Comments on: Farecast Now Provides Data On Fairness Of Hotel Pricing http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:42:08 -0800 hourly 1 By: DealBase Finds $1 Million For Hotel Deal Database | Reviews Manual http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-2730938 DealBase Finds $1 Million For Hotel Deal Database | Reviews Manual Tue, 05 May 2009 03:43:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-2730938 [...] Farecast, a movement place convergent in uncovering deals for hotels and expose travel, also has a feature that measures how well-priced the hotel is compared to its example pricing and another hotels. The [...] [...] Farecast, a movement place convergent in uncovering deals for hotels and expose travel, also has a feature that measures how well-priced the hotel is compared to its example pricing and another hotels. The [...]

]]> By: hotel http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-2487034 hotel Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:20:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-2487034 Great idea. Great idea.

]]> By: Bink.nu | Microsoft Acquires Farecast For $115M - Bink.nu http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-2212112 Bink.nu | Microsoft Acquires Farecast For $115M - Bink.nu Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-2212112 [...] also guarantees tickets at its predicted prices for an extra charge. As of this past fall, it also began helping travelers determine the fairness of hotel [...] [...] also guarantees tickets at its predicted prices for an extra charge. As of this past fall, it also began helping travelers determine the fairness of hotel [...]

]]> By: Microsoft Acquires Farecast For $115M http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-2187961 Microsoft Acquires Farecast For $115M Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:49:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-2187961 [...] also guarantees tickets at its predicted prices for an extra charge. As of this past fall, it also began helping travelers determine the fairness of hotel [...] [...] also guarantees tickets at its predicted prices for an extra charge. As of this past fall, it also began helping travelers determine the fairness of hotel [...]

]]> By: A Taylor http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1579815 A Taylor Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:00:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1579815 I think Farecast is onto a great idea and buildout of their business model with the branching out to hotels. The key to the business model is the algorithm they are building to predict pricing etc. Although a couple of other firms have built algorithms for predicting airfares, Farecast can carve out a great niche by focusing on hotels. If anything, over time they will have more data in their database and eventually will be able to gather a large market share for predictive hotel pricing and or be a very attractive target for a company like Expedia or Amex travel. I think Farecast is onto a great idea and buildout of their business model with the branching out to hotels.

The key to the business model is the algorithm they are building to predict pricing etc. Although a couple of other firms have built algorithms for predicting airfares, Farecast can carve out a great niche by focusing on hotels.

If anything, over time they will have more data in their database and eventually will be able to gather a large market share for predictive hotel pricing and or be a very attractive target for a company like Expedia or Amex travel.

]]> By: Hef http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1579753 Hef Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:33:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1579753 It looks like you gave this product what amounts to a press release in exchange for an exclusive preview. While a great step in the direction of solving a huge problem (what constitutes a "hotel deal?"), at this stage Farecast's product has so little data that it's is barely functional. It looks like you gave this product what amounts to a press release in exchange for an exclusive preview. While a great step in the direction of solving a huge problem (what constitutes a “hotel deal?”), at this stage Farecast’s product has so little data that it’s is barely functional.

]]> By: Jay Virdy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1579431 Jay Virdy Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:33:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1579431 gilltots makes a good point above. We recently went through a similar color scheme exercise at our company. We use Red/Yellow/Green colors for Bad/So-So/Great reviews, but we also offered a grayscale version for the nearly 10% of male population that has trouble distinguishing between red and green. (Color Oracle, for the mac, has a nifty colorblind simulation utility.) I've always been a fan of Farecast because of their "when to buy" price predictor. Adding Hotels is a good logical step. I wish them all the best. gilltots makes a good point above.

We recently went through a similar color scheme exercise at our company. We use Red/Yellow/Green colors for Bad/So-So/Great reviews, but we also offered a grayscale version for the nearly 10% of male population that has trouble distinguishing between red and green.

(Color Oracle, for the mac, has a nifty colorblind simulation utility.)

I’ve always been a fan of Farecast because of their “when to buy” price predictor.
Adding Hotels is a good logical step. I wish them all the best.

]]> By: Tom http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578821 Tom Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:41:08 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578821 red is hot, blue is cold.. red is hot, blue is cold..

]]> By: Chad http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578686 Chad Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:49:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578686 Nice tool for gathering more data, but would still take the info and priceline it. Nice tool for gathering more data, but would still take the info and priceline it.

]]> By: chris http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578631 chris Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:26:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578631 We believe that a main factor for the travel industry websites is to gain peoples trust. That is why www.MyCancunTV.com has just partnered with www.Travelocity.com for an online travel and reservation center. Another factor on a site like farecast is that people need to INVEST NOT WASTE their time on looking for good hotel rates. We wish them good luck. We believe that a main factor for the travel industry websites is to gain peoples trust.

That is why http://www.MyCancunTV.com has just partnered with http://www.Travelocity.com for an online travel and reservation center.

Another factor on a site like farecast is that people need to INVEST NOT WASTE their time on looking for good hotel rates.

We wish them good luck.

]]> By: Ben http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578571 Ben Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:58:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578571 anyone know what analytical software they're using? My guess would be SAS or SPSS but I guess it could be homegrown (but that seems like more trouble than it's worth) anyone know what analytical software they’re using? My guess would be SAS or SPSS but I guess it could be homegrown (but that seems like more trouble than it’s worth)

]]> By: stone http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578558 stone Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:55:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578558 I hate to be a naysayer but this company has been out for about 18 months and has failed to catch fire with consumers. It's *not* a good sign and only means one thing for their employees: time to leave or prepare for a major slog. I've tried to use the site a few times and simply cannot find a justification whatsoever for going back again. I hate to be a naysayer but this company has been out for about 18 months and has failed to catch fire with consumers. It’s *not* a good sign and only means one thing for their employees: time to leave or prepare for a major slog. I’ve tried to use the site a few times and simply cannot find a justification whatsoever for going back again.

]]> By: gilltots http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578374 gilltots Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:54:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578374 to me, red = stop as in, stop signs are red, stoplights are red, fire is red, etc stop = don't buy green = go as in green lights, green grass that wants to be played on, green money, etc so green should be buy blue = where'd you get that stoplight?? but red and green are not distinguishable by a lot of colorblind dudes so you have to have some other indicator anyway... to me,

red = stop

as in, stop signs are red, stoplights are red, fire is red, etc

stop = don’t buy

green = go

as in green lights, green grass that wants to be played on, green money, etc

so green should be buy

blue = where’d you get that stoplight??

but red and green are not distinguishable by a lot of colorblind dudes so you have to have some other indicator anyway…

]]> By: Mike http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578355 Mike Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:49:42 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578355 Andrew - Farecast rate data does account for seasonality. Although we have analyzed over 1 billion rates, we do need more data on more hotels and are working on it. Thanks. Simum - We debated the Rate Key color scheme internally, and perhaps it would be better as you suggest. Our thinking is that "red" equates to "buy". Hoping to hear from users during our beta period and evolve the experience based on feedback. Thanks. Mike Farecast.com Andrew – Farecast rate data does account for seasonality. Although we have analyzed over 1 billion rates, we do need more data on more hotels and are working on it. Thanks.

Simum – We debated the Rate Key color scheme internally, and perhaps it would be better as you suggest. Our thinking is that “red” equates to “buy”. Hoping to hear from users during our beta period and evolve the experience based on feedback. Thanks.

Mike
Farecast.com

]]> By: simsum http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578235 simsum Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:06:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578235 First reaction - wouldn't it make more sense for the overpriced hotels to appear in red and the good deals appear in blue? I guess I've just been conditioned to equate "red" with "bad." First reaction – wouldn’t it make more sense for the overpriced hotels to appear in red and the good deals appear in blue? I guess I’ve just been conditioned to equate “red” with “bad.”

]]> By: bob cobb http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578214 bob cobb Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:57:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578214 How many travel sites do we need? There are so many of them I can't even keep up with a quarter of them. How many travel sites do we need? There are so many of them I can’t even keep up with a quarter of them.

]]> By: Andrew Parker http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1578159 Andrew Parker Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:32:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1578159 While that is an interesting development, Farecast needs more data so that it can do a better job of accounting for "seasonality". When I plan a trip, it's usually during a peak time (for example, I'm going to Munich during Oktoberfest). So, Farecast says that every place is ripping me off, but that's simply not true.... it's really that Munich this time of year is extraordinarily expensive. While that is an interesting development, Farecast needs more data so that it can do a better job of accounting for “seasonality”. When I plan a trip, it’s usually during a peak time (for example, I’m going to Munich during Oktoberfest). So, Farecast says that every place is ripping me off, but that’s simply not true…. it’s really that Munich this time of year is extraordinarily expensive.

]]> By: chrisco http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1577913 chrisco Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:57:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1577913 Too bad for Larry Craig they don't -- yet -- track police stings in airport bathrooms. Seems like there have been so many republican sex scandals that maybe the party should change its slogan to "Numbers aren't the only things we fudge: http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/skibumcolo/republican-scandals-pic.jpg Too bad for Larry Craig they don’t — yet — track police stings in airport bathrooms. Seems like there have been so many republican sex scandals that maybe the party should change its slogan to “Numbers aren’t the only things we fudge: http://i27.phot...candals-pic.jpg

]]> By: john http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1577897 john Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:50:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1577897 i've used farecast a few times and still prefer kayak. FC only shows you "when to buy" on a few destinations. i’ve used farecast a few times and still prefer kayak. FC only shows you “when to buy” on a few destinations.

]]> By: Mario Ruiz http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-1577843 Mario Ruiz Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:25:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/08/29/farecast-now-provides-data-on-fairness-of-hotel-pricing/#comment-1577843 Hi Miachel, Maybe guaranteeing is going to be differentiator. The other services are very well covered by the usual expedia, orbitz, and other sites. Mario Ruiz @ http://www.oursheet.com Hi Miachel,

Maybe guaranteeing is going to be differentiator. The other services are very well covered by the usual expedia, orbitz, and other sites.

Mario Ruiz
@ http://www.oursheet.com

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