Assignment 25A- What's Next?

Existing Market

Step 1: The next step in furthering my venture would be to develop a prototype of a Doggie Dooty Station. After the Doggie Duty Station prototype is created and there are no flaws, the next step would be to reach out to local pet groomers and veterinarians to see if they want to advertise their businesses on the receptacles. If so, they can have their logo wrapped on one or multiple stations. 

Step 2: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview component of this assignment was suspended. But, based on my knowledge of my existing market, I can conclude that this is a reasonable path for my venture. From the production aspect, it is beneficial to design a prototype to test out the features and grasp which ones need to be improved. If there is a feature that does not work, then this can hurt customer loyalty. From the advertising perspective, I came to this conclusion for two reasons. First, advertising could be an additional revenue driver for my venture. Second, advertising with like-minded professionals such as local groomers and veterinarians is an excellent way to build credibility and establish community partnerships. Due to these endorsements, people would be more likely to learn about and eventually support this venture.

Step 3: I first hope to install Doggie Dooty Stations throughout neighborhoods in my town of Palm City, and then throughout Stuart and Downtown Stuart. For the future, I believe Doggie Duty Stations can be installed in communities throughout the Treasure Coast within the first three to five years of my product's launch. On a broader scope, I think this product can be installed throughout neighborhoods in South Florida within ten years. As long as this expansion is done strategically and successfully, I feel this goal is possible because it will slowly expand my venture's customer base while promoting the Doggie Duty Station brand on a larger scale.  

New Market

Step 1: Since I have been mainly targeting homeowners, a radically different market would be people who live in apartment complexes. This is because this group of people is more likely to live in urban areas.

Step 2: This venture would create value because it would enhance the apartment complex like they have an extra amenity. In other words, it would make them seem more accommodating to allow pet owners to have their furry friends because there is a pet waste receptacle within walking distance of the building.

Step 3: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview component of this assignment was suspended. However, I can conclude that my business would help these customers because it reinforces tenants' responsibilities to help keep the apartment complex clean. If there is a pet waste policy incorporated in their lease, then it will be easier for them to enforce this behavior modification. It is less expensive for the apartment complex to have a Doggie Duty Station installed than to lose revenue from unhappy tenants. The main adaptation I would make to the Doggie Duty Station for it to be successful in this market is promoting participating apartment complexes (if they have logos) in addition to local pet groomers and veterinarians. It is positive PR for the apartment complexes and a way for the Doggie Duty Station to acknowledge them for their support towards the product. I would also recognize them on my business's social media pages and website to drive interest from online consumers.

Step 4: Overall, this market is a good backup plan if there are any obstacles with getting Doggie Duty Stations installed in local neighborhoods, especially if they have stricter HOAs. Geographically, this is a quick way to reach a large customer base in a short amount of time due to the number of people who rent apartments (more people coming in and out of the building per month).