SpotScout's Official Community Blog

Everyone - please sign the SOPA petition.

2012-01-18T16:23:00.001-05:00

Web services we all rely on daily are threatened by its possible existence including, Google, Twitter, Reddit, Wikipedia, YouTube, Craigslist and others. It's easy, takes 10 seconds & is anonymous.

If the link doesn't work in your browser, please copy and paste this into your browser's address bar.
http://sopastrike.com/modal/strike-modal/index.html

If you'd like to find out more about the SOPA and PIPA bill go here: http://sopastrike.com/

SpotScout's Response to the Parker App.

2011-11-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

We've heard a lot over the last day or two about the 'Parker' app. made by Streetline Networks. It really bugs us to see the media not relaying the true facts of what this technology can actually do, its well known drawbacks, and its expense for the city to install and maintain.

First, we applaud anyone attempting to make parking easier for the public. Let the record show this.

BUT, we do not like it when people overexaggerate the true capacities of things, either. Sensor based on-street parking technologies started being tested in SF quite recently - roughly a year or two ago. They installed approximately 5,000 sensors to the reported tune of $27 Million dollars. YES, $27 MILLION, much of it paid by the Dept. of Transportation. The point is to embed sensors in the pavement that sense when a metallic object has left and then to relay that to a server which then posts it for all to see on a map based application. Though we haven't seen anyone actually say how much it cost to install these 100 sensors in Boston, right off the bat these things are not cheap and in this economy when city programs are being shut down left or right, this is no time to be spending unnecessary cash with the promise of very little return.

Here are the REAL downsides to embedded sensors for on-street spots the media needs to inform people about:

These sensors ONLY sense when a vehicle is in or is not in a parking spot. In high traffic areas, like Boylston, South End, Financial District, Newbury, etc. where spots are filled in 30 seconds or less at peak times, by the time that information relays and posts and people race in tandem for the spot it'll be filled, leaving you with a giant, "AWH, why'd I just make that effort" feeling. If you're not within visual range of the empty spot, after receiving that information, are you going to really race a block or two away knowing a spot can be filled and not update that quickly? Talk about being psyched out.
Even Streetline has stated three colors denote the occupancy of their sensor spots: they have one being "occupied"; the other being "not occupied"; and one that that means "Iffy." IFFY??
Their application broadcasts this information to EVERYONE at the exact same time. In high demand areas, the last thing anyone wants is 5 cars getting this same information, racing for the same spot and then all getting into fights over it. Not good. At all.
They have not been proven yet to work reliably in inclement weather. (Hence, why they started pilot testing in CA.)
In order for this networked based system to work the embedded sensors have to work 101% of the time - throughout bad weather, damage (ummm a shovel?), and the threat of possible vandalism. How much is it going to really anger people who drive to a spot at breakneck speeds only to find out the sensor is reading "not occupied" when actually is?
If the city has approximately 38,000 or so parking spots (including garages) 100 sensor spots is .263% of all the total spots. That's less than 1/3 of 1%, which is not going to make a dent in parking related traffic compared to the probable cost for the city and its taxpayers.

Studies have shown that in order to reliably cut down on city traffic and parking related emissions, it is necessary to get people directly to spots. This is called "Directed Parking." However, with their expense in this economic times, their clearly stated unreliablity, and their untested capacites in NE weather, we here at SpotScout need to point out there are WAY better and cheaper options to assist with directed parking than this, such as our method that allows individuals to post when in the future they are leaving on-street parking spots.

Why?

It's FREE for the city.
Only 1 individual at a time knows when and where a car will leave.
One can find out hours and even days in advance of when spots are opening up.
No hardware to install and maintain, thus NO tax dollars being spent.
Our method is not affected by the weather.
Better optimization of space and better return for consumers both looking for spots and those leaving their spots.

Team SpotScout

Footnote: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/news/smart-parking-systems-steer-drivers-to-open-spaces

Good news for a rainy Monday. New SpotScout signage lets people know your spot's available to be reserved!

2011-08-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Nuts, it's Monday and yes, the weekend was way to short. Summer weekends really do slide by in the blink of an eye. And rainy Mondays just remind us all how much we want to be 48 hours in the past, sitting on that beach toes in the sand, or barbecuing, or sipping a cocktail and relaxing. Anyway, we have some good news for you! More visibility for your spots! Yes, for those of you looking to post your private parking spots on our market, we've made signs that you can use to attract those out there circling who are unaware that you have the perfect parking spot for them!

We've made two types of signs for you. The first group of signs which are perfect for planting on the edge of your lawn, let people driving by know your spot is available to be reserved. The second group of signs will tell them where specifically in your property or driveway you'd like them to leave their car. Hang them or post them! Either way you'll now be able to drive both web traffic and physical traffic to your spot!

We know you don't have the time to go to an actual sign shop so each and every one of our signs can be printed from a standard printer (we suggest color b/c its way more noticeable). Once you've printed them, simply staple or tape them to some thicker cardboard and a cheap stake (paint stirrer's are perfect) and plant them right where people can see them! And for those rainy days like today, Staples will even laminate them in 30 seconds at a cost of $1.50 so you won't ever have to worry about water, wind or snow ruining them.

You can all of them here.

So please, keep those emails coming and let us know if you think of any additional signs that'd help you get the word out your spot is available!

Good hunting!

Summer SpotPosting: Making the Best Out of the Demand for Summer Parking

2011-06-22T14:18:00.003-04:00

Ah, official start of Summer 2011! We're all excited here. Beautiful weather. Everyone in good moods, beaches, fun events, summer baseball games. Time to get out there and enjoy it because we ALL know it only last 3 months at the most.

Summer parking is well, harder than ever. Beach parking fills up quickly. Especially for those north or south of Boston and on the Cape.

Parking lots near ferries to exotic places (like Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, etc) fill up hours in advance.

Ferry to the Vineyard

Rural concert venues are swamped, (Tanglewood, Comcast Center, Newport, RI.).

Tanglewood

All the fun beach towns are packed day and night with visitors. People watching is GREAT!

Provincetown Center

The summer brings a GREAT opportunity for those outside of cities to make money daily and hourly from the surplus of demand! If you have a driveway or private spot a short distance from a beach, you'll definitely see it being reserved. Same goes with anything near ferries or concerts.

You can charge hourly, daily, overnight, by weekend, whatever you want! And you can of course set the hours that your spot can be used, assuring it'll be there only for you when you get back, or when you want it all to yourself.

If you need any help, feel free to write in to us at info@spotscout.com . Here is also a quick YouTube video that walks you through how to post one or more of your parking spots on SpotScout, How To Post Your Parking Spot.

SpotPosting for Special Events, such as Graduations, Concerts and Sporting Events

2011-04-27T14:25:00.002-04:00

Hey, Everyone!

Are you wondering when your private parking spot can earn you THE MOST? There is no magic formula to speak of...yet. (We're working on it though!) A good way in the meantime is to analyze the demand your area sees during special events. Big draw events like college graduations, sporting events (playoffs anyone?) and/or holidays celebrations all drive up PEAK demand for local parking spots. When the parking lots and garages and on-street spots nearby fill to the brim, where do people turn to for their spots? Anywhere. Literally. Just so long as Auntie M. can walk there in her heels. And she's a tough broad, so a 10-15 min brisk walk is NO PROBLEM for her.

Now you could be one of these people who lives next to a consistently stable, high demand parking location; like near a popular beach or right in a downtown area. If that's the case, great for you! You can definitely earn solid daily or hourly dollars by consistently sharing your driveway, home or businesses parking spaces.

However, if not, don't fret! You can still earn great dollars from your spot!

In Boston and other college towns around the country May is the month of GRADUATIONS. There seems to be one every other day. Parents, family members, and friends all come down to see their dearest complete another stage of their life. As awesome as this is, it leads to MAJOR demand for parking spots, especially around college campuses. Some of these even may be slightly out of the city or in suburban areas where they are holding the graduation service or near public transportation.

Here is a link to the upcoming graduations in Boston in May. The major school graduations are all listed except for Boston University, whose graduation is Sunday May 22 at Nickerson Field in Brighton and MIT's which is Friday, June 3rd 2011 in Cambridge.

So if you have a private spot someplace within walking distance of a campus, public transit or special event, don't be shy. Post it! It's FREE! You may walk away richer than you were yesterday!

Happy Hunting!

Check out our New Flyer!

2011-04-04T15:35:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys!

We've been having great success passing these out recently. They do a fantastic job explaining to people how SpotScout can both make them money when their parking spot's empty or idle, and how we can help them find the cheapest or closest parking spots where they're going.

Pass out our new flyer

If you have a spot near something that's in high demand, DEFINITELY use this! This is a great flyer to drum up demand from people looking to find a spot to park in your area. (Remember you can also post a neighbor's spot, too.) *Note* you need to have written permission and not just verbal permission from them before doing so.

For example: if you post your apt.'s spot near Fenway Park during Red Sox home games, download and print this out. Then hand it out to people around the Storrow Drive exit or people who are circling the area looking to find spots. (Just be safe no matter how you decide to do it. IE don't be in the road.)

Download our new flyer here!

BTW, one side shows them how to find spots (the right side); the other shows them how to make money from a spot you're posting (the left side). Fold it in half lengthwise before giving it out. Please do not put them on or in anyone's mailbox, that's illegal. Our best advice is to pass them to people by hand when they ask you how to find or reserve your spot.

Good hunting!

Why to Consider the Financial Upside of Posting Your Home or Business Parking Spots on SpotScout.com

2011-03-21T14:48:00.001-04:00

Thinking of posting your home or work parking spots when they are empty or idle? Well, you’re smart. WAY smart. If so, we’d like to present you with a little basic math that will persuade you exactly why that really IS a good idea. Below are two examples of the potential that an empty parking space has to earn you money.

So, let’s start with posting it only on the weekdays:

You have a great parking spot near a busy area and it’s empty every day while you’re at work for 8 hrs. (Who only works 8 hours these days, right?) A nearby garage or parking lot charges people $4 an hr. but after 2 hrs. the price jumps to an all day price of say, $25. (This is actually conservative. Many cities or suburban areas where parking is constrained charge much more daily.) Now you post your one parking spot for slightly less - let’s say, $20 for one full day - on SpotScout. Weekly, that could earn you $100 or $400 MONTHLY. That’d pay a couple of bills wouldn’t it?!

Let’s try another example but this time, we’ll do it hourly. You post your parking spot for $4 an hr., rather than giving it a flat daily price. That’d be $32 you could earn for an 8 hr. reservation for just ONE parking space! Weekly, that could be $160 and monthly, $640. That could cover a lot of dinners out, maybe even a plane ticket to someplace warm and sandy.

Here are also few basics thoughts to consider, too.

1) A parking spot as ‘a commodity’ rarely can be damaged - no matter how often it is used or exchanges hands. This makes it extremely easy to trade with others.
2) With SpotScout, you can set the ground rules of its use by others. E.G. ‘Please don’t and leave trash’, ‘don’t stay late’, or ‘keep noise to a minimum.’ You also rate the reserving party you’re trading with after it’s over.
3) You can charge WHATEVER you feel the demand at the moment will pay for it. Think it’ll go for $40 a day, or $100 for an entire weekend or for the big game? Go for it!! Daily, Nightly, Hourly, SpotScout gives you ALL the options for your spot to earn the most it can!

So, what’s stopping you!?

The Rise of Share Based Services

2011-03-09T17:18:00.001-05:00

We are enterring a point in time where eBay and Craigslist work, but they seem sooo 20th century, right? Having to email back and forth with someone you don't know in order to trade something is outdated. Rarely is the product or service you're searching for location rich or offered real time. Well, not anymore! The present popularity of smart phones and the ubiquity of broadband have given rise to plenty of new share based services and they ARE the future! Some are for sharing your location information to get better deals and others are about sharing your idle nor unused physical items with those in your local area. It almost makes one think: "Why buy something outright anymore? Do I really need it in my possession 24x7? Especially when I can still have access to it when I need it and for A LOT less!"

Here are a few new share ideas you may not have heard of that are gaining popularity.

FourSquare - This is one of the biggest these days. Share your physical location from your phone and get discounts off of local goods or services.

RelayRides - Share out your OWN car when you're not using it and make a few $s! Yes, and they will cover it against damages and accidents up to $1,000,000!

Snapgoods - The new sharing term is 'acquaintance rental.' Rent out anything you're not using in a reliable and safe way from those nearby. Snapgoods supports $5,000 deposits, as well, for valuable items like cameras, iPads, etc. Kick ass!

Neighborgoods - Again, share out anything you have with your neighbors. It could be a hammer, a saw, a Wii, a wheelbarrow, a Segway, whatever! If you're not using it, maybe someone else needs it for a few hours or the day.

Avego - Driving someplace? Share your passenger seat(s) and make up to $.58 cents a mile with someone who's also going that way. They coordinate pickups, epayments, user ratings and safety features. And no, you don't need a taxi license.

DentBetty - Got a new dent? Share your photo of your car's dent and have local repair shops bid on repairing it! Post a photo, sit back and watch the quotes flood in!

SpotScout - Our favorite! Make dollars sharing out your parking spot hourly or daily when you're not using it or are away from it. Connect and make friends with other people that have spots in areas you go to, too!

FAQs and How SpotScout is different from other online parking concepts

2011-02-24T13:15:00.001-05:00

Hey, Everyone! Thanks SO MUCH for your emails and all your support as we test and improve our SpotScout's BETA. Everyday SpotScout's community grows a little more.

In order to keep things on track we want to give you a good way to address some of your questions. Emails are fine but most of everyone's questions about the Ins and Outs of the market you can find right away on our FAQ section.

We'd also like to detail How SpotScout is different from other parking services, like Craigslist, or others trying to copy our model out there. Here are a few important distinctions.

• Every transaction is rated, by both parties. This serves to create a history of individuals who are safe and reliable.
• Payments are ONLY made with PayPal adding more security to the site and to each trade.
• Monnies are transferred SAME day (with some exceptions like weekends and holidays).
• You can market the qualities that make your parking spot and its location great.
• You can post multiple spots (with written permission of property owner).
• SpotScout's market is made to be a location aware and time sensitive community of real time traders; we are not a simple bulletin board like Craigslist where emails have to go back and forth in order for you to find a spot. SpotScout is REAL TIME.
• We do not scrape from other sites and advertise them as our own.
• You can personally start your city, town, college and community's market. We've given you the software. Even though we're a small shop, we're committed daily to improving its speed, accuracy and reliability.
• No cash trades hands.

Good hunting!

'How to Post Your Available Spot' Video Demo

2011-02-16T14:06:00.001-05:00

We've spent a long time tweaking SpotScout's interface so that its intuitive and REALLY easy to post and market your private space for others to use. However, should you have any questions or if you just want to see how you can do it, we've made a short How-To-video for you that can be found on YouTube.

How to Post Your Spot - 5 mins

There is also a short How To Register Demo - 3 mins we made as well that can be found here.

Good Luck and Good Hunting!

Welcome to the BETA test of SpotScout's parking marketplace!

2011-02-16T13:48:00.003-05:00

We here at SpotScout.com want to reach out to you and officially invite you to start testing SpotScout’s Beta parking marketplace. Some of you over the last year or so may have been invited earlier to test our Alpha. If you were one of them, we thank you so much for all your comments, ideas and insights into how we could further develop SpotScout's entire website to be a better community and better marketplace.

SpotScout on Firefox Mobile

Here’s a small breakdown of our community marketplace:

This is a BETA and as much as we’ve tried to iron out every single bug through very extensive testing, there will still be a few left. Please DO write us to let us know what you find so we can correct them ASAP. We are dedicated to improving the site, and extending its reach soon with associated SpotScout mobile applications.

All monies are seamlessly and securely transferred from the Buyer (the ‘SpotScout’) to us (SpotScout, Inc.), and then onward to the Seller (the 'SpotPoster' or 'Caster'.) using PayPal. We create a privacy wall between both so that you can have the anonymity you need while still being able to trade and be part of our community. Go to www.paypal.com to start an account. It’s brain dead simple to get one but PayPal does need 2-3 days to validate that your financial information is legitimate. So please don’t post your spot until you have a valid PayPal account.

Though this is a market, it is for the moment first come, first served. There are no timed auctions or 'buy it now' capacities for your spot. If two people want it, the first to reserve it gets it.

ONLY the SpotScout (the buyer/reserving party) pays a fee. And that is $.50 and 6.9% of the total reservation. E.G. if you’re a SpotCaster and you want your private driveway spot to go for $5 an hour and someone reserves it for 2 hrs, you’ll receive the FULL $10 in your PayPal account!

If someone doesn’t reserve your spot right away, don’t worry! This is just the beginning! If your spot is near a parking scarce area, it WILL sell! And you’ll be contacted by text and email when it does, so you don’t have to worry about hovering over your account wondering if someone is going to take it. Please make sure admin@spotscout.com is on your email's white list and/or added to your contacts, otherwise you may miss a confirmation email when someone’s reserved your spot.

We do not have the capacity to provide customer support for the moment, we’re just too small and understaffed. As we grow, hopefully this will change. So be honest when you trade and do your best to represent your spot fully and accurately. That way we can all make this work.
We will be releasing ALL updates, good or bad, via Twitter (@SpotScoutDotCom) and Facebook, (SpotScout), rather than by email. Please join both and help us help us help your city, town, college campus or community make money and find spots.

Regards,
Andrew Rollert
Founder, SpotScout.com

Getting ready for our Beta, Iteration 1.0.10

2010-05-20T12:12:00.003-04:00

We're counting down the days as we speak. Are you excited?? We are!! The days and nights we've spent over the last year improving our Alpha were difficult for sure but we know it's all worthwhile. Our Beta iteration is iteration 1.0.10 which is 6 or so Iterations after our Alpha at the very, very least. So guys, expect a lot of changes, both in functionality, ease of use, and speed! We've also added a Twitter feed - @SpotScoutDotCom - so we can keep everyone in touch with SpotScout's day to day improvements or should there be any hiccups, which of course in reality there may be. (Given the amount of testing we've done, we expect these to be at a minimum however).

So PLEASE try it out and tell us what you like and don't like so we here can keep the ball rolling, improving our marketplace! We need all your support. If you run into a bug we haven't seen PLEASE let us know. If you think of a feature, PLEASE tell us so we can integrate it in ASAP! If you know someone who may have a spot that's not being used at the moment and needs a few bucks TELL them! If you know someone who HATES looking for parking spots, or HATES guessing how much they'll be where they're going, TELL them about SpotScout!

It's takes a community to make parking a better experience for everyone. We can only build the tools. We need YOU to use them!

Less Air Pollution, Longer Life

2009-01-27T11:24:00.002-05:00

The New England Journal of Medicine has found evidence that Americans are living longer as the air they breathe gets cleaner. “Residents of cities that did the best job cleaning up air pollution showed the biggest jump in life span.”

Auto emissions are one of the main factors that contribute to air pollution.

And studies show that anywhere from 30% to 50% of city traffic is caused by cruising for parking.

And this driving around generates significant emissions. (You might recall the data revealed by Transportation Alternatives last year, where their study found that each year drivers looking for parking in a 15 block area of New York City drive 366,000 miles and generate 325 tons of CO2.)

So, improved parking leads to less driving around, which leads to reduced emissions, and that in turn leads to a longer life. Sounds good to me!