Amazon Whisperer

• Describe the revenue drivers you currently include in your business concept for this class. Revenue drivers are the different ways you make money. 

My revenue drivers are volunteer trip payments, sponsorships, and fundraising. I think that fundraising and volunteer trip payments are the most important revenue drivers for BLUE.

• Describe what kind of product offering you believe should be next. What's the next thing your customers want?

Since BLUE is essentially a service-based product, I think it would be a good idea to use this assignment to highlight a complimentary product that makes the overall BLUE service trip experience better. BLUE trips are very exhausting and I want to be able to provide the volunteers with their basic comfort necessities to enhance their experience.

• Describe how this "next" thing will enhance your existing product/service offering. Does it improve the user experience, does it increase customer switching costs, does it foster customer loyalty, etc.?

My idea is to provide volunteers with the option to purchase a sleeping cot for their trip. On my BLUE trips, the cots became our favorite place to relax and rest after a long day of work. I even kept my cot after my most recent trip and used it a few times again freshman year. Surprisingly, the cots are extremely comfortable. They are sort of a cross between a sleeping bag and a hammock. This complimentary product would enhance the volunteers experience and energy level.

• Go to Amazon and try to find a product that is similar to the one you want to offer next. Describe the product. Include a picture of the product.

• Lightweight and portable camping bed is perfect for the outdoors
• No assembly required
• Comes with lightweight carrying case, and bed folds in half to maximize portability
• Affordable price ranging from $39-$99
• comes in a variety of color options

http://www.amazon.com/Trademark-Innovations-Aluminum-Portable-Folding/dp/B009S3BA4K/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1459106776&sr=8-13&keywords=sleeping+cot

• What are the customer reviews for the product? What, exactly, do customers not like about the product? What do they like about it?

Customers really enjoyed how it was high off the ground to avoid insects and how the cots are large and firm but still comfortable. A good summative comment follows: 

"The taught canvas gives good support. It is long enough for a very tall person. If used for camping, you will be far enough from the ground to avoid dampness and crawly things. The cot is high enough to sit on, without your knees hitting your chin. It is easy to assemble and comes with carry/storage canvas bag. A great buy."

It seems as though some customer's cots broke with only light weight on them. This is definitely a worrisome issue that I would take steps (like back-up cots) to avoid. These customers clearly did not have as good of an experience:

"After one night of sleeping on the cot, I woke up to find the frame kinked and bent in multiple places. Putting it back in the bag to ship back only damaged the fragile cot sooner. I am thankful for the return policy."

• Describe what design/usability changes you'd make to the product. 

I would change the weight limit and try to make the product able to support more weight. I would also probably include more specific instructions for assembly because it is a bit confusing the first time.

• Describe why you think this product would make a good addition to your current product/service offering.

One of the most important things when you are in a new environment is to try to be as well rested as possible. It inevitably enhances your overall experience and output no matter what the situation. I think these sleeping cots were a very subtle, yet important part of why my BLUE trips have been so enjoyable and impactful on me in the past. The goal of this assignment is to create customer value, creativity, and opportunity assessment and I believe that this complimentary product helps me achieve those things.