I am doing a pretty deep industry/business analysis for a "business cluster" I am in here at Ohio University entailing marketing, management, professional business communication, and finance. We are employed in groups and are focusing on a live business situation.
In this case it is the growing business of these propane delivery services. Our main focus is the Northern California region from Monteray and north.
If some of you could take a minute out of your day to answer some of my questions that would be awesome. No, you are not doing work for me. This is more in the form of a potential consumer survey as I am not aware of a service like this in Ohio. This puts you in the category of a potential consumer which is the goal. Keep in mind, the goal here is to expand the residential market of the delivery service. Commercial accounts are a breeze for this company to obtain, especially with the cool weather in NorCal.
If you could answer all or a few of the following questions I would appreciate it immensely:
1. Would you be interested in a propane delivery service for approx. $17-25? The propane would be delivered, old tank removed, and new tank hooked up whether you were home or away.
If so, why? Would it make your life easier?
If not, why? Do you find it easier to do yourself?
2. Where would you expect to find out about a service like this? (I know personally I never have until this project)
Customer referrals from friends and neighbors?
Radio? Television? (expensive for company/may not meet cost/benefit)
Basically, where do you see a service such as propane delivery catching your eye?
3. Do you know of any markets where similar products have teamed up to market together?
For example, propane tanks and mosquito magnets. Anything similar to this would be great. Not pizza and subs, but yet two products that could go in conjunction. My research as not netted me any real-world examples I can work with.
4. (More opinion) Do you see any underlying problems with a service like this? Any thoughts on why it would be difficult to spread business like this through a residential atmosphere?
Once the customer is obtained the retention rate is VERY HIGH and the customer satisfaction is VERY HIGH. So why do you think the service does not spread?
Propane is something people rarely think about until they run out, as most of you probably know. Should the word simply be put into the consumers minds more?
Thank you for any time you spend on this. It is greatly appreciated.
PS. Due to confidentiality, I cannot answer any specific questions pertaining to the business. Just an FYI.