14 years
Not a bad idea but I think the start up costs would kill him since machines would be in Europe and he is based out of Canada.
We sell condoms in one of our vending machines. We sell a few here and there. A good service in my mind.
Condoms
Pest Control
I have just received the following mail from Canada, I presume:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Alex Ethans and my message comes to you today as both an introduction to myself and my organization.
I am a 25 year old business school graudate from Canada with an interest in bettering the world. As an entrepreneur, I have a passion starting new businesses and my email comes to you today regarding such an idea.
Both you and I know, the majority of your clientele is aged 18-30 and looking to enjoy their youth. As I myself travelled through Europe, I was surprised at the lack of availability to acquire sexual protection (i.e. condoms). I wondered if their might be a way to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases with both your visitors and those worldwide.
This is where my concept comes into play and I would like to gauge your willingness in participating in such a venture with myself. My thought being, I would like to provide travellers an opportunity to purchase condoms through an easy to use, 24-hour accessible, machine on your premises. All profits would be used directly to assist in the AIDS fight throughout Africa and the rest of the world as we would stand only as a formal charity registered in Canada.
To clarify, I am not trying to promote any sort of sex or sexually related activities but rather recognize that it is inevitable amongst your preferred clientele. Therefore, my proposition leaves you with an opportunity to become more socially reponsible by providing your clients with an opportunity to enjoy a fun yet safe experience while at your hostel. At the same time, your efforts will help assist in the fight against AIDS in Africa and other highly affected areas.
Here is an opportunity for you and your organization to help make the world a safer place and I ask that you take the time to seriously consider my proposal.
If you would be so kind to get back to me regarding your interest in such a venture, I would be most appreciative.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Alex Ethans"
Does he really think that he can provide a cheap and reliable service to Europe?
Whilst this hostel could do with a condom machine the Boss is against the idea.
Does your hostel have a condom machine?
- Comments
14 years
given the number of places that hand out condoms free, i agree that this guys business plan may be a little faulty.
wherever you are, hit up your local STD clinic as they'll probably be jumping at the idea of giving out condoms. for some reason our condom vending machines are in the laundries (?) but i have seen many places with them in the bathroom - even a few that sell a few items somewhat more adventurous than condoms. that said, im not entirely sure how many people would ever buy a vibrating cock-ring from a hostel bathroom vending machine...
14 years
given the number of places that hand out condoms free, i agree that this guys business plan may be a little faulty.
If he goes with a dynamic pricing model similar to Easyjet it might be profitable -- the farther one buys in advance, the lower the price. $5 payment processing fee after midnight. :)
14 years
im not entirely sure how many people would ever buy a vibrating cock-ring from a hostel bathroom vending machine...
Really? That's where I always buy mine:D I can see hostel guests buying them just so they can pass them around the room and laugh. It sounds like a great conversation starter to me: "Hey, look what they sell in the bathroom!" I would pass it around for a giggle and then put it in the silverware drawer in the kitchen just to see how long it takes someone to notice that it doesn't belong there. I'll bet no one mentions anything to the staff for weeks.
The local STD clinic, Planned Parenthood, any doctor's office or hospital... all of them would probably give you free condoms, so it doesn't make sense to go out and buy them.
The Bulldog in Amsterdam has a big bowl of soap, shampoo, and condoms on their counter for guests to take for free. They even put their logo on it so you don't forget where you had such a good time.
We used to keep condoms in the first aid kit. We didn't sell them, but if someone needed one it was nice to have one to give them.
13 years
I brought this topic up on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hostelmanagement/posts/10150409474690309
For reasons like this, I think hostels should provide condoms.
I like the idea of putting vending machines in each bathroom. I think some guests might be embarrassed to ask the front desk because gossip travels fast, or because they're trying to be discreet and not get thrown out because they only have a dorm bed and don't want to get asked "where are you going with that?"... :)
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