University of California Davis Meal Plan "Swipe-Backs" Proposal
The “Swipe-Backs” Program is our first project to deal with the UC Davis Dining Commons (DCs) swipes “black market."
Problems with the "Black Market"
Due to the certain policy changes in UC Davis DCs, freshmen are no longer allowed to get money back on their unused swipes in the DC meal plan they purchased. Students are "compelled" to sell these unused swipes to other students in a way which is not encouraged. Freshmen students are barely getting a small portion of what they had originally paid for their meal plans and the underground activity creates a chaotic system for DC staff. The cheaper prices have also given nonresidents zero incentive to purchase a voluntary meal plan directly from the school.
Problems with the "Black Market"
Due to the certain policy changes in UC Davis DCs, freshmen are no longer allowed to get money back on their unused swipes in the DC meal plan they purchased. Students are "compelled" to sell these unused swipes to other students in a way which is not encouraged. Freshmen students are barely getting a small portion of what they had originally paid for their meal plans and the underground activity creates a chaotic system for DC staff. The cheaper prices have also given nonresidents zero incentive to purchase a voluntary meal plan directly from the school.
Introducing "Swipe-back" System:
Our solution would essentially legalize the black market by creating a “Swipe-Backs” Program through the Associated Students of University of California, Davis (ASUCD). The program will allow freshmen to sell back their swipes at a slightly higher cost than current black market prices ($2-$3 to $4-$5), while nonresidents can easily and legally purchase their DC swipes on the website/through the program. The slight increase will fund the program’s operations as well as go back to ASUCD, with increased convenience. This program would adequately serve the campus needs for swipes at lower costs, while ultimately giving back to the students.
Our solution would essentially legalize the black market by creating a “Swipe-Backs” Program through the Associated Students of University of California, Davis (ASUCD). The program will allow freshmen to sell back their swipes at a slightly higher cost than current black market prices ($2-$3 to $4-$5), while nonresidents can easily and legally purchase their DC swipes on the website/through the program. The slight increase will fund the program’s operations as well as go back to ASUCD, with increased convenience. This program would adequately serve the campus needs for swipes at lower costs, while ultimately giving back to the students.
Enhancing Efficiency
In the legal swipe back system, every single transaction will be completed on the website. There will be no limitations of time and location. The trading system on the website will provide the best efficiency by using a user-friendly interfaces, simple operating process and quick exchange rate. Unlike the disorderly underground activities in black market, transactions in swipe back system will be processed through a more functional and organized system.
How It Works
Using the website is very easy! We will design the trading system as easy as possible for users to learn how to use it in just a few moments! In the trading website, there will be a dynamic trading window which lists
the swipe offers that sellers posted. Whenever
students tries to sell their swipes, they could choose the amount of swipes and the price for each swipe, and their offer will be updated in the window as soon as they confirm the action. Buyers will automatically select the lowest offer from the available existing offers in the window. Once buyers confirm their actions, the transaction is completed!