4A - Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is a need for an application that would facilitate parking in the capital of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a very populated city with many parts having been constructed with European architecture, leaving many narrow streets and few parking spots in the city. Private parking exists and is frequently used, though prices range and closing hours vary. If an application that marked all private parking locations, prices, and ratings was developed-- I believe it would facilitate the lives of many Argentines in their day-to-day lives. I would mark the percentage of this opportunity at an 80%.

#1: Businessman living in Greater Buenos Aires that travels to the city on a daily basis.

• How often do you park in the city of Buenos Aires?
• I park in Buenos Aires from Monday to Friday, though I have an assured company parking spot so I don't have to worry about finding parking. 
• How would you expect your situation (with regards to parking) to change if you didn't have a company parking spot. 
• I would not enjoy it. Most likely I would find a private parking and pay them a weekly fee to have a spot always present.
• Do you drive to other parts of the cities for meetings, and if you do, how is the parking situation?
• Yes I do. I usually attempt to leave with some time for leverage so as to find a private parking. The problem is not the quantity of private parking buildings but rather finding their locations.
• What is your experience with private parking?
• It is definitely the best option for safe parking, but obviously you pay a fee for this privilege. For those who work and utilize these services for the whole day most likely pay an expensive fee.

Reflection: Although this prototypical customer doesn't need this service, given he utilizes a company issued parking spot, I believe there could be opportunity for a service that indicates the locations and information of private parking buildings in the city. 

#2: Early 20's male living in Greater Buenos Aires:

• How often do you park in the city of Buenos Aires?
• Not that often, only on certain nights out and to visit a couple of friends. I try to go to the capital by train or bus.
• When you go to the capital, where do you usually park?
• I hate parking in the city. I don't like to pay private parking so I usually park in the city, but it takes some time to find a spot. It's a hassle.
• What is your experience with private parking?
• I use it as my last option because I don't have that much money to spend and it can be expensive. But it's safe, and usually has space, so I would say good.
• Do you know by memory any private parking locations?
• No, I know there is one in Recoleta near the cemetery, but I'm not from the city so I wouldn't know. The times I've utilized private parking in the city I usually just drive around until I find one. 

Reflection: This customer doesn't have the need to use this service as he doesn't go to the city that often. Also, if he were to go, he wouldn't utilize private parking due to the price. The price factor may apply to many, given parking on the street is, although difficult, is ultimately free. 

#3: Mid 20's female living in the city of Buenos Aires. 

•  How often do you park in the city of Buenos Aires?
• If I leave in my car, then I most certainly park around the city. Though I like to use public transportation as much as possible. There are always strikes happening so traffic jams are very common.
• When you do use your car, where do you park?
• It all depends on the availability. If I can find something on the street, I will park on the street, but if there is no parking I will go to a private parking building. There are many curbs that have the yellow paint faded (yellow paint = no parking), and tow trucks don't have any mercy here. It's better to park in a private parking than risk getting towed.
• What is your experience with private parking?
• I don't mind it. There is usually space and the service is usually good. Of course I prefer parking in the street as it's free, but it's always a good alternative. Private parking is normally popular in not so good zones, where security isn't the best. If I were to go to a bad zone I would definitely park in private parking.
• Do you know by memory any private parking locations?
• Around my area yes, but not so much in other parts of the city. I usually just look around for the big 'E'. 

Reflection: This prototypical customer could need the service, but under different circumstances. As she expressed, private parking is more popular in bad areas of the city, where one doesn't mind paying to keep their car untouched and safe. 

Summary: After interviewing these people I've realized the need for this application is less than what I originally had foreseen, although I do honestly believe the original opportunity is there. Of the three prototypical customers, none used private parking on a regular basis, all due to different circumstances-- though two of the three wouldn't have a problem using it. Also, all three were not familiar with the locations of private parking buildings, meaning an application that marks this would be beneficial and save time. I definitely think an entrepreneur should adapt their ideas to the feedback of prototypical customers. After all, for a product/service to be successful, it has to appeal to the people. This was definitely a great learning experience.