4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is an unmet need of a convenient home or mobile service for bicycle repair. A large amount of students in UF who own a bike and of course bicycle enthusiasts outside campus have this need. This need is certainly new because the use of bicycles is part of this eco-friendly fast growing trend. Using bicycles instead of cars does not only help the environment, but also is a way to stay healthy and avoid traffic. Therefore, the use of bikes have tremendously increased among students. There is currently a company in Orlando working to satisfy this need. This company is called "Velofix" and is rapidly growing in America. However, there is no home or mobile service repair for bicycles in Gainesville yet. The increasing amount of students using bicycles creates a business opportunity for a more convenient service repair. I believe there is a 50% chance this opportunity exists. 

#1: Mid-twenties male who owns bicycle since 2015.

How often do you use your bike?

At least five times a week. 

Did you ever worry your bicycle might malfunction on your way to work/classes?

Yes, it has crossed my mind. 

How many times did your bicycle broke in the past year?

"Twice". And were you able to fix it immediately? "No, it took me a week or so." 

Would you consider fast service as a factor that determines which bike shop to go to?

"Yes." And why? "Because I want to fix it as soon as possible. 

Would you say that your bike shop offers you a complete service? 

"Yes" How? "They make a full diagnosis."

Would you prefer if your bike shop offered a mobile or home service instead?

Yes, as long as it is affordable. 

REFLECTION: This prototypical customer proved that students might be more interested in saving money than saving time. Moreover, this person seemed pretty comfortable with how his current bike shop works.

#2: Young college girl who owns bicycle since she moved to Gainesville.

How often do you use your bike?

Like two times a week. 

Did you ever worry your bicycle might malfunction on your way to work/classes?

Yes, but I don't use it much so not really. 

How many times did your bicycle broke in the past year?

I got my bike last semester and I haven't had any issues yet.

Would you consider fast service as a factor that determines which bike shop to go to?

"Yeah, I would say so." And why? " I will rather have my bike cleaned or fixed by tomorrow than by the end of the week."

Would you say that your bike shop offers you a complete service? 

"I think so" How? "They were really helpful when I bought my bike and they explain me how to maintain it."

Would you prefer if your bike shop offered a mobile or home service instead?

Yeah, that would help a lot if I need my bike for a class that is far from the bus stop. 

REFLECTION: This person might not be a good prototypical customer since despite owning a bicycle, she really did not use her bike as much as other students. However, I learned that students show an interest in fast and easy services. Moreover, this person proved that students might prefer services that are self explanatory.

#3: Mid-twenties Hispanic male who owns bicycle since 2016.

How often do you use your bike?

Almost everyday.  

Did you ever worry your bicycle might malfunction on your way to work/classes?

Yes, but I am pretty good with my tools. My dad taught me how to fix bikes. 

How many times did your bicycle broke in the past year?

"Once or twice". And were you able to fix it immediately? "Yeah, once I got home I was able to fix it" 

Would you consider fast service as a factor that determines which bike shop to go to?

When I need one, yes.

Would you say that your bike shop offers you a complete service? 

"When I need bicycle parts, yes" How? "It is quicker than Amazon. If I order it from Amazon it can take two days or more."

Would you prefer if your bike shop offered a mobile or home service instead?

I don't think I could afford a home service and I don't think I need one either.

REFLECTION: This student was really comfortable with his own skills and made me realize that repairing bikes is a skill that can be easily obtained through Google or YouTube. Moreover, this student seemed more worried about his expenses than obtaining new services.

SUMMARY:

I think the opportunity could still be there if we receive feedback from a greater amount of students. However, this exercise made me realize that there might not be enough people interested in getting fast and mobile services for their bikes. Moreover, the skills needed to repair these bikes can be obtained through the internet, which is not favorable to this opportunity. After completing this assignment, I could say that most of the students prefer time saving services; however, if they have the right skills they are able to save money and repair their bikes by themselves. I believe customer feedback is critical for any business idea to prosper, since without clients there is no business at all. Business are required to know and adapt to the unmet needs of customers. There has to be constant studies made to get the right feedback from the evolving ideas customers have.