Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1 

Questions Asked:

1. How many conflicts or arguments does it take for you to talk to your roommate about a certain issue? Basically, what’s your tipping point?

2. How do you feel when you allow the problem to linger?

3. Before you approach your roommate, do you already know your approach is going to work? How confident do you feel that your roommate will listen to you before you approach him or her?

4. How do you handle your roommate(s) not listening to you?

5. When your roommate(s) does not listen or acknowledge the problem you presented, do you talk to other people or try to figure it out alone?

6. In what part of the living space do conflicts with your roommates typically occur?

7. What is the very first thing you do to find a solution to the problem(s)?

8. In your experience, did you opt to the first solution you thought of or do you think it over and create a strategy?

9. What do you feel is the biggest contributing factor to solve issues when living with roommates?


Interview One Summary: Meagan McBride, Senior, University of Florida

In the beginning, Meagan shared how she typically won’t have any issues putting away a couple dishes since she is friends with all her roommates – though she does have limits. For instance, it bothered her greatly that one of her roommates left a note about garbage or dishes, for the roommate could have been “way more causal and just mention it before rather than building it up and then being passive aggressive with a sign.” Meagan also shared that it is not necessarily anyone’s fault when issues linger because everyone is busy and has opposing schedules. Furthermore, Meagan first causally talks about the issue in person or in group chat, and if roommates do not get the hint, she will be more direct. In close, she routinely emphasized to maintain a healthy relationship with roommates by always talking about issues and utilizing different strategies if need be.


Interview Two Summary: Alex Curbelo, Junior, University of Alabama

For Alex, she addresses the problem immediately when she sees it happen, will let it slide if it happens again, and will approach the roommate(s) if it happens once more. Although she feels comfortable talking about issues roommates, she confesses to feeling uncomfortable when the problem(s) linger for longer than others. Per her response, Alex will view the situation from everyone’s point of view and then figure out a solution that is “multi-beneficial” for the parties involved. As documented in prior interviews, Alex reflected on how unhealthy it is to live in a negative environment and suggests discussion for any problems with your roommates.


Interview 3 Summary: Ivan Godward, Junior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

For Ivan, he does not wait for any issues to linger and addresses problems immediately with his other roommates (three in total). He goes on saying that he despises to be in awkward situations and has lived his life avoiding them at all costs. Since his roommates are his friends, he does take it too nicely when they blow him off or disregard his requests. Analogous to practically all other interviewees, the only problems that exist are in the kitchen – specifically dirty dishes. Ivan feels that the biggest contributing factor is not talking in a straightforward manner with your roommates, and he believes that is the only way to maintain healthy relationships.


Based on what you know about this segment and what you learned in your interviews, how would you succinctly describe this segment in terms of need awareness and information search?

As expected, the segment for my opportunity, in terms of need awareness and information search, are 18 to 22-year-old college students who are not adjusted to living on their own, and thus have not acquired the necessary tools and courtesies that are crucial to live with other people. With a course to teach students healthier and more sustainable habits, this opportunity can be exposed.