Instant Gratification (239)
Seamstress on wheels
A selected group of experienced seamstresses can now get potential new clients thanks to a collaboration with bike couriers. This social business is being developed by Fundação EDP’s Social Lab and the SEA (Agency of Social Entrepreneurs). Still in its testing phase, this project aims at helping unemployed seamstresses. Clients can make online orders, the clothes that need alterations are picked up, the seamstresses work from home, then the clothes are delivered back.
Why it matters
With the help of couriers, seamstresses can now gain access to a whole new market that was previously unattainable to them. The middleman is often seen as profiteer, but in this case, they are catalysts for new business. What other old and fading businesses could benefit from such a service?
Source: http://www.fundacaoedp.pt
Image source: http://www.linhas.pt/
17. December 2012
Pay-Per-Page
Total BooX is a new “Pay-as-you-go” model for e-books. The business model allows users to try a book without paying the full price up front. By signing up for the service, readers can pay for a percentage of each book they access as they read. Finishing a title will cost the same as having paid for the book beforehand.
Why it matters
The current business model for electronic publications is that people pay less for digital formats – but they still need to pay in full. The Total BooX service follows the insight that people just want to pay for what they really use. This may encourage readers to be more adventurous with their choices without any financial risk. What other digital goods could benefit from a similar model?
Source: http://www.springwise.com
Image source: http://www.springwise.com
17. December 2012
What suits your DNA?
The Organic Pharmacy's flagship store in London is offering a DNA testing service to determine the products and treatments that best suit your skin type. This £295 ($495) service is provided by British firm geneOnyx and requires only a bit of saliva for the test. After waiting only 30 minutes, customers get their results. These have gone through a product database to determine which lines of products and ingredients are best for the customer.
Why it matters
The price tag associated to the service isn’t cheap, though it provides customers with a very personalised report of what works best for them in quite a scientific way. But is this service attractive enough to become a unique selling point?
Source: http://www.luxuo.com
Image source: http://www.luxuo.com
17. December 2012
