1. How do these companies develop mutual trust between their users (suppliers and consumers)? Name two or three ways.

2. Which side is potentially more at risk in the deal?

3. What is the effect of these services on regulated competitors such as hotels and taxi companies?

4. How would review of either side by the other side help with improving the operations?

Internet-based services such as Airbnb and Uber have flourished over the last decade or so. They have allowed individual suppliers to provide their goods and services to consumers without a large investment to actually start a business and without government regulations and control. However, the success of these services depends on goodwill and mutual trust of both the goods/service providers and consumers. For example, an Airbnb guest may trash the place or damage or steal valuable furniture/appliances, and an Airbnb host may cancel the reservation at the last minute or have a filthy place despite posting a picture of an attractive, clean location on the Airbnb website.