I believe there is an opportunity in the Gainesville area to produce an alternative to plastic straws. this is due to the recent ban on plastic straws for commercial use. The current solution, flimsy paper straws, are ineffective and leave people unsatisfied. If a customer in Gainesville orders a drink, they will have to use a cheap paper straw that degrades during use. I am nearly 90% sure this problem exists, as the standard product is faulty and is required for drinks in Gainesville.
The typical customer would be, for now, a consumer in Gainesville. This is because Gainesville has a plastic ban which gives a wider customer base. In the future, we may expand to a wider market.
I spoke to two Gainesville residents about their thoughts on the plastic ban. Both were vehemently against the current standard flimsy paper straws. The first was seeking an alternative for her drinks that was in the store for her own use. She became aware of the need in the new year when seemingly plastic straws disappeared overnight. The most significant thing I learned from this woman was that she wanted a solution in the store. convenience was a large factor for her, so finding a way to sell the straws to the commercial business instead of the customers became the new goal.
My second interview went similarly. I attempted to find someone in favor of the current product on the market but failed (a great sign!). She realized her issue with the paper straws when she returned to campus for school in early January. She seeks a straw that won't degrade during use, as she has experienced with her iced coffee straw every morning from a local vendor. She is doing nothing to currently meet her need, as all current solutions require her to bring a straw substitute for her coffee.
Neither has addressed their need because of a lack of convenience as well as costly solutions. This means that if a product is introduced, it should be convenient and relatively affordable to attract customers.
Some part of the original opportunity is present after these iterations. The product would need to be a sturdy, convenient alternative to plastic straws in Gainesville, Florida. There are several options that can be pursued (ex: bamboo, biodegradable plastic, wax, etc...) to reach this unmet need. This is a more accurate description of the issue when it began because now I can understand the viewpoint of potential consumers. Entrepreneurs should adapt to customer needs. The entire process is about problem-solving for the customer, and if you're out of touch with what the customer wants, the venture is doomed to fail.
The typical customer would be, for now, a consumer in Gainesville. This is because Gainesville has a plastic ban which gives a wider customer base. In the future, we may expand to a wider market.
I spoke to two Gainesville residents about their thoughts on the plastic ban. Both were vehemently against the current standard flimsy paper straws. The first was seeking an alternative for her drinks that was in the store for her own use. She became aware of the need in the new year when seemingly plastic straws disappeared overnight. The most significant thing I learned from this woman was that she wanted a solution in the store. convenience was a large factor for her, so finding a way to sell the straws to the commercial business instead of the customers became the new goal.
My second interview went similarly. I attempted to find someone in favor of the current product on the market but failed (a great sign!). She realized her issue with the paper straws when she returned to campus for school in early January. She seeks a straw that won't degrade during use, as she has experienced with her iced coffee straw every morning from a local vendor. She is doing nothing to currently meet her need, as all current solutions require her to bring a straw substitute for her coffee.
Neither has addressed their need because of a lack of convenience as well as costly solutions. This means that if a product is introduced, it should be convenient and relatively affordable to attract customers.
Some part of the original opportunity is present after these iterations. The product would need to be a sturdy, convenient alternative to plastic straws in Gainesville, Florida. There are several options that can be pursued (ex: bamboo, biodegradable plastic, wax, etc...) to reach this unmet need. This is a more accurate description of the issue when it began because now I can understand the viewpoint of potential consumers. Entrepreneurs should adapt to customer needs. The entire process is about problem-solving for the customer, and if you're out of touch with what the customer wants, the venture is doomed to fail.
Dear Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post. I think your realization of the world changing to be more environmentally friendly is very accurate. The plastic straw situation, especially here in Gainesville, is a perfect opportunity to create a successful product. The only real challenge is actually creating a straw that is both more functional than a paper straw and compostable for the environment. Overall, your post was very good.
Hey Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI was really interested in reading your blog post because I have the same struggle with the straws. The paper ones are very flimsy and a few sips in, they start to become soggy. I think that an opportunity definitely exists and biodegradable plastic or bamboo like you mentioned would be a great option. Starbucks has tried the sippy cup type lid, but for some reason we all still need our straws. Great job!