Figuring Out Buyer Behavior no.2

The segment I have decided to focus on for this assignment is college students. Yes, this segment is easily accessible for me to interview, but I do actually think it is actually one of the most important target markets for my product. Young adults in college travel a lot - being in their early twenties, without full-time careers confining them. Also, college-aged adults tend to be more concerned with environmental issues as they are recently educated about these kinds of problems. Thus, a sustainable railway transit system would be attractive to them.

For my first interview, I asked a friend in a sorority questions about how she felt about our country having a much more developed railway system. For her, she finds the need for more accessible and affordable travel frequently because of the sorority culture she’s in. Travelling is at the center of this because displaying grand adventures and lavish lifestyles tend to get you greater praise from peers. This interview comes at a good time actually as we are just a few weeks out from spring break. She has already booked her trip to California, which she struggled with because she didn’t want to spend a fortune; however, going somewhere that wasn’t extravagant or grandiose wasn’t on the table.

In my second interview, I spoke with someone that is in an organization with me. We talked about how she frequently goes to New York City because her parents do work there often. Her parents are always welcome to have her, but it is obviously not necessary for them, so she has to pull her own weight. Her need becomes most salient in these times because it would be helpful to have a better alternative to the flights she has to rack up. Currently, she splits the price of plane tickets with her parents, but this is still costly.

My last interview was with someone that is heavily involved with Heavener, and works as an ambassador, which requires frequent travel to different cities across the U.S. In this case, his need for travel becomes most apparent because he wants to continue developing his professional experience, but long-distance travel becomes a hassle to keep up with. Currently, he and the other ambassadors cooperate to find group rates and any deals to save money.

In regards to the segment of college students, I believe that the need for affordable travel is irrefutably present. Although their knowledge about how a well-developed railway transit system could be beneficial isn’t very present, I believe that this would swiftly change if the actual facilities were available. Judging from my interviews, college students seek good deals so that they can access the experiences of travel without completely breaking the bank.