Why timeslot markets matter

money held in by clampAs you read this, billions in assets are sitting idle in your economy. They are people, items or money not currently in use. But those assets could be rented if there was a market efficient enough. Allowing those assets into the economy could ease the pressure on some very needy people.

 

Products v. time-slots

Usually, when you buy something online you are purchasing ownership of a product. Books from Amazon, collectables on eBay, a music track from iTunes. Or, it may be a service that has been packaged as a product, an airline ticket for instance.

moneyIn a time-slot market you rent an asset. It could be a tent that’s not required this weekend, someone to assist you to the cinema because of your disability or $20 that the owner doesn’t need until next week.

These are infinitely more complex transactions. But, there is a compelling case for developing these markets. Here’s why:

 

Table - why timeslot markets are important

 

 

 

Impact