Appendix

• Author: Pierre Hausemer - Julia Rzepecka - Marius Dragulin - Simone Vitiello - Lison Rabuel - Madalina Nunu - Adriana Rodriguez Diaz - Emma Psaila - Sara Fiorentini - Sara Gysen - Tim Meeusen - Simon Quaschning - Allison Dunne - Vadim Grinevich - Franz Huber - Linda Baines
• Pages: 43-65

Exploratory study of consumer issues in online peer-to-peer platform markets –

Task 3 Report

8. Appendix

8.1. Discussion guide

273344 – Sharing Economy

Discussion Guide

P2P platforms

Version 2 (11/5/2016)

Key challenge

The overall objective of the assignment is to explore and

construct a picture of the P2P sharing economy sector with

a view to user, and, in particular, consumer aspects and issues.

 Indicative economic importance of sharing economy

P2P online markets in EU Member States, and the

main P2P business models;

 Main experience, perceptions, expectations and

problems of consumers/users in P2P online services

in core sharing economy EU Member States, with

particular emphasis on online platforms;

 Relevance of the EU consumer acquis and other

related EU and national legislation in addressing

specific issues and problems in the main P2P

business models, and in its enforcement, in particular

concerning the distinction between P2P and B2C

transactions;

 Transparency of business models and effectiveness

of self-regulatory mechanisms for verification,

redress/complaint handling, fulfilling tax obligations as

operated by on-line P2P platforms,

 Options for resolving any major issues or problems

identified.

The ultimate purpose of this analysis is to identify the main

issues for consumers in this new and fast developing market.

As a result, reliable, robust and operational policy options

have to be provided to respect and support the highest level of

consumer protection in line with the relevant regulatory

frameworks at EU and MS levels.

Key objectives of the research

The goal of the focus groups is to obtain in-depth insights in

the experience, perceptions, expectations, satisfaction and

problems of users of P2P on-line platforms.

Exploratory study of consumer issues in online peer-to-peer platform markets –

Task 3 Report

44

Section 1: Intro (15 minutes)

Purpose: In this section we want to introduce the purpose of the research and create a good

group atmosphere.

Remarks: P2P = Platforms (websites and apps) used for buying, selling, sharing, renting or

hiring between individuals.

1.1 Explanation (5

minutes)

 Explanation to the participants concerning

o Moderator and GfK

o Topic: P2P platforms

o Duration discussion: 2h

o Privacy: Recording of the discussion, viewing behind the

one-way mirror, guarantees about privacy and

confidentiality of the data

o Rules of the game: we are interested in hearing your

opinions, both positive and negative; what matters is that

everyone feels free to voice their views because every

input is valuable and there are no right or wrong answers

o Mobile devices switched off

o Food & drinks

1.2 Group intro (10

minutes)

 Let’s start by getting to know each other a little bit more. Could

each of you introduce yourself? (Moderator: do a round of the

table)

o First name

o Age

o Profession/study

o Family situation

o Hobbies

Section 2: The sharing economy (15 minutes)

Purpose: Understanding how the market of P2P and sharing economy is perceived by

participants: what are the different types of services/platforms that they distinguish

in the sharing economy?

Remarks:

2.1 Word association

exercise

(5 minutes)

Qualitative technique: word associations

 What are the first words, adjectives, associations, feelings,

images, situations that spring to mind when thinking of P2P

platforms?

(Moderator: if needed please use the definition as explained

above.)

(Moderator: note all associations on a flip chart. When the flow

of associations comes to an end deepen the associations

through laddering (=probing for the ‘why’: e.g. why do you think

of … when mentioning P2P platforms.)

2.2 Sorting exercise

(10 minutes)

 Their personal use of P2P platforms? Participation in P2P

transactions? (Moderator: do a round of the table)

o Which platforms?

o How frequently?

o As a supplier and/or as a consumer?