Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

-After conducting the previous 5 interviews, I have come to realize that this product can be expanded to focus on the whole country and not just the Palm Beach County Area. This time, I decided to interview people across the country who still fit the category of homeowner/renter who struggles to identify whether to replace or repair broken appliances.

#1- Singer at a Nightclub who rents an apartment and does not know whether to replace or repair broken items

He stated that while he sees the benefits of using the app, he personally does not like doing any kind of repair work, and he already has someone who he uses to solve those kinds of issues. This brought up the idea that people may already have a handyman they trust and are not in need of new ones.

#2- Mother of two who works as a part-time nurse (owns a home)

“I understand the need for an app like this, I just don’t think I would use it. My husband usually deals with all the appliances so between dealing with the kids and working, I am never involved in those sorts of issues.”

#3- Cousin who lives in an apartment building in New York City

She said that usually, she would not know what to do when appliances break. Luckily, the building she lives in has its own personal handyman who is there on a daily basis, solving any issues that go on. “I totally will need this app when I move to a more suburban area, but for now I totally taken care of on this front.”

#4- 30-year-old currently building their own home in Utah

“There is a somewhat similar app I recently discovered which has the virtual visits and a huge data base of contractors available at your fingertips. While yours seems to include more features, and be more focused on repair vs replace, I don’t know if I would go through the trouble of switching to another service. I’ve gotten used to the interface of the HomeAdvisor app.”

#5- 55-year-old male living in Boca Raton, who works for a kitchen appliance company (CCO) in Miami

He talked about not needing an app like this because he usually fixes things on his own by using YouTube or Google, and if there is something he doesn’t know how to fix, he already has someone he calls (having lived in the same area for over 20 years). He also receives heavy discounts on kitchen appliances (if a replacement is needed) because of his position in the company, so he wouldn’t utilize that aspect of the app either. That being said, he acknowledged that it was a good idea and that there was definitely a need for it in the market.

Who: Are there certain people or certain businesses that, although they share a lot in common with the others in your opportunity, nevertheless fall outside the boundary? Why?

Yes, it seems that while there are definitely homeowners who do not know whether to repair or replace their broken appliances, there are many that have already identified a solution that works for them. These interviews also exposed the fact that there are people that suit the who, but don’t necessary need/want the new solution.

What: At what point does the need you identified differ from another need? (Is thirst the same as hunger? Or is the desire to appear fashionable the same as the desire to be loved by others?)

This question can be seen in interview #4, as I discovered that there is already a similar app that provides some of the services I stated. This competitor will suit the need in helping people identify a handyman to come and fix their home, as well as the virtual visits, but does not necessary meet the need of those who are stuck between replacing and repairing. This shows how very similar needs can still be different in their own ways, all depending on how the product is positioned.

Why: Is the underlying cause of the outsiders' need different than people who are inside the boundary?

No, the cause of the need seems to be the same. People do not take the time to understand their appliances either because they are not interested or because they do not have time to. The need comes from the lack of knowledge on the matter, or even the lack of access to the information. This app would solve this issue by helping people save time as well as fixing their problem. Interview #5 showed that there are people out there who are able to get by using online resources to fix their appliances, but nonetheless proved that it is not enough, as he still has a professional who helps him do the jobs he can’t.

Inside the Boundary		Outside the Boundary
Who is in	-Homeowners interested in the replacement or repair of their broken appliances -People living in apartments without a handyman -Someone who is in need of affordable and quick help to make repair decisions	Who is not	- Homeowners not interested/involved in the replacement or repair of their broken appliances - People living in apartments with a handyman -Those who are not in need of a new repairman.
What the Need Is	-Lacks the knowledge of whether to repair or replace   -In need of virtual repairs -Looking for affordable replacements -Contactless repairs -Tool renting	What the Need Is Not	-Already have knowledge on the matter. -Already identified a solution that works for them -Already uses an app -Already has discounts -Already has a repairman they trust
Why the Need Exists	-Lack of knowledge on the matter -No time to discover the information. -Lack of cheap solutions to their appliance problems -Lack of speed to fix their appliances	Alternative Explanations	-Already have a person they trust -They don’t need access to cheaper or quicker ways because they are content with their current solution -Already have the knowledge to make the decisions on their own

It is clear that there is a need for this app, and that with the right positioning it can surely reach a lot of customers. Everyone that I have interviewed seems to like the idea, and while not all would be needing it, they saw the potential it had.