizer of the New York Venture Community (NYVC).