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mustafaakindele · 3 months ago

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EXPOSED: I'm Leaving Turo UK | Complete 2025 London Car-Sharing Analysis & Success Blueprint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf6qL-Ll8es DESCRIPTION: My Full Turo UK Journey & Future Strategy After years on the platform, I'm sharing everything - the successes, failures, and crucial insights for 2025. Whether you're a current host or considering joining, this comprehensive guide reveals the shifting landscape of car-sharing in London. ⏱️ DETAILED TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction & Background 01:01 - Why I'm Leaving The Platform: The Three Factors 01:45 - Factor One: Time 03:05 - Factor Two: My Business Model No Longer Works 07:54 - Factor Three: New Legislation - The Side Hustle Tax 08:55 - What I Would Do In 2025 09:32 - The Best Areas To Be A Turo Host Within M25 📊 BUSINESS INSIGHTS: - Revenue Projections - Cost Breakdown - ROI Calculations - Market Analysis - Competition Overview - Risk Assessment - Legal Considerations - VAT Implications 📍 LONDON HOTSPOTS REVEALED: - High-Demand Areas - Airport Proximity Benefits - Tourist Zones - Business Districts - Residential Success Spots - Event Location Strategy - Seasonal Location Shifts 🎯 PERFECT FOR: - Current Turo Hosts - Aspiring Car-Share Entrepreneurs - Property Investors - Passive Income Seekers - Fleet Managers - Car Dealerships - Business Strategists - Digital Nomads 🔔 Subscribe to join me on my journey of travel, running, and building a business — and get insider tips on marketing and lifestyle! https://www.youtube.com/@mustafaakindele/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Linktree: https://ift.tt/rFYUvHz 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. 👉 Tiktok: https://ift.tt/gtkXcFA 👉 Instagram: https://ift.tt/ekZ9tFz 👉 Website: https://ift.tt/xygH8Nf 👉 Linkedin: https://ift.tt/kcRqYnG 👉 Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/mustafaakindele 📩 For Business Inquiries: [email protected] ============================= ✅ My Playlists: 👉 Watch connoisseurs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zte4GfOXiU&list=PLxaw4gjwNN1HBf3aJKq-wJqHtdxFB0H8T&pp=iAQB 👉 CARS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq5L3PanyzE&list=PLxaw4gjwNN1E7aOMxnVGaVUnGAsVonCNh&pp=iAQB 🎬 WATCH OUR OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Rhinoceros vs Warthog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om-a1Yn4eOc 👉 Curb your Enthusiasm - Best of Susan Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUnnHgcnQCI 👉 Architecture firm Bergmeisterwolf built an incredible extension to a house in Italy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjYqh8CyRZU 👉 Snowfall Trailer (2017) New FX Series - Season 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYDKlVIm0VA ============================= #TuroUK #CarSharing #LondonBusiness #PassiveIncome #CarRental #SideHustle #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CarShare #LondonTransport #RentalBusiness #ShareEconomy #BusinessGrowth #DigitalNomad #PassiveIncomeStreams #FleetManagement #BusinessTips #MarketAnalysis #PropertyInvestment #SmartInvesting via mustafa akindele https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxkZSqLrhKeDWZ9FYjv7Uew February 02, 2025 at 11:55PM

#marketingspecialist #brandpartnerships #strategicmarketing #nutritionandwellness #luxurylifestyle #businessstrategy #luxurytravel #Youtube

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togopool · 5 months ago

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How Carpool Apps Make Commuting Affordable and Eco-Friendly

In recent years, the increasing congestion on our roads and the rising fuel costs have made commuting a significant challenge for many. Fortunately, the emergence of carpooling apps has offered a sustainable and affordable solution to this problem. By connecting people with similar travel routes, carpooling apps help reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and save money. Carpooling apps have gained immense popularity due to their numerous benefits. Carpool app like these uses advanced technology to match people with similar routes, making it easy to find carpool partners. By sharing rides, commuters can reduce their transportation costs significantly and contribute to a greener environment.

How Carpooling Apps Work

Carpooling apps typically operate on a simple principle:

User Registration:

Users create profiles on the app, providing information about their daily commute, preferred routes, and availability.

2. Matchmaking:

The app's algorithm matches users with similar routes and schedules.

3. Ride Sharing:

Matched users can then communicate and coordinate their intercity ride sharing directly through the app.

4. Cost Sharing:

Users can agree on a fair way to share the cost of the trip, such as splitting fuel costs or paying a fixed fee.

Benefits of Carpooling

Carpooling offers a multitude of benefits for both individuals and society as a whole:

Cost Savings:

By sharing the cost of fuel and tolls, carpoolers can significantly reduce their transportation expenses.

Reduced Traffic Congestion:

Fewer cars on the road lead to reduced traffic congestion and smoother commutes.

Environmental Impact:

Carpooling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Social Benefits:

Carpooling can provide opportunities for social interaction and networking.

Stress Reduction:

Sharing the driving responsibilities can reduce stress and fatigue associated with long commutes.

Choosing the Right Carpooling App

With numerous carpooling apps available, choosing the one that best suits your needs is essential. Consider the following factors when selecting an app:

User Interface:

A user-friendly interface can make the carpooling experience more enjoyable.

Matching Algorithm:

A robust matching algorithm ensures that you're paired with compatible carpool partners.

Safety Features:

Look for apps prioritising safety, such as verified user-profiles and emergency contact options.

Community Features:

Some apps offer features like forums and social groups to connect with other carpoolers.

Pricing:

Consider the app's pricing model, including any fees or charges for using the service.

Togopool: Your Trusted Carpooling Partner

Togopool is a leading carpooling app in India that offers a seamless and secure carpooling experience. With its advanced features and commitment to user safety, Togopool has become a preferred choice for commuters across the country.

Key Features of Togopool:

Real-time Tracking:

Monitor your carpool partner's location and estimated arrival time.

Verified Profiles:

Ensure safety by verifying the identity of all users.

In-App Communication:

Easily communicate with your carpool partner through the app.

Flexible Scheduling:

Find carpools that fit your schedule, whether it's a daily commute or a one-time trip.

Cost-Effective Rides:

Share the cost of the trip with your carpool partner to save money.

Carpooling apps are revolutionizing the way we commute, offering a sustainable, affordable, and convenient alternative to traditional modes of transportation. By embracing carpooling and choosing carshare and a bikeshare app like Togopool, they can contribute to a greener future and make our cities more livable. Download the Togopool app today and start your carpooling journey.

#carpool app #intercity ride sharing #bikeshare app

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laxviplimo · 9 months ago

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Smart Solutions for Airport Transportation in Hawthorne

As the world becomes increasingly connected, the demand for efficient and reliable airport transportation in hawthrone has become more crucial than ever. Hawthorne, California, a vibrant city situated near the greater Los Angeles area, has recognized the importance of providing its residents and visitors with smart transportation solutions for the Hawthorne Municipal Airport. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various innovative and eco-friendly options available to ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.

Ridesharing and Carsharing Services One of the most prominent smart transportation solutions in Hawthorne is the widespread adoption of ridesharing and carsharing services. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and various car rental providers have established a strong presence in the city, catering to the needs of both local residents and airport travelers.

Ridesharing services offer a convenient and on-demand option for getting to and from the airport. Travelers can simply download the respective mobile app, request a ride, and be picked up directly at the airport terminal. These services often provide real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and the ability to rate and review drivers, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience.

Carsharing services, on the other hand, allow individuals to rent vehicles for short periods of time, often by the hour or day. This model is particularly useful for those who need a car for a specific errand or to explore the city during their stay. Many of these services have designated pickup and drop-off locations near the airport, making it easy for travelers to access a vehicle upon arrival or before departure.

The integration of ridesharing and carsharing services has revolutionized airport transportation in Hawthorne, providing travelers with more flexibility, convenience, and cost-effective options compared to traditional taxi or shuttle services.

Public Transportation and Multimodal Connectivity In addition to private-sector transportation solutions, Hawthorne has also invested heavily in its public transportation infrastructure to enhance connectivity to the airport. The city's comprehensive bus network, in conjunction with the extensive Metro rail system, offers a sustainable and economical option for travelers.

One of the key features of Hawthorne's public transportation system is its seamless integration with the airport. Strategically placed bus stops and Metro stations provide direct access to the Hawthorne Municipal Airport, allowing passengers to easily navigate between the airport and their final destinations using a combination of buses, trains, and potentially even ridesharing or carsharing services.

To further improve multimodal connectivity, the city has implemented smart infrastructure, such as real-time travel information displays, mobile apps, and integrated payment systems. These advancements empower travelers to plan their journeys, track the status of public transportation, and pay for their rides with a single tap or swipe, reducing the hassle and uncertainty often associated with public transit.

By investing in a comprehensive and interconnected public transportation network, Hawthorne has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable and accessible airport transportation solutions.

Autonomous and Electric Vehicles As the world moves towards a more environmentally conscious future, Hawthorne has embraced the integration of autonomous and electric vehicles into its airport transportation ecosystem.

The city has partnered with leading technology companies to pilot autonomous shuttle services that transport passengers between the airport and designated drop-off/pickup locations. These self-driving vehicles not only reduce the city's carbon footprint but also provide a unique and innovative travel experience for passengers.

Furthermore, Hawthorne has actively promoted the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by installing a network of charging stations throughout the city, including dedicated stations at the airport. Travelers can now seamlessly charge their electric or hybrid vehicles while they wait for their flights, contributing to the city's broader sustainability initiatives.

The combination of autonomous and electric transportation options in Hawthorne demonstrates the city's commitment to creating a greener and more technologically advanced airport experience for its residents and visitors.

Smart Parking and Traffic Management To enhance the overall efficiency and convenience of airport transportation, Hawthorne has also invested in smart parking and traffic management solutions.

The city's airport parking facilities feature advanced technology, such as real-time availability tracking, mobile payment systems, and automated guidance systems. Travelers can easily locate available parking spots, reserve their spaces in advance, and pay for their parking seamlessly using their smartphones or digital wallets.

Furthermore, Hawthorne has implemented intelligent traffic management systems that utilize sensors, data analytics, and adaptive signal control to optimize traffic flow around the airport and surrounding areas. These systems can detect and respond to changing traffic patterns, adjust traffic light timings, and provide real-time updates to drivers, helping to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother travel experience.

By leveraging smart technology, Hawthorne has created a more efficient and user-friendly transportation ecosystem that caters to the needs of both airport travelers and local residents.

Conclusion Hawthorne's commitment to providing smart and innovative transportation solutions for the Hawthorne Municipal Airport has positioned the city as a leader in the field. From the widespread adoption of ridesharing and carsharing services to the integration of public transportation and multimodal connectivity, the city has demonstrated its dedication to creating a seamless and eco-friendly travel experience.

Furthermore, the integration of autonomous and electric vehicles, coupled with the implementation of smart parking and traffic management systems, showcases Hawthorne's forward-thinking approach to transportation. By embracing these technological advancements, the city has not only improved the overall travel experience but also contributed to its sustainability goals and environmental preservation efforts.

As the world continues to evolve and the demand for efficient and environmentally conscious transportation grows, Hawthorne's innovative solutions serve as a model for other cities aspiring to create a more connected and accessible airport transportation system. By continuing to invest in smart and sustainable transportation initiatives, Hawthorne is poised to remain at the forefront of airport transportation innovation, providing residents and visitors alike with a hassle-free and eco-friendly travel experience.

#Airport transportation in Hawthorne #best transportation services

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themarketupdate · 10 months ago

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P2P Carsharing Market Is Likely to Experience a Tremendous Growth in Near Future

Peer to peer car sharing is just similar to the form of person to person vehicle sharing. Peer to peer car sharing permits the car owners to rent out their cars for either free and also for some amount of fee, usually by the means of the Internet. Also, this type of car sharing became one of the most affordable means of transportation as the users can easily rent any nearby car and pay only for the time that they rent the vehicles. Peer-to-peer car sharing can also be related to a form of person-to-person lending or collaborative consumption, as a part of the sharing economy. This type of business model is very closely aligned with the traditional car clubs like Streetcar or Zipcar. With the peer-to-peer car-sharing, all the participating car owners are capable of charging a fee to rent out their vehicles whenever they are not using them. Businesses within this kind of sector usually screen the participants both the owners and the renters and also offer a technical platform, generally in the form of a website or mobile app, which brings both the parties together, helps in achieving rental bookings, and also collects the payment. These businesses take around 25% and 40% of the entire income, which also covers operating expenses, borrower/renter insurance, and roadside assistance. In return to which they provide customer service, roadside assistance, and vets renters with regular DMV checks. The Internet and the high adoption of location-based services, as well as the widespread of mobile technology, have contributed highly towards the growth of peer-to-peer car sharing. Also, the millennials are now less attracted to car ownership than the previous generations.

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Latest released the research study on Global P2P Carsharing Market, offers a detailed overview of the factors influencing the global business scope. P2P Carsharing Market research report shows the latest market insights, current situation analysis with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services. The report provides key statistics on the market status, size, share, growth factors of the P2P Carsharing The study covers emerging player’s data, including: competitive landscape, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are Enterprise Holdings (United States), Localiza (Brazil), Getaround (United States), Turo (United States), Carshare Ventures B.V. (Netherlands), Rent Centric (Canada), AngelList (United States),

Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Southeast Asia.

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lebenistgeil · 1 year ago

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abdulsamad1 · 1 year ago

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Carsharing Revolution: Airbnb for Cars and the Future of Rentals

Explore the future of rentals with the Carsharing Revolution: Airbnb for Cars. This groundbreaking concept reshapes traditional car rentals, enabling individuals to share or rent vehicles seamlessly. Emulating Airbnb's model, it offers a peer-to-peer platform for renting vehicles, unlocking convenience, and flexibility. Experience a new era in mobility where individuals can access cars conveniently, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for transportation needs.

#airbnbforcars #appdevelopmentcompany #androidappdevelopmentcompany

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automotiveera · 2 years ago

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Mobility as a Service Market: Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast

As stated by a market research firm, P&S Intelligence, the total size of the mobility-as-a-service market was USD 128,489.2 million in 2021, and it will power at a rate of 16.8% in the years to come to reach USD 519,697.5 million by 2030.

The daily commuting category was the largest and it will grow at the highest growth rate, of over 17%. The growth of this category can be credited to the growing requirement for shared mobility services amongst students and young professionals, for meeting their daily commutation requirements.

Moreover, numerous initiatives aimed at plummeting the private vehicle count on roads will encourage the use of shared mobility amongst people.

Car dominated the mobility-as-a-service market in the recent past. The early initiation of car rental and carsharing services is the main factor behind the domination of the industry.

To receive free sample pages of this report@ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/maas-market/report-sample

Furthermore, the advanced value chain and governing support in numerous nations have supported the requirement for carsharing and car rental services.

The electric propulsion category will have the highest growth rate of more than 40%, in the years to come, because of the increasing requirement for necessity for electrification of transport systems.

Furthermore, the market is quickly integrating EVs, since the requirement for EVs has increased all over the world.

The pay-as-you-go payment type had the largest share of revenue. People choose to pay once while availing the services, as a result of their budget constraints. A customer is not required to commit to an agreed plan and gets charged on a yearly or monthly basis by making use of this payment model.

MaaS used for personal use had a larger share, and this category will grow at a higher growth rate in the in the future. Most of the customers utilize shared mobility services for personal work, including transportation to the workplace, running errands for example undertaking short trips such as accompanying somebody to the airport.

APAC dominated the market with approximately, 40% share. China is the largest market for shared mobility services. In 2021, numerous Chinese cities increased the use of electric vehicles across several service platforms, for promoting a greener environment. With incessant government support in the form of incentives and policies, China will experience robust growth in the years to come.

#Mobility as a Service #MaaS #Transportation Solutions #Market Trends #Technology #Seamless Travel #Integrated Mobility

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vynzresearchreport · 2 years ago

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Global Car Sharing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by 2027

Car sharing is a mobility service that allows users to rent a car for short-term use. This can be done through a variety of models, including station-based, free-floating, and peer-to-peer. Car sharing is a growing trend, and the global market is expected to reach $6.2 billion by 2027.

Market Drivers

There are a number of factors driving the growth of the global car-sharing market. These include:

The increasing cost of car ownership.

The growing environmental awareness.

The rising demand for urban mobility solutions.

The development of new technologies, such as telematics and smartphone apps.

Get a free sample copy of the research report: https://www.vynzresearch.com/automotive-transportation/car-sharing-market/request-sample

Market Trends

The global car-sharing market is characterized by a number of trends, including:

The growth of the free-floating model.

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles.

The growing popularity of car sharing among millennials.

The increasing focus on sustainability.

Regional Analysis

The global car-sharing market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is the largest market for car sharing, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Key Players

The key players in the global car-sharing market include:

Zipcar

Car2Go

DriveNow

Getaround

Maven

Turo

Modo

Communauto

City CarShare

Conclusion

The global car-sharing market is a growing and dynamic market. The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by a number of factors, including the increasing cost of car ownership, the growing environmental awareness, and the rising demand for urban mobility solutions.

Market Drivers

There are a number of factors driving the growth of the global car-sharing market. These include:

The increasing cost of car ownership.

The growing environmental awareness.

The rising demand for urban mobility solutions.

The development of new technologies, such as telematics and smartphone apps.

Market Trends

The global car-sharing market is characterized by a number of trends, including:

The growth of the free-floating model.

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles.

The growing popularity of car sharing among millennials.

The increasing focus on sustainability.

Regional Analysis

Key Players

The key players in the global car-sharing market include:

Autolib’

The Hertz Corporation

Car2Go Ltd.

Getaround, Inc.

Mobility Carsharing

Turo Inc.

Daimer AG

Ekar Fz LLC

Orix Corporation

Conclusion

About Us:

VynZ Research is a global market research firm offering research, analytics, and consulting services on business strategies. We have a recognized trajectory record and our research database is used by many renowned companies and institutions in the world to strategize and revolutionize business opportunities.

Source: VynZ Research

#Car Sharing #Car Sharing Market

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bdpst24 · 2 years ago

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Először került carsharing autó a Közlekedési Múzeum gyűjteményébe

A járművet a GreenGo autómegosztó szolgáltató adományozta Megosztással üzemelő autóval bővült a Magyar Műszaki és Közlekedési Múzeum gyűjteménye a GreenGo carsharing vállalat adományának köszönhetően. A Volkswagen e-UP! típusú, elektromos jármű olyan ikonikus kiállítási tárgyak közé kerül, mint az 1926-os gyártású Ford T-modell vagy a Millenniumi Földalatti Vasút (vagyis a kisföldalatti)…

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datastringconsulting · 24 days ago

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Car Sharing Market on Track to Hit $26.9 Billion by 2035, Driven by Urbanization and Sustainability Trends

April 2025 | DataString Consulting

According to new insights from DataString Consulting, the global Car Sharing market is projected to grow from $11.2 billion in 2024 to $26.9 billion by 2035. This remarkable expansion is fueled by increasing demand across applications such as urban transportation, corporate car fleets, tourism, and accessible mobility for the elderly and disabled.

As cities grow denser and consumers grow more cost-conscious, car sharing has emerged as a powerful solution that cuts the overhead of car ownership—maintenance, insurance, parking—while offering the freedom of personal mobility. Platforms like Zipcar, Car2Go, and Turo offer flexible, on-demand vehicle access, available by the minute, hour, or day.

Sustainability in Motion Car sharing is not just a lifestyle shift—it’s a climate-conscious move. Services like Turo and Zipcar now offer hybrid and electric vehicles, helping cut emissions and congestion. This evolution aligns with global sustainability goals and regulatory push toward eco-friendly transport systems.

EV Integration: A Game Changer for Profitability and Competition

The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is redefining the car sharing landscape. With global regulations tightening around emissions, EVs offer lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact—reshaping profitability and injecting competitive differentiation across the sector.

Strategic Moves by Market Leaders

The global car sharing ecosystem is marked by intense competition, especially in key markets like the U.S., China, and Germany. Below is a snapshot of how major players are setting themselves apart:ProviderStrategy HighlightsUber, LyftApp-first convenience, city government partnerships, expanded ride optionsZipcar, SixtCorporate mobility packages, integration with employee benefit platformsCar2Go, TuroFlexible tourism packages, hotel collaborations, tourist attraction tie-insGoGoGrandparentMobility for seniors, healthcare partnerships, medical appointment integrations

North America’s Competitive Edge

North America remains a hotbed of innovation in car sharing, with Zipcar, Enterprise CarShare, and Car2Go dominating urban markets. As ownership costs soar, the convenience of app-based rentals continues to attract both individuals and businesses, despite ongoing challenges around pricing models and fleet optimization.

Explore the full market research here: 👉 Car Sharing Market Research Report – DataString Consulting

#market report #market research #business consulting

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argumentl · 4 years ago

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The Freedom of Expression - Ep 44 'Guitar Center' preparing to file for bankruptcy & Urgent announcement.

On screen text:

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27th Dec 2020 (Sun) 23:30~ The Freedom of Expression LIVE #3 Live broadcast.

K: Hi, this is Dir en grey's Kaoru with this week's episode of The Freedom of Expression. Joe, Tasai, welcome. Well, I feel kinda attatched to the topic this week. Joe, please could you..?

J: Yes, its sad news, but.. America's largest musical instrument retail chain 'Guitar Center' is preparing to file for bankruptcy. According to the New York Times, its possible that the chain might go bankrupt due to business difficulties. The chain is the biggest musical instrument chain in America, and has around 300 stores nationwide. Taken over in 2007, the business struggled hard with the switch to online sales, but was pretty successful in two and a half years, and up until this February had been increasing sales for ten quarters in a row. However, because Guitar Center is dependent on in-store sales, the business took a huge hit from the coronavirus pandemic. Sales for the most recent financial year were declared to be $2.3 billion, but the chain has $1.3 billion in debt, and its credit rating was downgraded in April. According to the New York Times, the chain fell behind with interest payments of $45 million this month for the first time ever, and although they have been given 32 hours, there is a chance they will default on thier debts. According to specific sources, Guitar Center have been in contact with thier creditors, will file for bankruptcy within the month, and are considering a plan to withdraw at the start of 2021.

K: It says within the year, right?

J: Oh, yes, sorry, within the year.

K: The first time I went to this store was about 23 or 24 years ago, when we went to America for recording. We were taken there..me and the other members, but it was so huge!

J: It is huge, yeh.

K: It was in LA, but I never relised that type of place existed.

J: Its Hollywood, right?

K: Yeh.

T: How big was it? Like how many guitars?

K: It was as big as a Japanese supermarket.

T: Ehh?

J: Its as big as a wearhouse, isn't it?

K: Well, yeh, it looks like that from outside too.

T: Was it like the instrument shops you see in Tokyo?

K: No, no, no. They normally don't have drum kits and stuff assembled in stores here, but they do there.

T: Ehh? Thats really big.

J: It is. So Kaoru, did you go there and test out the guitars?

K: I have done. But back then, I didn't really feel any preferences as for the instruments, I just got the feel of the place. I was just like, 'Wow, Im in Guitar Center!'. It was a great feeling seeing all the different instruments.

J: The Americans try out the instruments pretty enthusiastically, don't they?

K: They were really good! haha

J: Right?

K: The people playing...I gradually just stopped trying stuff out there.

J, T: Hahha.

K: But when we go on tours and the equipment breaks or something, we have been to Guitar Center to get replacements before. So if it disappears, we could be in a bit of trouble on tours.

J: Thats right.

T: Yeah.

K: Its a bit risky ordering stuff online to arrive at the venue in time.

T: Of course.

K: If you go to the store you can just get what you need and leave.

J: With 300 stores, it seems like there are quite a lot in big cities, so if anything happened on tour, you could just drop into one of the stores..

K: Yeh yeh yeh.

J: And they would have what you wanted.

T: America is amazing. It says here they worked hard with the move to online sales, but don't you need to test-play a guitar before buying? Is it ok to buy online?

K: Nah, but people buy everything online these days.

J: Yeah.

T: I kinda imagined you would go to the store, play the instrument, and then decide you want to buy it.

K: Well, yeh. But I didn't test out my first guitar before buying it.

J: Oh, is that so?

K: It was a specific model that was sold out, so I had to reserve it..

T: I see.

K: And pay for it in advance, then wait till it arrived.

J: Ehh? But you knew what type of guitar you were getting though, right?

K: Yeh, I knew what shape it would be and stuff, but its cause that was my first guitar.

T: By the way, how old were you when you bought your first guitar?

K: Around first year of high school.

T: Ahh, I see.

J: Ahh. Eh?! First year of high school when you bought your first guitar?

K: Yeh. I started playing a bit earlier than that using borrowed guitars.

T: So, you thought, 'I want one', and bought your first one, right?

J: I bought my first electric guitar when i was in Junior High school. Everyone starts a band at that age, don't they? And I thought, if Im gonna do it, then I should be on guitar, right? With drums you really need space at home to set them up, so I couldn't buy a set. I bought a kind of cheap guitar/amp set for beginners. But I couldn't play the F chord properly, it was pretty frustrating.

T: This will make me look clueless, but Kaoru, how many guitars have you actually bought?

K: I havn't really..

T: Oh, not many?

K: No, I havn't actually bought that many...Like 10? I usually have them made through contracts with ESP.

J: But by now you have signature models and stuff, right?

K: Yeah. I mean, I will buy a guitar myself if I want to play it at home or something.

J: Ahh. Well, its kinda sad seeing these musical instrument stores disappear.

K: I've always had the impression that musical instruments don't sell in large numbers anyway.

J: But..well, i've done some interviews in relation to this, and it seems like musical instruments have been selling quite well during covid. Especially in America, it seems like there was a lot of people in the countryside playing guitar at home. But as for sales, they would probably buy online, especially during covid when you couldn't go to the store in person, I think some of the stores would have been closed. So even if online sales have increased...like with Guitar Center, if you have that many stores..there will be the burden of maintenance costs, staff wages, rent, and somehow the debt will grow and grow. But if online buying continues to develop in this way, we might see an increasing trend of people who play guitar without having tested it first.

K: Hmm, yeh, they won't be trying them out first. ???*1

J, T: Yeah, thats right.

J: What are your thoughts on this, Kaoru? About the concept of a test-run disappearing?

K: I wonder whether young people will still buy guitars. I think the people buying them will be like wealthy people etc. But I don't think young people these days are that interested in buying a guitar and starting a band. If they do become interested in musical instruments, I think it will be more and more online sales.

J: I wonder how thats gonna go, with the guitar makers and musical instrument shops struggling..

K: But even if guitars sell, I wonder if there is anyone who will still buy amps?

J: Ahh, I see.

K: Young people these days don't really buy amps, do they? There are amp simulators now, so you can buy one of these machines and input the data digitally, and then just use a regular speaker.

J: And thats just enough, right?

K: Well, you can do it like that, yeh. And you can simulate lots of different types of amp, so you can get specific sounds. People probably aren't buying the real thing these days.

J: But the subtleness of the sound is different, isn't it?

K: Its totally different.

J: Right? Its completely different. So its...Well, for peope like us, we've heard the sound coming through amps at live houses, we've been hearing that kind of sound for years, but for young people, in one sense a different sound is...

K: (*Kaoru talking about amps/simulators. I don't know enough about amps to really get what he means here, sorry!*)

J: Ah, so if they start thinking there is only one choice, rather than listening to the old types and making a reasoned decision?

K: Yes. So even now, if you go to a Japanese musical instrument shop, there used to be amps all lined up, like Marshall or Fender etc. Now, there are no amps, but many types of simulator machines. You can just buy them and take them straight home. It seems like they sell well. So if you find one guitar that is easy to play, and you have one of these simulators, you can make all sorts of sounds.

J: Yeah.

T: I see.

J: Like usally, if the neck is different, the responding sound will differ, but you will be able to compensate for that with a simulator, so..

K: I don't think many people do that.

J: Oh, right.

K: But I don't know.

Kami: Um, can I ask something? Um, I've played guitar before. But I got blisters straight away, and my wrist started to hurt. Does that happen to you too, Kaoru?

T, J: Haha

T: Thats a grest question to ask a guitarist, Kami.

K: Well, during recording...or like when recording something all in one go, it does start to hurt, haha.

T: Haha

J: If you are playing non-stop? But hey, I wonder how this situation will look in 10 or 20 years?

K: There'll be no music stores like Tower Records etc by then.

J: Yeh, yeh.

T: Hmm, yeh.

J: Old guys will be sad.

K: But even with cars and stuff, there is that kind of rental service now, isn't there?

T: Carsharing?

K: Yeah. So won't car showrooms eventually disappear?

J: I think so. And with clothes, there's a high possibility that stores will start to disappear.

K: Oh, now you mention clothes, do you remember that online thing we talked about before where they put the clothes that you like onto your photo?

J: Yeah, yeah.

K: I had thought about doing that, but the site has shut down!

J: Ah, its over?

K: Yeah, so I couldn't do it.

J: Oh, thats a shame.

T: It is.

J: So many businesses have been hit by covid, I think the view that we see before us will be a lot different by next year, or the year after. Getting aound this will have an effect on the way we live or express ourselves, I feel.

T: I lived on an island in Kagoshima when I was little. We had a Shamisen in our house, it had a kind of plastic stick to play it.

J: Can you play, Tasai?

T: No, not at all. I only ever just picked it up sometimes for fun.

J: You could show us a Kagoshima folk song to finish.

T: Haha, no no no. Why?

J: I don't know. To wrap it up?

T: No, it wouldn't wrap it up, haha.

K: In that case, Joe, you should play guitar.

J: Lets perform together sometime!

K: No way!

T: Joe!

K: No thanks, haha.