Forming an opportunity belief

1. I believe that an opportunity exists when it comes to feminine hygiene products. There are many times when women forget a pad or tampon, and bathrooms either have coin-only dispensers or none at all.

2. First, the unmet need is easy access to feminine hygiene products. Those who have this need are women who unexpectedly get their period or can’t afford to buy a box of tampons or pads. This need isn’t new; it’s always existed. Women in third world countries still don’t have adequate access to products. People aren’t doing much to meet this need today – most dispensers are either empty, broken or nonexistent in public bathrooms. I’m about 60% sure that an opportunity exists to find a way to give women easy (and possibly free) access to pads and tampons.

3. The prototypical consumer for this product would be ANY woman that still experiences her menstrual cycle.

4.     Potential consumer #1: 21-year-old female

Ø  “Not a high priority that needs to be met, but it would be nice. I only experience this need sometimes because I’m usually prepared for when my period comes. I guess I’ve been experiencing this need since 8^th grade, because not even then did they have tampon/pad dispensers in my middle school. I first realized this need the first time I got my period because that’s when you’re least prepared. I currently buy my own box of tampons and just carry a few with me, so that’s how I currently address my need of feminine products. Honestly, this method works for me. I buy a pack of them and I’m good.”

5.     Potential consumer #2: 20-year-old female

Ø  “On our school campus I think it has become more readily available, but besides campus, I don’t think that it is. I started experiencing this need this the first time I got my period, because tampons are expensive. I first realized the need for easy, affordable access after my mom stopped paying for my tampons. I buy my products at CVS because although there are free options, the quality isn’t as good. I definitely think more and better quality options are needed on and off campus. It should be something offered through Publix or other companies since birth control is free from Publix now.”

6.     Potential consumer #3: 16-year-old female

Ø  “This is a high priority that needs to be met, especially for poorer women who can’t afford giant boxes. Dispensers are also the only option when you forget to keep products on you. I experience this need any time I get my period unexpectedly and at an inconvenient time. Obviously, I’ve have this need since I started my period. I first realized the need when I didn’t have 25 cents to pay with, no one really carries around coins anymore. But I don’t experience this need too often because I always keep a few tampons in my bag, just in case. This need must be met because periods can’t be controlled.”

7. Reflection: After interviewing the women, I learned that the need is there because every single woman experiences her period. I also think this feedback is important because consumer #2 expressed how she has to find her own funds to buy her products and called them “expensive,” which proves that even young females struggle to get affordable access. The most surprising thing I learned is that all participants supported the idea of a “smart” dispenser, but they rarely use dispensers now due to quality and type of payment.

8. I believe that with some additional brainstorming and research, my opportunity still exists. After I began this exercise, my belief is better and can be fine-tuned to be best for the consumers. I believe entrepreneurs should always listen to consumer feedback because the more consumers and demand, the more your business will succeed.