A new economic trend is turning the concept of sharing from a community practice into a profitable business model. The so-called "Sharing Economy" is based on growing peer-to-peer networks, and it's bringing big changes to people's daily lives, but it won't work without trust.
Ever think of letting strangers live in your house and use your stuff?
Xue Ming is making the bold trial with the spirit of sharing -- and of course, a desire to make money-- listing her spare room on a mobile lodging app.
"Many people book the room, and most of them are young tourists. They think this is special and that staying in a local house is better than in hotels," said Xue Ming, landlady & flower shop owner.
The former national volleyball player believes the sharing economy is making life fun, and business easy. Her courtyard home is attracting visitors interested in the lifestyle of Old Beijing. And her flower shop in the front is open to fans of floral art at the other end of a skillshare app.
"I think arranging flowers can make you feel happy and relaxed. I want to share the art and happiness with others. Besides, by sharing, we can conserve social resources and protect the environment," Xue said.
Xue Ming is also a frequent consumer in the sharing economy. When she needs to deliver the flowers, she'll use ride-hailing.
The Internet-based sharing economy is linking vendors and customers directly. You can offer your car, space, skills, or just about anything else you can think of for paid use. But direct doesn't mean problem-free.
A careful study of P2P service platforms will tell you there are concerns. The first is safety.
"Last year we translated an article called "Airbnb Killed My Father". It's a tragedy when the guest's father is killed by an accident in the house during a homestay. It emphasis the need for safety measures by the company or regulators," said Jiang Zhixuan, co-founder & chief editor of Go-share.
Measures Jiang believes can be found based on what he calls the philosophy of economy.
"We say P2P, from supply to demand, no market place...but there is misunderstanding, it does not mean marketplace is not meaningful any more," Jiang said.
While it takes time to solve the problems. Jiang says he's glad to see the government - instead of rushing to intervene - is encouraging the development of the new trade form.
And for people like Xue Ming, that means more strangers will become friends.
