Edelweiss Market Research: Week 3 Interview Insights

For the third week of our market research interviews, we gathered valuable insights from students at USTP regarding their flower-buying habits, challenges, and preferences. These findings help us refine our approach for Edelweiss, ensuring that we address the real needs of potential customers.

1. Challenges in Buying Flowers

A recurring theme among our respondents was the difficulty in finding fresh flowers at a reasonable price. Many students noted that they often walk around marketplaces, like Cogon, comparing prices and freshness before making a purchase. Some also found it frustrating that the flowers wilt quickly, especially when they were promised a longer lifespan.

Other common challenges included:

• Finding a flower shop with the right variety of flowers.
• The seasonal availability of certain flowers.
• The higher cost of flowers during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
• The quality of online purchases not matching the displayed images.

2. Budget Constraints

As students, many of our respondents cited budget as the primary factor preventing them from buying flowers frequently. Some mentioned that they would love to buy flowers more often but simply could not afford them. This highlights the need for affordable options, discounts, or student-friendly pricing strategies.

3. Buying Preferences & Locations

Most students purchase flowers in Cogon due to the lower prices and the ability to inspect the quality in person. Others prefer convenience and opt for online purchases, despite concerns about product quality.

Some of the key reasons for flower purchases included:

• Gifts for partners or loved ones during special occasions.
• Family requests (such as mothers asking their children to buy flowers).
• Personal preference for giving “just because” flowers.

4. Suggestions for an Ideal Flower Shopping Experience

• A Recommendation System: Many students feel unsure about which flowers to buy. A system that suggests the best flowers based on the recipient’s preferences would be useful.
• Better Online Transparency: Those who buy flowers online want a guarantee that the quality will match the product images.
• Availability Information: A system that shows which flowers are in stock and their seasonal availability would make decision-making easier.
• Affordable, Pre-Made Bouquets: Having a variety of ready-made bouquets at different price points could appeal to budget-conscious students.

5. Advice from Respondents

• Buy flowers just an hour before giving them to ensure they look fresh.
• If the budget is tight, DIY bouquet wrapping can save costs.
• Compare prices online before purchasing.
• Support small businesses and buy from friends who sell flowers.
• Buy flowers from Cogon for affordability and variety.

What This Means for Edelweiss

From these interviews, it is clear that an online flower marketplace with transparency, affordability, and convenience could solve many of the issues students face. Features like price comparisons, flower recommendations, and real-time stock updates would enhance user experience. Additionally, offering budget-friendly options and ensuring quality assurance for online purchases will be critical in attracting student customers.

We will integrate these insights into our platform’s development to make Edelweiss a seamless and trusted flower-buying experience for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue refining our approach based on valuable customer feedback!