Gad’s Newsletter

Gad's Newsletter examines critical trends and strategies in the business landscape, focusing on growth, innovation, and operational challenges across various industries. From gig economy dynamics to supply chain resilience, it explores how companies navigate scale, efficiency, and market disruptions. Recurring themes include strategic planning, sustainability, consumer perception, and technological shifts.

Business Strategy Operational Efficiency Supply Chain Management Gig Economy Innovation and Quality Control Consumer Behavior Sustainability Digital Transformation Market Disruptions Productivity and Worker Conditions

The hottest Substack posts of Gad’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways
41 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Zepto has transformed grocery delivery in India with its promise of delivering products within 10 minutes. This model responds to customer demand for fast service, using small warehouses to ensure quick order fulfillment.
  2. Rebel Foods leads the cloud kitchen market by creating multiple food brands under one roof. This strategy maximizes kitchen use and caters to different tastes, enabling rapid growth in a competitive environment.
  3. The Dabbawalas have a long history of reliably delivering home-cooked meals in Mumbai. Their simple, synchronized system shows how effective human coordination can be, even as newer tech-driven services emerge.
53 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Skiing in the U.S. is becoming very expensive and often feels exclusive. Many ski resorts focus on making money rather than being inclusive to all skiers.
  2. The Epic Pass has changed how skiing works by giving access to multiple resorts. However, this has led to long wait times and overcrowded slopes, making the skiing experience less enjoyable.
  3. In Europe, ski resorts are often more affordable and competitive, allowing more people to enjoy skiing. This makes skiing feel less like a luxury and more accessible for everyone.
44 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. Red Lobster's decline came from a mix of poor decisions and weaknesses in management. They struggled with high debt and not enough investment in improving their business.
  2. The chain faced tough competition as more people preferred faster dining options. This change in consumer taste hurt Red Lobster, which relied on longer dining experiences.
  3. In contrast, Texas Roadhouse succeeded by focusing on strong leadership and customer satisfaction. They managed their growth wisely and kept their menu appealing to customers.
32 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. Waymo's self-driving robotaxi offers a smoother experience than traditional ridesharing by eliminating awkward conversations and optimizing routes. This shows how autonomous vehicles can change the ride-hailing game.
  2. The ride-hailing market is shifting as new players like Waymo disrupt established companies like Uber. Despite Uber's strong network effects, low switching costs for users allow them to easily choose between different services.
  3. Different business models are emerging in autonomous vehicle ownership. Companies like Waymo focus on owning fleets for reliability, while Uber relies on independent drivers for flexibility, highlighting the need for partnerships in the evolving market.
32 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. People often wait in long lines for things like bagels because they believe that if a lot of others are waiting, then the product must be really good. This is called social proof.
  2. Even though waiting can be frustrating, many customers think the experience is worth it. They might feel like they're part of something special when they join a long line.
  3. Humans tend to mimic what others want rather than deciding for themselves. This means our desires can be influenced by seeing others enjoy something, like delicious bagels, leading us to wait in line too.
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44 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. Intel struggled to adapt to changes in technology, especially with the rise of mobile devices and AI. They stuck to their old strategies and missed many opportunities to innovate.
  2. The company faced challenges because of its rigid organizational structure. Intel's way of doing things made it hard to cooperate with others and change, which limited their ability to compete.
  3. Intel's company culture went from being driven to perfection to becoming more bureaucratic and slow. This change hurt their ability to innovate and respond to new challenges in the industry.
50 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. Low-cost airlines in the U.S. are struggling due to rising costs and operational challenges. These airlines have smaller profit margins, making it hard to survive when problems arise.
  2. Successful low-cost carriers like Frontier and Southwest are adapting by adding premium options and changing their services. They’re evolving to meet customer demands while trying to keep their budget-friendly roots.
  3. In Europe, low-cost airlines are doing well thanks to higher population densities and a culture that accepts budget travel. This shows how different markets can impact the success of low-cost airline models.
35 implied HN points 02 Dec 24
  1. Many immigrant workers play a crucial role in the gig economy, especially during the holiday season, often working in tough conditions for low pay and little protection.
  2. While gig work offers flexibility and some income opportunities, migrants face significant challenges, including exploitation and barriers to formal employment that leave them vulnerable.
  3. Policy changes are needed to support immigrant gig workers better, ensuring they receive fair treatment, protection, and potential pathways to legal status.
29 implied HN points 25 Nov 24
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.
38 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  1. Starbucks is changing its approach to customization by simplifying its menu. The new CEO wants to speed up service and reduce wait times, focusing on efficiency for customers.
  2. CosMc’s offers a wide variety of pre-set drink options, allowing customers to enjoy new flavors without the need for complex ordering. This appeals to those who want variety but don't want the hassle of endless choices.
  3. Mass customization means balancing individual preferences with operational efficiency. Companies like Starbucks and CosMc’s illustrate different strategies to meet consumer demands while managing service speed and complexity.
29 implied HN points 18 Nov 24
  1. Retail shrinkage is a big issue caused by theft, damage, or errors, and it frustrates both businesses and honest customers. When retailers put products behind lock and key to prevent theft, it can make shopping hard for people just trying to buy what they need.
  2. Using technology can help reduce shrinkage while keeping customers happy. Retailers can use things like mobile apps or surveillance systems to spot theft, but they also need to make sure shopping remains a good experience.
  3. Understanding people's behavior is key to reducing theft, especially with self-checkout systems. Designing better systems and providing reminders can help prevent accidental theft, making it easier for everyone to shop without issues.
23 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. The Right to Repair movement is gaining ground, challenging companies like Apple and Taylor that restrict repair access. People want the freedom to fix their own devices or use local repair shops without barriers.
  2. Consumers are increasingly frustrated with strict repair policies and prefer products that can be easily repaired. Studies show many people feel unhappy with brands that don’t support repair options.
  3. While the Right to Repair aims to help consumers and the environment, companies may respond by raising prices on new products. It's important to find a balance between access to repairs and fair pricing.
47 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. The gig economy connects freelancers with businesses through digital platforms for flexible, temporary work.
  2. Advancements in AI, particularly LLM and ML, are empowering gig workers by automating tasks, providing data-driven insights, and improving service quality.
  3. Challenges in the gig economy arise from the potential job displacement due to automation and AI advancements, along with ethical concerns about bias and privacy.
50 implied HN points 15 Jan 24
  1. Introducing reusable cups in drive-thrus can slow down the service, leading to longer wait times and potential inefficiencies.
  2. Starbucks' focus on operational efficiency conflicts with the introduction of reusable cups, impacting speed and customer satisfaction.
  3. Visible queues in drive-thrus make operational inefficiencies more apparent, potentially affecting customer decisions and perception.
41 implied HN points 19 Feb 24
  1. Amazon is facing competition from companies like Temu, pushing them to innovate strategy like introducing a second BuyBox.
  2. The BuyBox tool simplifies shopping by highlighting one listing, and its introduction boosts marketplace orders, lowers entry barriers for sellers, and can lead to lower prices and higher quality for consumers.
  3. Self-preferencing of Amazon's products in search results may have mixed effects, impacting competition, innovation, consumer choice, and marketplace dynamics.
38 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. Manufacturing jobs in the US are seeing an increase in employment due to domestic production efforts and legislation like the Chips Act.
  2. Wage fairness and safety remain concerns in the manufacturing industry, despite some improvements over time.
  3. Enhancing productivity and improving worker conditions must go hand in hand for sustainable progress in the manufacturing sector.
50 implied HN points 02 Oct 23
  1. MasterClass offers high-priced edutainment with celebrity instructors, blurring the lines between entertainment and education.
  2. Evaluating scalability involves factors like growth potential, constraints, alignment, leadership, and efficiency.
  3. High production costs might challenge MasterClass's path to profitability, impacting its ability to balance growth and maintain quality.
47 implied HN points 16 Oct 23
  1. Starbucks is focusing on speeding up their service and expanding variety due to advancements in technology.
  2. Online ordering at Starbucks emphasizes speed and customization, leading to more complex order customization.
  3. Starbucks is investing heavily in tech to offer faster service, more choices, and high personalization to customers.
20 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. Baggage fees are disliked by passengers, but they can lead to socially efficient outcomes by incentivizing customers to minimize their use of costly ancillary services.
  2. Charging for ancillary services like checked bags aligns customer behavior with cost-saving measures that benefit the airline and society, ultimately achieving greater operational efficiency and social welfare.
  3. The implementation of baggage fees by airlines can influence customer behavior, improve operational performance, and encourage passengers to travel with fewer bags, contributing to reduced costs and operational efficiency.
47 implied HN points 04 Sep 23
  1. Burger King faced a lawsuit for allegedly portraying their burgers as bigger than they are, questioning the importance of transparency in advertising
  2. Customers tend to make rational decisions based on information provided, adapting and learning quickly to make informed choices
  3. Being honest and transparent with customers can lead to loyalty and better decision-making, as seen in studies on credit card transparency
23 implied HN points 12 Feb 24
  1. Despite the rise of online shopping, physical retail locations still play a crucial role in the retail landscape.
  2. The concept of omnichannel retailing, combining online and physical sales channels, has become essential for many retailers.
  3. Understanding consumer preferences and integrating online and offline channels intelligently is crucial for the future of retail.
20 implied HN points 26 Feb 24
  1. Wonder shifted from food trucks to food halls, adapting the model for fast, convenient dining with centralized kitchens and localized preparation.
  2. Maintaining quality and variety while scaling to a trillion-dollar firm will be a challenge for Wonder due to operational complexities and the intricacies of offering 'fast fine' food.
  3. Labor shortages in the restaurant industry present a major constraint to growth for Wonder, necessitating strategies to manage turnover and ensure consistent quality and food safety.
23 implied HN points 29 Jan 24
  1. Vroom, a once promising player in online used-car sales, faced financial struggles and announced ceasing e-commerce operations.
  2. Comparison between Carvana and Vroom reveals operational challenges like inventory turnover, highlighting Vroom's decline in efficiency.
  3. Online used-car platforms face hurdles like high inventory costs, aging inventory, and challenges in digital transformation.
35 implied HN points 23 Oct 23
  1. Airbnb's core pillars for a great service include affordable prices, reliability, and customer support during issues.
  2. Airbnb faces challenges with customer support, especially with cancellations and non-existent listings, impacting trustworthiness.
  3. Achieving 'product and process market fit' is crucial for companies like Airbnb to align product value with operational processes to meet market demands.
50 implied HN points 03 Jul 23
  1. DoorDash is introducing an hourly pay option for drivers to address gig worker compensation fairness.
  2. Pay-per-hour model may reduce gig workers' tendency to multi-home and promote income stability.
  3. Dynamic guaranteed pay scheme may be more cost-effective and help platforms maintain a stable workforce.
56 implied HN points 01 May 23
  1. Netflix's transition from DVD-by-mail to streaming marked the end of an era of innovation and disruption in the entertainment industry.
  2. Operational efficiency and supply chain management were crucial for Netflix's success in the DVD era, but content quality is now the primary focus in the competitive streaming landscape.
  3. Lasting competitive moats are built on human interactions, behaviors, and long-term dependencies, rather than just technology alone.
38 implied HN points 24 Jul 23
  1. Airport Queue Management systems use sensors to track security line speeds and update wait times for travelers to see.
  2. Providing information on queue lengths can help passengers decide which checkpoint to go through ahead of time.
  3. Although the system may create some initial imbalances as people adjust to the information, overall it can improve passenger satisfaction and reduce waiting time costs.
38 implied HN points 06 Feb 23
  1. McDonald's is testing fully automated stores with no human workers at the drive-thru and automated ordering through kiosks or app.
  2. Forced smiling as part of the job, like at McDonald's, can have negative effects on employees' health and performance.
  3. Eliminating visibility of employees making food and lack of transparency in operations may impact perception of service quality and efficiency.
2 HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. Wendy's plans to implement digital menu boards with dynamic pricing by 2025 to enhance customer experience and boost sales.
  2. Different forms of pricing like static pricing, time-varying static pricing, and dynamic pricing are used in various industries to maximize revenue and cater to customer needs.
  3. Consumers often prefer fixed pricing over dynamic pricing due to aversion to risk and preference for consistency, but strategies like cost insurance can encourage adoption of more flexible pricing models.
1 HN point 11 Mar 24
  1. Despite previous doubts, Uber has achieved profitability by moderating spending and efficiently managing its operations.
  2. Uber's profitability hinges on increasing their take-rate from customers, while the drivers are facing challenges with payment structures such as algorithm-based systems.
  3. Even though Uber is profitable, there are concerns about the sustainability of these profits due to potential regulatory changes impacting their business model and driver treatment.