First Day Interview: Ji Hyun Yoon - 3/10

I wanted to see if this idea had potential for young professionals, so I first contacted my friends who were in a professional environment and asked about their preference.

Mark K. Business owner, mid-30s, Asian male

-Haircut price is not an issue. Pays $45 for haircut

-Have been going to the same hair stylist for 5 years. Close by ~5 miles

-Time is not an issue because he owns his own business so he can get out whenever. However, always makes a reservation so he doesn’t have to wait to get a haircut

-Getting a good haircut is important. (Sidenote: he is very sensitive about his hair thinning/balding, so he wants to make sure they can give him a good haircut to bring out as much volume as possible)

-(More concerned with looking good than price or time)

John L. Young professional with busy schedule, mid-30s, Asian male

-Willing to pay up to $25 for haircut but doesn’t really wish to pay more

-Every stylist is about the same. Getting a clean cut is all he cares for

-Doesn’t have time to worry about haircut

-Does not have a specific stylist he goes to and never makes a reservation. Because he has to travel for work, sometimes gets it at a different city when it is convenient

-Time is important but allocates about 30 minutes for a haircut. If he has to wait in line, he will go some other time or sometimes gets work done while waiting

This gave conflicting result but it looks like a professional who had less control over his schedule put importance on convenience and time, which are what we are targeting.

There is a barber shop located at Rosslyn Metro Station. It takes no reservation, prides in quick turnaround, and is affordable at $18 a haircut for men. Because this model was similar to what we're aiming for, I decided to interview the patrons here. 

Steve S. Early 30’s, White male

-Haircut every once 3-4weeks

-Goes to the barber because of convenience and doing a good job

-Accessibility is the key

-Instruction: 2 on the side, and trim the top

-Waiting time: okay with 15-20 minutes

-Varies when to get a haircut because of schedule

-Chose the place based on Yelp reviews

-WTP: anything under $25

-Location > Price > Time

-Combine the haircut with other schedules

-No specific barber. Just goes to the building and gets it done quickly

John G. 20’s, Hispanic male

-Gets haircut every 2 weeks

-Convenience/location is the reason for choosing barber shop

-Chose the barber through word of mouth

-No specific barber

-Waiting time: 20-25 minutes

-Goes to barbershop according to schedule

-WTP: anything under $25

-Time > Price > Location

-Standalone trip (because live right off the block)

-Switched barbershop because of convenience

It is clear that these people also favor convenience. Their time and the location of the place is most important. Furthermore, their WTP was set at $25, so we are able to charge a little higher, or stay at a lower price to beat the market. Since they don't have a favorite barber they want, it is easier to train every barber to do a similar job and produce the consistency that customers enjoy.

I wanted to interview more patrons, but I was asked to leave by the barbershop after a few more attempts for interview requests.