SuiteMatch Archive

Back in November we reviewed NY-based SuiteMatch which helps people in several cities in the U.S. find desks to rent. Today I learned about another similar service for folks in the UK called Desk Space Genie.

Desk Space Genie is a marketplace for companies with extra desk space and people looking to rent a desk. One thing I like about SuiteMatch which the Desk Space Genie team should look at adding is the ability to see what’s near the open desk space. For example, how far is it from transit, are there any good fish ‘n chips nearby, pubs, etc. The map helps to provide an idea of the overall area before inquiring about the space. I really like the interior office photos on Desk Space Genie. It should almost be a requirement to post that the company shows photos of the office, bathroom, etc.

Some other features Desk Space Genie might look at adding include:

• ability for prospective renters to create a profile so that the companies can get an idea of who the renters are (linkedin profile, facebook, job history, criminal backgrounds, etc.)
• I think it’s almost a must that they allow renters to create profiles – will help DSG continue to push out new ads, subscription options for new open space based on my criteria, etc. – don’t let them leave so quickly!

During their beta period, they are allowing companies to post their open desk space for free.

As more companies unfortunately reduce their staff, more office space will be available and I like the idea of offering it up to others to use at reduced prices. It’s a great complement to coworking – which several of my friends are using across the world and have said it’s working well for them.

Today I wrote about coworking for my InformationWeek column. We’ve written about coworking many times on CN and have reviewed shared office space provider SunshineSuites as well. What about if you have an office and want to share space with another company or if you are looking for space for your team?

Hoboken-based SuiteMatch is like Match.com for office space. You can post open space at your office and you can search for space for you and/or your team. Currently they are listing open space in New York, San Francisco and Chicago. While they are in beta postings are free and they note that after that there will be a fee to post.

I love the design of the site – the information is very well presented and the Google Map not only shows you the location of the office space but nearby establishments (coffee, food, etc.). To be honest, they need to take their setup and duplicate it to work for apartments off Craigslist. That would certainly be a step up from the crappy experience Craigslist provides.

Sam at LeveragingIdeas wonders if they will be able to get past just startup listings and into real open space. Frankly this is a perfect time for SuiteMatch to go after large company openings as companies potentially layoff staff and have open spaces. I’ve written before that large corporations should embrace startups in their environment and SuiteMatch could be the tool to help bring both groups together.