Step 2 of 10 · Learn at your own pace
What this means for your business
Research means finding out how people already handle a need, what they buy, and what matters to them when they choose. Competitors are other businesses offering something similar, and alternatives include people just doing the task themselves. Compare scope, condition, convenience, reviews, and price — not just who’s cheapest.
Checking demand means gathering real evidence that an offer is worth trying, instead of relying on a hunch. A compliment is not the same as a sale. Run a low-cost test with a spending limit, a question you want answered, and a date to review it. Before you sell or do regulated work, check what’s required — a small test doesn’t remove those obligations.
A real-world example
For vintage dolls, you’d compare five similar dolls that actually sold recently, rather than just looking at asking prices. Note the maker, condition, accessories, shipping cost, and anything that didn’t sell. Talk with collectors about what they need to see before buying. Then, if it makes sense, test two accurately described items instead of a big batch of inventory. A slow sale is information, not a personal failure.
Try these actions
- Describe one type of customer and talk with three people who fit that description; ask what they use now and why.
- Compare three competitors or alternatives, noting what’s included and what customers seem to care about.
- Pick one test: show a sample, try a limited service appointment, or list a few resale items where that’s allowed.
- Set a time limit, a spending limit, and one thing to track, like real inquiries or paid orders.
- Review what happened and decide to keep going, narrow the offer, change the test, or pause.
Pause & check
These activity checks and reflection are optional and not saved. Copy them to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Learn more in the app
Want to go deeper? These pages have more on this step. Some are still short outlines, but this step works fine on its own. Everything here is free.
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