4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

 1) Your beginning point.
In today's world of online shopping, there is a growing need for the security of shipped packages.

2) Describe your belief.
Packages are currently being delivered to the doorsteps of homes in open view of anyone who walks or drives by. This has started a growing trend of package pirates who steal shipped goods which are left out in front of homes. There is an opportunity for a product that would keep your packages safe after they are delivered to your door.
1. The need for a more secure method of package protection is needed in order to stop  thieves from stealing packages.
2. Anyone who has packages delivered to their homes has the need for more security.
This need has been driven by the increasing presence of online shoppers having packages delivered to their doors.
3. In order to meet the need for security now, companies allow customers to track their packages in order to know when their product will be delivered.
4. I am 90% sure that the opportunity for an increased security of shipped packages exists.

3) Identify the prototypical customer. 
Age: 18-34, 55+ years old
Living in a household
Higher than average income $75,000+
Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-surprising-demographics-of-who-shops-online-and-on-mobile-2014-6

4) Iteration No. 1: 58 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yes. I would like better security of my delivered goods especially when they leave them at the front door."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"After being broken into a few months ago I am taking more precautions with all of my things."
How long have you had the need?
-"Since I began ordering things online."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I'll try and leave a note that says to deliver the package to the side door instead so it isn't so obvious that I have a package."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No. The people who deliver the packages do not always read the note and they still occasionally leave the package at the front door."
4) Iteration No. 2: 21 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like more security for my delivered packages."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since last week when my package from Amazon was stolen."
How long have you had the need?
-"I've had the need since I began online shopping for myself especially at college.
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I track the packages so that I can pick them up immediately when they are delivered."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No I'm not always able to get the package immediately and my last order was stolen."

4) Iteration No. 3: 20 year old female
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like that a lot."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since I started renting a house and stop living in an apartment where they'd hold my packages for me."
How long have you had the need?
-"The last year I've lived in a house."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"No, not really. Amazon is pretty good at refunding things that are stolen."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"I'm somewhat satisfied but I'd rather not have to worry about my package being stolen in the first place.

5) Reflect
After talking with multiple people about this opportunity they were excited about a new way to keep their packages safe. The most surprising thing about the interviews was that people were completely on board with the idea but they had never considered how they might keep their packages safe. Another interesting thing is that one respondent counted on Amazon to refund any stolen goods rather than take proactive measures to prevent the theft. 

7) Summarize
How much of your original opportunity is still there?
The original idea consisted of installing a postal dropbox at the front of a house which would work much like post boxes used today. However, instead of sending letters or packages through a public post box you would receive them through a private one at your front door.
It was suggested that multiple size boxes could be made to ensure that each consumer has a box that fits their shopping needs.
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
After discussing the opportunity I do believe it is more accurate.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback? (In other words, is there a trade-off between adapting and staying firm?)
While you may lose some of the original idea, it is extremely important to listen to feedback and adapt your opportunity to fit customer's needs.