Become the AIRBNB of objects. This is the goal pursued by two Brussels residents who launched this challenge in Belgium. Jean-Charles and Soline are both in their thirties. Both work in a box as an employee.
But they felt the need to undertake a common project that makes sense. And, above all, in tune with the world in which they live. “Our current economic model encourages overconsumption because it does not offer a concrete alternative to purchasing”begins Jean-Charles. “Nowadays it is easier to buy and own an object to use it whenever you want. Even if it is only a few times a year. This leads to situations where people are surrounded by tons of goods unused at home. Currently, people do not pay particular attention to the carbon footprint of the objects they buy. But, attitudes are changing. In the future, we believe that our future society will place less importance on the possession of goods but will increasingly favor their accessibility. »
Hence the interest in launching their own company: TAPA. A simple name for a project that is just as simple. But that might help a lot of people in the future. « Indeed, TAPA connects people who are looking for objects with those who have them. Owners can earn money by renting out objects they use little. While renters can rent objects they have need, only when they need it »continues Soline.
The objective is also not to harm the consumers of the platform. « The service we offer is free for property owners. In other words, if someone decides to rent out their bike for €15, they will receive €15 in return. » A Win-Win situation for everyone.
A project born out of frustration
But how did these two purebred Brussels residents come up with this idea? « In fact, the idea for this project was born out of a problem that we and many of our relatives were facing. Often we needed different things. It could be anything from a mountain bike to a weekend in the forest a power drill to do some renovation work. When we asked our inner circle, this was often not possible. And the rental options on the internet are very expensive. Or require a large deposit. In addition, the offer was very low in our country and there is no platform allowing individuals to rent items to each other in a secure way. »
From this frustration, the two entrepreneurs wanted to turn it into a strength. The idea was also to create a contemporary project that puts people at its center. « Indeed, we operate on a double pillar. The first is security. By offering a platform that secures the entire rental process. Second, we want to create a community that meets, discusses and rates each other in order to create mutual trust. TAPA therefore has the advantage of promoting the collaborative and circular economy. » Notions which are very important and which characterize the new generation. « Not only will the owners give a second life to their objects that are unused most of the time. While meeting people and allowing them to generate income through rentals. »
A model that works abroad
This idea is not completely new in Belgium. In Hainaut, entrepreneurs had already tried it but the sauce had not taken off due to a lack of financial and human resources. However, this is not the case in Europe. Launched in London in 2018, the start-up Fat Llama offers the same service as TAPA. On the other side of the Channel, success was quick to come. Before expanding to the United States with resounding success. According to Forbes, some landlords have earned up to $10,000 a month in rental income. While borrowers saved about $12 million altogether. « In Belgium, the market is smaller. But we are convinced that the demand exists »assure the two entrepreneurs. « Of course, we are a small star-up. With our team, we are going to launch a first fundraiser in order to introduce insurance in order to protect all the objects rented out. »
An important first step in their development. « The next step is to expand the community to multiply the origins of objects. A GoPro camera for a trip abroad, a camera for a session, a karcher to clean his terrace, camping equipment for our holidays or our festivals, a big barbecue for a nice summer afternoon with friends, a bouncy castle for children’s birthdays… In short, we want to satisfy everyone. Young and old alike! »
To discover TAPA, go to the website https://www.try-tapa.com/
#TAPA #AIRBNB #objects #coming #Belgium
