Tripsy offers offline access to travel information and features like parsing emails, customizable trip dashboard, and flight search.
Tripsy balances free and Pro features by considering cost and user demand, providing value while offering advanced features for a fee.
Tripsy enables sharing itineraries with non-iPhone users through a web-based interface and offers a Mac app for convenient trip planning on desktop devices.
Deep dives
Tripsie: A Travel Planning App with Offline Access
Tripsie is a travel planning app that offers offline access to travel information. The app allows users to create trips, add activities, and search for flights. It also offers the unique feature of parsing emails, making it easy for users to forward their travel reservations and have them organized within the app. Tripsie initially had a basic version with limited features but gained momentum with the release of version 2, which featured a customizable trip dashboard. The app faced challenges during the pandemic when travel came to a halt, but has since rebounded as travel restrictions eased. Tripsie offers a Pro subscription tier that provides additional features like sharing itineraries and is continuously working on improving the app.
Prioritizing Features and Subscription Model
Tripsie's team considers the cost and uniqueness of each feature when deciding whether to include it in the free or Pro version of the app. Features like parsing emails and flight search incur costs for the company and are offered as part of the Pro subscription. However, features that are less cost-intensive and widely requested, such as time zones and weather integration, are offered for free to enhance the user experience. The team aims to strike a balance between providing value in the free version while offering advanced features that users are willing to pay for.
Supporting Cross-Platform Users with Web Access
Recognizing that not all users have an iOS device, Tripsie enables sharing itineraries with non-iPhone users through a web-based interface. Users can generate a unique web link that can be accessed by anyone with a browser, regardless of the platform. The web version provides a similar experience, allowing users to view their trips, documents, and other trip details. Additionally, Tripsie offers a Mac app customized for macOS, offering a more convenient and efficient experience for trip planning on desktop devices.
Weathering Pandemic Challenges and Rebounding
The pandemic posed significant challenges for Tripsie with a sharp decline in downloads and travel restrictions affecting the industry. However, the team remained resilient and continued to improve the app's features during this period, despite the lack of traction. As travel restrictions eased and people started planning trips again, Tripsie experienced a resurgence in downloads and has since achieved profitability. By focusing on organic growth, positive user experiences, and building relationships with travel agencies, Tripsie has regained momentum and continues to evolve.
Inspirations and Influences
Tripsie draws inspiration from companies like Panic, The Iconfactory, and Ulysses for their product quality and craft. The team is also inspired by the business philosophies of companies like 37signals, known for building sustainable businesses, and Peter Steinberger, the founder of PSPDFKit. These companies and individuals have created successful products and businesses, serving as examples of craftsmanship and sustainable business models.
