Opportunity Belief

I believe an opportunity exists for "on the go" car wipes, which is basically something the size of an alcohol swab that cleans off bird poop and bug splatters. I believe the unmet need is a product that is able to clean a small spot, like bird poop or bug splatters, when you are in a rush. Everyone who drives a car, motorcycle, and truck has this need. This need has always existed because birds and bugs have always been around. People generally have to either get their car washed but if they have this swab they can easily and conveniently clean small spots on their car.

The 4 questions I asked all three prototypical customers are

1. When did you become aware you needed a product like this?

2. How long have you had this need?

3. If you saw this product would you buy it and why?

4. How are you currently addressing your issue of bird poop and bug splatters?

Protocustomer #1 Merrick R.

1. I pretty much became aware of this issue when I'm in a rush and I don't have time to wash a small area on my car.

2. I've pretty much had this problem ever since I got my car which was about 2-3 years ago.

3. I would probably buy it if it was a reasonable price and gave me a decent amount. Just from the convenience I would probably buy it and test it.

4. The only real way I could address it is by either going out of my way to clean a few spots or going into a car wash.

Protocustomer #2 Karissa H.

1. I was never aware I would need a product like this because I can easily get a wet paper towel and some soap for next to nothing rather than spend money. 

2. I would say I really never had this need because I’m rarely in a rush and I have an unlimited car wash pass.

3. I wouldn’t really need to buy this product pre say but if there were free samples, I would probably take one or two and test them out.

4. I am currently addressing my issues my either handwashing them off or just driving my car to a car wash.

Protocustomer #3 Bernard B.

1. I wasn’t really aware I needed a product like this, but I do find it annoying when I am not able to immediately clean the stains off. 

2. I would say I sometimes had this need especially when I see the bird poop or bug splatter.

3. If I saw this product, I would be hesitant but if a friend were to recommend this to me, I would probably buy it to test it out.

4. I am currently addressing this issue by just waiting until I have time to clean off the stain or going to a car wash if it isn’t out of my way.

Reflection

What I learned I would say is that my opportunity is either a hit or miss. It really depends on the schedule of the people buying it or if people care about the condition of their cars. The most surprising thing I learned from just asking people would be that their car get pooped on by a bird pretty often. Of the three people I asked, at least two of them always find two bird poops on their car daily. 

Summary

I feel like most of my opportunity is still there, I would just have to find the market were people care about the condition of their cars, trucks, or motorcycles. So essentially my market are automotive enthusiasts. Yes, I believe my opportunity is now more accurate. The reason behind this is because before I considered everyone who owns an automobile but now it is only people who care about the condition of their vehicles. I definitely believe there is a tradeoff between being firm and customer feedback. The reason why I think so is because if you’re too stubborn to change and listen to your customers you will run out of business. However, if you listen to their feedback and change accordingly, you’re more likely to succeed.