(it would help if you told me your approx age, sex, and recreational activities that you engage in)
Age: 24 Sex: M Activities: Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Drunk Frisbee, etc.
1. Do you use any specific brand of shoe/equip?
Not specific. Whatever feels and looks good.
2. What do you consider when you purchase athletic apparel? Price, fit, color, brand, etc?
Fit is the most important. Some of my favorite crash clothes are just random items that have been broken in well and are very comfortable. But when purchasing new items, I do tend to pick up Adidas and Nike apparel. They make items that are pretty universal, durable, and they spend enough on decent advertising that people view them as a "good" brand (with the exception of some sweatshops here and there :-). Personally, I get colors that are universal as well, so that I have more oppurtunities to wear them with my current wardrobe. Price does matter, and as the price goes up, I do expect to get more out of the clothing items. But it is not the primary determining factor. If I like all other aspects of the item, then I expect to pay a little for that satisfaction.
3. Would you buy a pair of athletic shoes online from that retailer?
Probably not. If I'm going to be walking around in shoes that I paid good money for, I want to be sure that they feel good and look decent. They might be uncomfortable, too heavy, of a cheaper material, or any of a number of other things that would decrease my satisfaction with the product. If I was a hardcore brand fan, if had tried on the shoes elsewhere, or if there were deals only offered online, then ordering online might be a more viable option.
4. Would you check out competitors before purchasing?
Yes. Since I'm not brand loyal when it comes to athletic suppliers, I always check for the items that fit my needs and offer the best value within certain parameters.
a. Where would you find the different sites to buy them?
I would search google.com for the name brand sites. Under normal circumstances, I would feel the most secure ordering online directly from the manufacturer or from a familiar retail outlet.
5. What are you looking for in a product (shoe, bra, athletic apparel, etc.)?
Well, I like bras with very easy access "on" and "off." Less fumbling, the better. Unique fasteners and one off designs look good, but sometimes break the flow when trying be Don Juan on Sat. night. Err...I guess you were probably more interested in my thoughts on shoes...
This is in reference to athletic shoes, since that seems to be the theme. Dress shoes fall under some different scrutinies. Athletic shoes have to be durable, comfortable, and look ok. This means they have to fit and support your foot solidly (without too much movement), let your foot breathe, present the look you want, and serve the purpsoe for which they're made (be it basketball, baseball, track, etc.) And no one wants a pair of shoes that start falling apart after a couple months...
6. What do you think is out of your control when you are purchasing a product and how would you improve your control over the design and price?
Damn Brett, you know I could write three pages on this alone? But I'll save the ranting and just get to the point.
It's hardest to take control of the basic design trends. They are controlled by the masses, and for those that don't particulary follow the same trends as 18-19 yr. old, first time college kids, the run of the mill athletic shoes can end up pretty corny. So to make up for it, you have to pay extra and get the nicer, less mass produced shoes. However, that's the beauty of capitalism, the more you spend, the more options you have.
But, to go along with online purchasing and the introduction of more technology into the designing, ordering, and production process, certain traits we've associated with these companies are beginning to change. The same way we have seen the dramatic increase of different niches in the adult internet (Five years ago, there were two different niches: hardcore and softcore. Then came teens, then big tits...now there are new ones popping up every day, each catering to a small group of individuals that support, encourage, and help it grow) new procedures can radically change the entire business model. Automated ordering, computer controled manufacturing, increased precision in statistics and machinery might provide new ways to cater a little more specifically to the individual. Your research paper aside, this is where we should all be seeing oppurtunities for profit in the future.
Post your respsonses here... or email me.
~Brett
[email protected]
7. How would you customize your perfect shoe? Would you choose a different padding or fabric?
No...I like my shoes.