The who: Sailboat owners or users.
The what: Fasteners on sailboats are designed with a retaining ring that threads through a cotter pin to hold it in place.
The why: These retaining rings are difficult to open and become cumbersome.
During my interviews, I will discuss and request input on who else uses these types of fasteners, what other types of fasteners could be used or if a better design is available, what other applications could my product serve, and why does this need exist. Here is a picture of the fastener I am talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2fXrV_bxr8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3e3yVL64_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8La5EhK9aM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUIywvmdbqA
Recorded phone interview that did not save using call recorder app.
I was able to retrieve some valuable feedback from my customer interviews, but still need to research more where other fasteners such as these are used to be able to expand my market. Obviously more than just sailboat owners have come across fasteners such as these. All of the customers interviewed can see the value in a product that will make it easier to open these retaining rings and several gave good insight as to what else my product could be useful for. That helps in broadening the target market. A couple people gave alternative solutions to the identified problem including a change in design of the fastener itself, but in the end, I believe the current design offers the most safety and my inexpensive solution will prevail. The need isn’t going anywhere, I just need to show people an easy solution to the problem.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThis idea is much needed for sailboats. I am surprised this day in age that such a thing is not on the market. With this idea, do you have a range of price you would sell each fastener in mind? You have a very specific audience to target which makes advertising much easier. But do you think with such a specific audience, it may be more difficult to "sail away" with this idea?
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI personally do not have this need but I can see how opening cotter pins would be an issue for those that have to deal with them. It is clear that you are very knowledgeable about this need and that enabled you to pull out some great information in your interviews. Best of luck to you as you move farther along with this opportunity. Hopefully with will be able to solve this problem and make cotter pins less of a problem.
Hello Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I don't know the first thing about sailboats and everything that has to do with it. Furthermore, I have actually never been on a sailboat so its safe to say that this is not my area at all. On the other hand, I have to say that it is incredible that something as useful as your idea is not available in the market, I think that it is great that you have an idea as special as yours. I look forward to see if you are able to design such a device, please be sure to share it with everyone else if you do. Best!
Hey Jeff, I have no clue when it comes to sailboats and cotter pins. The interviews you performed seemed to give you quite a bit of feedback and knowledge on the product you're pursuing. The only concern I have is related to the specific market you're targeting. If this idea can develop into a company that build fasteners for sailboats among other things that seem to fit the script, then you put yourself in a bigger market. If it's too specific, I feel like there is no room for the concept to develop.
ReplyDelete