Request from Tim - Class Project

Hello Again!

I have a question for you. I am working on a project for my Entrepreneurial Class here at IESE, something we are nicknaming iRent. The concept is a web platform like eBay that enables people to rent items to and from their neighbors. Protections for the lender would be included such as full deposit and ratings systems.

One of the early stages of our project includes market research, and since I am over here in Spain it is difficult for me to go around to houses and ask their thoughts. I thus have 3 Questions for you.

What I really need to know is the following:

1) Would you be willing to lend things for money to others over a website, assuming the system was easy to use and there were sufficient protections (full deposits & you couldn't be sued)?

2) Would you ever consider borrowing from others over this same website, assuming locations were close and prices were cheaper than professional companies (such things like if you needed an extra barbecue for a gathering and didn’t want to buy it)?

3) Finally, assuming you would be willing to lend things, I would really appreciate if you could go look in the garage (or wherever) and tell me 10 items that you would actually be willing to lend. I am trying to get an idea what types of things people would lend and what are their relative values.

One thing is clear, I don't want you to say that you would be willing to lend or borrow simply because you know me. Pretend like you heard about this from someone else, and make your decision accordingly.

I appreciate your help in this. At this point it is the best market research I can do from here.

Please send your responses directly to me at tim805@gmail.com

Thank You!!!