4A- Forming an Opportunity Belief

1)      I believe that there is an opportunity to create some sort of gadget, depending on the store, that customers can obtain while shopping in retail stores, that indicates whether or not they want help from an employee.

2)       Currently, when people visit retail stores they are doing it because they want something to keep them busy or they are on the lookout for something specific. The unmet need is the need for personal space and the ability to enjoy the leisure activity of shopping. Everyone who attends shopping malls to look for something particular or just enjoy their time has this need. This need is not new and has existed for as long as I can remember because employees are required to perform with exceptional customer service skills. As of right now, I have not seen any solution to this problem of being annoyed by pushy employees who just want to make a sale. I would say I am about 50% sure this need exists.

3)      The prototypical customer includes everyone who visits all types of retail environments like clothing stores, grocery stores, furniture stores, dealerships, and even small kiosks.

4)      Interview questions:                                                                                                                               
  -Have you been to a retail store where employees follow you around and violate your personal space for too long?

-When shopping for clothes, groceries, cars, etc. have you been given something that helps indicate whether or not you want to be helped?

-If given the option to use a certain cart, a certain basket, put on a pin, or use a buzzer, would you use it?

-How often would you use this?

-In what places do you think this would be most beneficial?

-How do you currently address the problem of annoying employees? (if you find them annoying)

-How satisfied are you with the solution of giving you an object that can show whether or not you need assistance?

Prototypical customer #1 (middle aged mother)

I learned that:

-She says she goes to stores where annoying employees are present, all the time

-She has never been given anything to show if she needs help or not

-She would use it, if it was an option

-She said she would choose to use it every time she walks in a store

-She thinks it would be most beneficial in women’s department stores and personal care stores

-She addresses annoying employees by telling them if she needs assistance she will ask but wants time to look first

-She is extremely satisfied with the solution because she says it would hopefully put a stop to being irritated while trying to do something that would destress her

Prototypical customer #2 (college male)

I learned that:

-He has been to stores where employees follow him, but it has been occasional

-He has never been given anything that indicates whether or not he wants help

-He would use it, if it was offered

-He would use it each time he is in a store of any kind

-He thinks it would be most beneficial at car dealerships and shoe/apparel stores

-When approached now, he is polite. He says it has never been a big enough problem to address

-He is satisfied with the solution because it is simple and requires minimal effort on his part

Prototypical customer #3 (college female)

I learned that:

-She has been to stores with annoying employees, often

-She has been given a tag (green/red) in a restaurant, but hasn’t seen something like it in retail stores

-She would use the object

-She added she would use it only when necessary though

-She believes it would be most beneficial in large department stores and grocery stores

-When an annoying employee approaches her she responds by saying “thank you”

-She is very satisfied with the solution

7) It seems like some of my opportunity may still be there. Each person said they would utilize the gadget if it was available and would be very satisfied with it, but it was made clear to me that this may not be too serious of a problem because each interviewee said when they are approached by annoying employees they respond politely. I am very willing to adapt my idea to the needs of the customers because I believe that is what makes a great entrepreneur.