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Your idea for fast, transparent cashback on dining by leveraging front rebates falls into a category where there isn't a lot of market activity, with only two similar products identified. This suggests it might be a niche problem, or perhaps not a pressing one for many. The low engagement (average comments of 0) for similar products reinforces this, indicating minimal discussion or interest around these solutions. There are no buy/use signals either. Before you invest too much time and energy, it's crucial to prove that a real demand exists for your cashback solution. Focus on validating the need first.

Recommendations

1. Start by engaging directly with potential customers in online communities (e.g., restaurant review sites, dining deal forums). Present your idea and ask for candid feedback: would they use it? What would make it more appealing? Gauging genuine interest here will be critical before proceeding.
2. Offer a manual version of your service to a small group (2-3) of potential users. For example, you could track restaurant rebates and manually calculate cashback for them. This will give you firsthand insight into user behavior and the real-world challenges of implementing your idea.
3. Create a short, compelling explainer video that clearly demonstrates the benefits of your cashback service. Track how many people watch it fully and where drop-off occurs. This will help you understand if your message resonates and identify any points of confusion.
4. Implement a waiting list and ask for a small, non-refundable deposit to join. This tactic is a strong indicator of genuine interest and commitment. If people are willing to put money down, it signals that they see real value in your offering.
5. Set a target: if you can't find at least five people willing to provide a deposit within three weeks, seriously reconsider the viability of your current concept. This isn't a failure, but a valuable learning experience to pivot or refine your approach.
6. Given the lack of market validation, consider alternative revenue models beyond traditional cashback. Could you offer premium restaurant recommendations based on user preferences and dining history? Could you partner with restaurants to promote exclusive deals and experiences?

Questions

1. What are the biggest friction points for both restaurants and customers when it comes to existing cashback or rewards programs? How does your solution directly address these pain points?
2. What is your plan to acquire the critical mass of restaurant partners needed to make the cashback program appealing to users? How will you incentivize restaurants to participate and offer competitive rebates?
3. How will you ensure the transparency and accuracy of cashback calculations to build trust with users? What measures will you put in place to prevent fraud or abuse of the system?