The sharing economy marketplace — a memo

The sharing economy narrative:

• Technology was supposed to unlock all of our assets
• We were supposed to borrow each others stuff easily
• Stores were going to need a new business model as people stopped buying stuff

Market trends I’ve been thinking about that make this relevant:

• There is growing movement towards early Financial Independence
• Buying a bunch of stuff is no longer a satisfying consumer past time
• Being able to rent/borrow should make life easier

But I find myself disillusioned with the state of the sharing economy so far. This whole story overlooked the key principles in human nature and business building.

The problems.

The core problems and jobs that the customer has, exist mostly regardless of the form in which the solution comes.

The varying solutions will just fulfil and solves these needs differently.

I think it’s mostly fair to say at this point a sharing marketplace for your stuff sounds great. You’re unlocking assets! But does a marketplace work for the customers needs?

Why would a customer care if they hire a tool from a marketplace vs a neighbour or a…