Opportunity
My business idea is reaching out to
those customers with an overwhelmingly busy schedule and extra disposable
income. I think the target demographic would be new families, families with
both parents working, college students, and bachelors. Our world is moving at
faster speeds everyday and people are challenging to keep up with this fast
paced lifestyle. People have less time for leisure and are spending more time
worrying about making that final sale to put food on the table. We tend to feel
overwhelmed when we have a lot of obligations, and grocery shopping is just
another item on the days’ to-do list. By making the grocery shopping process a
much quicker and easier process, people will have more time to focus on
themselves and their families. 50 years ago it was very normal for the woman of
the house to do the shopping, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids.
But, today, women are getting more and more involved in the workforce and have
less time for house duties. Typically, families are having both adults working,
and this poses a problem for who will take care of the house and do the
shopping. It will always be an argument if it’s not a simple process. My
business idea will help alleviate some of the stress and pressures of our fast
paced lifestyles.
Innovation
There are
already services available for customers to pay someone to do their grocery
shopping for them and have it delivered to them as well. With that being said,
my business idea is only incrementally innovative. Most of these grocery delivery
services allow you to submit a list and someone will go pick up everything for
you. My idea tweaks this by having an application for this service. Apps on
smartphones are all the craze these days. They simplify life and are extremely
user friendly, making the process quick and easy. The app will be organized so
customers will not be stressed and feel like it’s more of a hassle than a help.
The organization of the app will also allow customers to be able to browse the
entire inventory of the grocery store, as well as have all of the sales and
deals laid out right in front of them. There will also be a section on the app
that holds coupons. If you find a coupon online, you can just click a button
and it will automatically be added to the app and then the customer can apply
it at checkout.
The app
will generate revenue whenever someone downloads it to begin with. It will
start with just a small download fee of $2.99. Then, customers will be charged
based on their final checkout price. It will be a percentage of the final price
that will be owed to our company. If you want your groceries delivered straight
to you, it will be a little more expensive. But there will also be a cheaper
option allowing the customer to pick up their groceries from the store, already
together and bagged.
Venture Concept
This
venture concept was thought up to alleviate the stress due to people’s busy
schedules. Some people don’t realize how much time they actually spend grocery
shopping, which is why it may be difficult to have customers download this app.
But I believe that once they see how much simpler this app makes the grocery
shopping experience, they won’t be able to stop using it. This is why I also
feel like first time users will have a large discount in order to attract the
customers and get them hooked.
Some people
are very aware of how much time they spend at the grocery store. These are
customers are anxious and busy and will do anything to get a couple of hours
back into their week. These people are the customers that will download this
app in a heartbeat. They will see how beneficial it will be to their time and
leisure.
There are
already lots of different grocery delivery services so that is a huge
competition that I have to be aware of. This is why I tried to be more
innovative and create an app for this service. It doesn’t seem like any company
has an actual app.
My business
would partner with different grocery store who would also benefit from this
app. I feel like people would spend more money and buy more food with the app.
Especially since it’s so easy, the customer base for grocery stores could
expand.
Secret Sauce
I feel that
my secret sauce for this venture concept would be my youthful creativity and
organization. I think that with these characteristics I will be able to make a
killer app that will reach out to a large demographic. My youthful creativity
would be greatly reflected in the app that will also be very organized. I feel
I could create an app that would truly satisfy the customers’ needs and appeal
to a large audience. It will be user friendly, organized, and beneficial to the
customer.
What’s next?
What would
be next for this service is to start talking to grocery stores about
partnerships, and also to begin a startup for the creation of the application.
The app may need to be created before we reach out to grocery stores so they
can see how beneficial and great it will be. Or we need to just create a rough
draft/prototype application just so the store owners get an idea, then they can
provide more funds to launch the app.
As far as
my true involvement in this business idea, I do not plan on pursuing this idea
in any way, shape, or form. I do not like the idea of being an entrepreneur,
it’s just not for me. I’m also not very passionate about this idea and don’t
think I can put my full heart into it like an entrepreneur should.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think the app is what will perfect this idea. The most difficult part of grocery delivery services is being able to specifically pick out what items you would like. This app would make the communication much more effective. I am just wondering, would you have people located near the grocery store? Like how would you respond when someone submits a list? Besides that, good job! If you want to check out mine the link is posted below. http://tgbentrepreneurshipblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/venture-concept-no-1.html
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think that the app is a great idea! I feel that a ton of people would use the service! I am amazed that someone hasn't thought of this idea yet. The only thing that I thought that you got wrong in your explanation of your product is that college students would use it, yes there may be a small percentage, but I don't think that most college students could afford this service.
If you would like to check out my blog feel free! http://dillondunn.blogspot.com/2016/03/venture-concept-no-1-dillon-dunn.html
Hi Rachel! I thought this app was a wonderful idea and definitely something I think I could end up using. I think that partnering with grocery stores would be a big step and definitely help your product thrive. However, I agree with Dillon that a low percentage of college students would use the product. If you want to check out my post, here is the link!
ReplyDeletehttp://ent3003.blogspot.com/2016/03/venture-concept-no-1.html
Hi Rachel!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. I know that on weeks when I am especially busy, I would love to have someone grocery shop for me instead of me spending tons of money on fast food. Something else that I think could differentiate your app from others is adding an option that lets you specify exactly what brand of food the customer wants, with a picture of that food's packaging. This would be helpful for both the customer and the shopper. My app is also geared toward students, it allows people to make new friends in their area: http://nicmcq.blogspot.com/2016/03/venture-concept-no-1.html