Pogby.com is an online service that lets you reserve a venue for a special event in real time.
Through this service event planners can view a venue’s availability, configure an event package and book an event space directly from the venue’s site or from a distribution partner site.
Planners can use multiple means (e.g., spreadsheets, calendar applications, phone, email, fax and in-person visits) to determine availability, reserve and book event space.
The base service also offers planners the ability to manage their booking requests, manage venue spaces and optimize venue utilization via Pogby’s proprietary venue space management tools.
The website promoters are also planning to add new services like search, find, compare and rate venues and also looking to provide planners with proprietary tools to help them manage their events more efficiently.
As a venue owner, you can reach a wider audience and market your space effectively.
Company Insight
This service is conceptualized by Newyork based Joshua Gooch (CEO) who has deep ecommerce experience with various market making online businesses such as egghead.com, chanel.com, finishline.com, esteelauder.com, dowjones.com and thenorthface.com.
#1 by Justin Frances on February 10, 2010 - 10:47 am
Just checked out this service and it seems like a crock. I tried to checkout a venue for a bday party next week and it won’t let me add the time I want, also the venue I selected only allowed 10-20 persons… so you’re telling me if I want 7 people, I can’t book it? Also, it was very hazy on the price, it seemed like it was way overpriced, but asked me to charge $300 on my credit card which was 25% plus food and beverage (whatever that means). I live in San Francisco for half of the year, and would use a service like this, but to pay $3000 for a venue, and have no idea what I’m getting into or what I’m getting… I would rather go to Chucky Cheese. I attempted to call the number, but no one answered and could not find any help through a FAQ or otherwise.
There seems to be nothing ‘real time’ about this. I would rate this service a D-
#2 by Josh on February 20, 2010 - 3:24 am
Justin, Apologies for the challenge on the site. I do appreciate the feedback very much though. The site is designed to be a guarantee system, where the credit card of the booker isn’t charged unless there was an issue with the cancellation policy. I would be very interested in reviewing your experience with you - if you’re willing.
We’re looking for feedback like yours to improve the experience. It seems some was communication and usability. We’re unable to be on the phone around the clock, but do respond back within one business day (usually within an hour).
#3 by Josh on February 20, 2010 - 3:28 am
In addition, I meant to add that most venues will have limits on party size as they’re usually giving up a private space or area within the facility. It’s very common that they will have minimum capacities for packages. Venues also determine there pricing. As we get more facilities aboard, the comparison data will actually assist us in guiding venues on where they “should price” in order to be competitive. In general, venues are eager for this information. Again, thanks for the note. You can ring 718.395.7789 if you want to share your experience with me.