Testing the Waters before Jumping In

**Kinsey6287** · Jan 2nd, 2012, 04:35 PM

I know, I know..... JFDI.... I am a bit hesitant after losing quite a bit of money from not doing research prior to launching.

So, my question is, for a B2C service type business, what would be the most effective ways to see if your service will be "accepted" by the consumer prior to actually launching?

I was thinking of placing an ad on craigslist, and possibly in the newspapers just to see if there is an initial interest, then if there was, make the investment and launch within the month.

Is this bad juju or no? Thanks

**bell12** · Jan 2nd, 2012, 06:02 PM

yeah, if possible you should always test the waters, whether by calling ahead and try to get a small clientel base first.

**Darkside** · Jan 2nd, 2012, 09:04 PM

Yes. If you are successful, there will be copy cat businesses. However, the copy cats don't usually show up that quickly, so you can do a test first to see if it's a viable business, then devote more resources if need be.

**Kinsey6287** · Jan 5th, 2012, 05:18 PM

Good advice, thank you both.

Has anyone tried this before, and have experience and a technique? I am more trying to see if there is an actual client base before offering the service. Not sure if maybe a survey would be appropriate for this? Please let me know what you guys think. Thank you!!!

**Giles** · Jan 5th, 2012, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Kinsey6287

Good advice, thank you both.

Has anyone tried this before, and have experience and a technique? I am more trying to see if there is an actual client base before offering the service. Not sure if maybe a survey would be appropriate for this? Please let me know what you guys think. Thank you!!!

I'd say avoid surveys. Try to get a paying customer or two. What one says in surveys isn't always what one will say when its time to get the wallet out and fork out some money.

**BetGeek** · Jan 7th, 2012, 12:47 PM

FaceBook could be a good place to find volunteers.
Then go for a Try and Buy format:
- The first people go in for free / at a reduced rate for a number of month
- The become full time customers after that

You gain the experience on the way, for close to 0.

**bell12** · Jan 8th, 2012, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Kinsey6287

I know, I know..... JFDI.... I am a bit hesitant after losing quite a bit of money from not doing research prior to launching. So, my question is, for a B2C service type business, what would be the most effective ways to see if your service will be "accepted" by the consumer prior to actually launching?I was thinking of placing an ad on craigslist, and possibly in the newspapers just to see if there is an initial interest, then if there was, make the investment and launch within the month.Is this bad juju or no? Thanks

maybe i could tell you some more thoughts, but im not sure exactly what you are selling or your target market so its a bit harder to answer...if you want to. pm me.