4A - Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is a need for a reliable and easy way to recycle computers when a person wants to get rid of their own. In addition, this opportunity is geared for anyone who wants to get rid of their computer and does not want it to damage the environment has this need. The service that would be provided would guarantee to recycle a person’s computer for a little fee at any time. There already are programs designated to help people recycle their old computers but in many areas, they do not collect computers regularly or they charge high fees. Computers are horrible to get rid of when someone wishes to upgrade especially when it is believed that consumers should upgrade their computer every 5 years. (www.onmsft.com). There is no designated place to drop off a computer in some areas. Some people do have computer recycling programs in their areas but recent news has suggested that these programs may not be reliable at making sure the parts do not end up in a landfill. I am 80% certain this opportunity exists in urban areas but completely certain that this opportunity exists in rural areas.

Interviews:

Business owners who have multiple computers

Do you currently recycle your computer when you are done using it?

1. Yes, I do.

How often do you get new computers/laptops?

1. Once every 18 months.

When you buy a new computer do you take into consideration if the parts are recyclable?  

1. No, I focus on the features and the ability the computer help productivity in the office.

Do you trust the computer recycling program in your area?

1. Yes, I have total faith.

What do you look for in a new computer/laptop?

1. Minimum hardware specifications and the expected lifeline of the hardware being 2-3 years.  

How did you find out about your recycling program?

1. Community email and public service announcement on television.

Is recycling electronics a high priority for you, please explain?

1. Not a high priority but if the fee is cheap I will recycle what I can.

Reflection: Some prototypical customers do believe recycling is important but do not make serious attempts to recycle out of fear that it is too expensive. In addition, prototypical consumers seem to not look for eco-friendly computers. They look for computers they can count on to help perform their daily tasks not based on the parts it has.   

College Students who have to turn in homework online

Do you currently recycle your computer when you are done using it?

2. Yes, I have it sent a program across town.

How often do you get new computers/laptops?

2. Every 10 years.

When you buy a new computer do you take into consideration if the parts are recyclable?  

2. No, not at all.

Do you trust the computer recycling program in your area?

2. No, I have heard some bad things about other programs in the area.

What do you look for in a new computer/laptop?

2. Screen resolution

How did you find out about your recycling program?

2. Family friends

Is recycling electronics a high priority for you, please explain?

2. No, but I do try to recycle in general.

Reflection: College students are trying to recycle their computers. However, they do seem to be suspicious of the program because of news reports that detail computers being shipped to third world countries to be broken down.  

Casual computer users

Do you currently recycle your computer when you are done using it?

3. Yes, I take them to a local recycling program.  

How often do you get new computers/laptops?

3. Every three years.

When you buy a new computer do you take into consideration if the parts are recyclable?  

3. No, not at all.

Do you trust the computer recycling program in your area?

3. Yes, but honestly I have never investigated the program to see if they truly do recycle.

What do you look for in a new computer/laptop?

3. Memory to manage graphics.

How did you find out about your recycling program?

3. Local newspaper

Is recycling electronics a high priority for you, please explain?

3. Yes because I understand it is not good to throw things away in the trash.  

Reflection: Some people are aware of this opportunity but do not actively search to understand if their local program is doing what they advertise to do. Some people act with trust that when they drop off their electronics it will take care of in an appropriate way.  

Summary:

There definitely is still an opportunity for this service. All the people I interviewed seemed to deal with this opportunity. In addition, I do believe this opportunity is more accurate than when I started because many computer users have different ways of addressing this issue but all seem to have a different dissatisfaction with their current method. Each person had a different reason why this opportunity would attract them. The reasons are the fee, the social responsibility, and the moral obligation.  Many people already have a form of getting rid of their old computer and do not take environmental sustainability into as much of an account as I originally intended. Entrepreneurs should adapt almost every part of their business model to satisfy customer feedback. A major problem for many businesses is that they struggle to be responsive to changing customer needs. It is important to stick to the original opportunity the company was established for but if the opportunity is no longer in existence then adapting is necessary.