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Leveling up my public toilet locator app to be the AirBNB of toilets
r/Entrepreneur
7/9/2025
Content Summary
User Own_Carob9804 shares progress on NearToilets app (10k visits, 120 signups, 200 toilet submissions in first month). Seeking monetization strategies through AirBNB-style private toilet listings. Community feedback includes suggestions for targeting parents/travelers/disabled users, implementing rating systems, and concerns about market saturation/Google competition. Multiple users praise the concept's potential while debating feasibility.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions support the concept's potential, particularly for parents, travelers and disabled users. Many suggest monetization through subscriptions/ads/partnerships. Controversial aspects include:
- Market viability debate: Some see goldmine potential vs others noting existing competitors
- Privacy/safety concerns: Users question willingness to share private toilets
- Execution challenges: Need to differentiate from Google Maps and existing apps
- Humor vs utility: Debate about viral naming (e.g. Poober) vs professional branding Supporters emphasize community building and niche targeting, while critics warn about market saturation.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NearToilets | http://neartoilets.com | Public Utility/Toilet Locator | User-submitted toilet locations, community-driven content, private toilet listings (AirBNB model) |
| Australia National Toilet Map | https://toiletmap.gov.au/ | Government Service | National toilet mapping service used in Australia |
| Ola (India) | Not provided | Transportation/Toilet Service | Mobile toilet van booking service mentioned in India |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty finding clean/accessible public toilets
- Lack of private toilet access in crowded areas
- Inadequate toilet facilities for people with disabilities
- Unreliable public toilet information
Problems to Solve:
- Locating nearby toilets quickly
- Ensuring toilet cleanliness and accessibility
- Providing reliable toilet information for travelers/parents
- Creating emergency toilet access solutions
Potential Solutions:
- Private toilet rentals (AirBNB model)
- Integration with fitness apps (Strava)
- User rating systems for cleanliness
- Premium subscription for verified/clean toilets
- Partnerships with kid-friendly businesses
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Community-driven content generation
- Niche market targeting (parents, IBS patients, travelers)
- Viral marketing through social media/TikTok
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Targeting specific communities (r/ibs, r/Parenting)
- Creating viral content around toilet reviews
- Strategic partnerships with businesses needing foot traffic
Monetization & Product:
- Subscription model for premium features
- Private toilet listing fees
- In-app advertising
- Integration with third-party services
User Engagement:
- Building Discord community for collaboration
- User-submitted content/reviews
- Gamification through rating systems
- Feature requests from target demographics