Airbnb (YC W09) Freaks Out Over Samwer Clones (opens in new tab)

(techcrunch.com)

2 pointsGeoffreyHull14y ago3 comments

3 comments

So what's the difference between a clone and a legitimate competitor? I'm not sure I understand...

From the article:

    * They falsely claim to be affiliated with Airbnb, or be the “international version” of Airbnb.
    * They claim that they are part of Ebay and/or Groupon. We’ve confirmed that this is not the case.
    * Their employees pretend to be Airbnb travelers in order to give you a sales pitch in your home.
    * They are duplicating personal profiles, descriptions, and photos of your Airbnb listing without your permission.

GeoffreyHullOP14y ago

So competitors need only eliminate the unscrupulous practices to avoid being considered clones? Seems like a dubious distinction at best.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

3 comments

GeoffreyHullOP14y ago

So what's the difference between a clone and a legitimate competitor? I'm not sure I understand...

DenisM14y ago

From the article:

    * They falsely claim to be affiliated with Airbnb, or be the “international version” of Airbnb.
    * They claim that they are part of Ebay and/or Groupon. We’ve confirmed that this is not the case.
    * Their employees pretend to be Airbnb travelers in order to give you a sales pitch in your home.
    * They are duplicating personal profiles, descriptions, and photos of your Airbnb listing without your permission.

GeoffreyHullOP14y ago

So competitors need only eliminate the unscrupulous practices to avoid being considered clones? Seems like a dubious distinction at best.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse