In this instance, I further investigated the customer opinion toward my product and the behavior process surrounding this segment. From these three interviews, I was able to assess the attitudes of potential buyers as well as the attractiveness of the product.
I inquired to each person how they approach the plastic straw alternative issue. Two out of three conveyed that they would not bring around a metal straw, because it is a nuisance and is unsanitary. The third elaborated on concerns of cleanliness. A reusable straw alternative being toted around by an individual can easily become dirty and unsanitary. Following recent concerns surrounding COVID-19, cleanliness and sterile products are of utmost necessity, especially with a straw or lid that comes in direct contact with your mouth. Under these conditions, a disposable product is optimal, considering the single-use need and sanitary packaging.
Other alternatives include simply not using a straw for sipping. Upon questioning, all of the interviewees said they preferred drinks with straws, but were open to using sipping lids if available.
These solutions would be available at both the point of purchase and through alternative retailers. The reusable straw would be available elsewhere while an alternative lid would be necessary for the business itself to buy. Therefore a business would be more likely to purchase online, considering the bulk product need, while a single customer may patron an in-store or online retailer.
All of the interviews provided insight into my product and product market. As all three live in Alachua county, they are all under the commercial plastic straw ban. One interviewee was even on the council that oversaw the drafting and eventual passing of the ban. My findings remind me that while there is a large unmet need, there are other alternatives available (however inconvenient or unsanitary). Because of these failings in other products, I believe we can capitalize on the nature of our product being sanitary and disposable.
I inquired to each person how they approach the plastic straw alternative issue. Two out of three conveyed that they would not bring around a metal straw, because it is a nuisance and is unsanitary. The third elaborated on concerns of cleanliness. A reusable straw alternative being toted around by an individual can easily become dirty and unsanitary. Following recent concerns surrounding COVID-19, cleanliness and sterile products are of utmost necessity, especially with a straw or lid that comes in direct contact with your mouth. Under these conditions, a disposable product is optimal, considering the single-use need and sanitary packaging.
Other alternatives include simply not using a straw for sipping. Upon questioning, all of the interviewees said they preferred drinks with straws, but were open to using sipping lids if available.
These solutions would be available at both the point of purchase and through alternative retailers. The reusable straw would be available elsewhere while an alternative lid would be necessary for the business itself to buy. Therefore a business would be more likely to purchase online, considering the bulk product need, while a single customer may patron an in-store or online retailer.
All of the interviews provided insight into my product and product market. As all three live in Alachua county, they are all under the commercial plastic straw ban. One interviewee was even on the council that oversaw the drafting and eventual passing of the ban. My findings remind me that while there is a large unmet need, there are other alternatives available (however inconvenient or unsanitary). Because of these failings in other products, I believe we can capitalize on the nature of our product being sanitary and disposable.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteA biodegradable straw as a solution is still a good idea, especially in light of the current circumstances. I would definitively be interested in using a straw like the one you want to make. I don't think it would be very expensive to make or it would cost too much for bulk purchasers. It may be a good idea to talk with the council member to find out more information concerning the direction other local governments are planning to take in the future