12A - Figuring Out Buyer Behavior

Segment

The general public and I, hate waiting in long lines anywhere at almost any time.

Questions:

What’s your first thought when you see a long line?

Do you mind waiting in lengthy lines?

If yes, do you feel the frustration worsen the longer you wait?

If yes again, do you wish there was a way to avoid long lines?

Interviews:

1. Nicole S

The first thing that comes to mind when Nicole sees a long line is how can I avoid it or how can I make it shorter? She continued into her brief rant of how much she hates waiting in long lines and would pretty much rather be stuck anywhere else. She says that she gets more anxious the longer she waits in line, but the frustration remains constant throughout the whole wait. Based on her responses, there is an opportunity presented somewhere in between choosing to wait in line or avoiding it. With that being said, Nicole would greatly appreciate my potential app, “Line Cutter”.

2. Ryan Brad.

The first thing Ryan told me about waiting in long lines is that it used to be an issue for him, but he just ended up getting used to it and accepting the wait. I thought that this compromise was atrocious because he still waits in long lines and just bottles the frustration within. He says he is usually not in a rush when he goes because he always expects to wait in long lines at the stores he shops or browses at. I asked him afterward if there were a solution to avoiding long lines, would he use it even if he has already used to waiting? He answered with some hesitation, but ultimately even if he thinks he can bear waiting in line, he would still prefer to avoid the long line altogether, so I introduced the concept of LineCutter and explained how it would benefit someone of his nature immensely.

3. Rachel G

Immediately after my first question, Rachel responded saying she hates the sight of long lines and will avoid them at all costs unless she needs the item the same day. I told her I completely agree with her and at this point, I just avoid going to the mall altogether because of how shitty, slow and inefficient every store in there is. She also mentioned how the length of time she waits in a line directly impacts her mood and it usually has a negative effect on her mood.

Summary:

Based on these interviews, it makes it seem as if lengthy lines affect women more than men, but I can attest that I probably hate lines more than anyone on this planet, so these interviews just gave me an idea of how the market feels about long lines and it also showed me that within the frustration and anxiety presented around long lines, there underlies an opportunity that has not been sought out yet. After everything, most people would agree that short lines equal happier customers, which is what my potential application LineCutter could provide.