7A- Testing the Hypothesis

-The opportunity I am presenting is the creation of more parking in Gainesville. Me and my three roommates were blessed with a massive lot that I think could be a major cash crop for us. Gainesville as we all know isn't exactly known for its variety of parking. You either have to pay for a decal or parking spot in most cases unless you own your house or parking spot. What I'm interviewing people about is the opportunity of purchasing a parking spot through us as opposed to a more expensive venture. All five people I interviewed are Gainesville students. 3 pay for parking spots, one is a friend who we let park at our place for free, and the other is a homeowner who has her own driveway and spot.


                    INTERVIEW ONE: PAYS FOR PARKING AT STANDARD 

1. What do you think about your current parking arrangement at your complex?
     
          -Well, financially I don't have to pay for my spot this year my parents are taking care of it, who by the way were dumbfounded when they were told they'd have to pay an extra $150 a month on top of an already pricey rent just so that I have a place to park my car. As for next year they're making me  help with and I presume parking as well.

2. If I told you I were interested in possibly making our property into a mini lot for say 20-25 cars manly for people from Standard complex to defer to for a fraction of the price  say, $30 monthly would you consider switching?

        -I'd have to come check out the location you know, see exactly how close it is and if it looks safe. Cant have my car broken into.

3. Is that your main worry? IF not what is?

       -Well I mean yeah, the Standard has security and surveillance, not to mention people are always around, so I guess what I'm saying is it would be easier for someone to get ahold of my belongings at your place as opposed to Standard. Not to mention, what if I come there and someone's in my spot and I have no where to park?

4. We would form some sort of document for y'all to sign and for us to keep record of whether its proof of purchase, or the make of your car and license plate, to prevent people who haven't paid from sneaking in.. and yes a tow truck will be enforced. Does this change your mind a little bit?

     -Maybe...Maybe what ill do is give it a try next year maybe for the first month or something and see how it goes.


                                        Interview 2: Standard parking spot owner

1. What is your current attitude towards parking at the Standard?
   
      -Well my parents cover my rent and parking so I guess its fine.

2. They were upset or angered by the ridiculous monthly fee?

     - Im not really sure, they didn't say much about it, but then again I didn't really ask either. They did most of the price talking when I wasn't around.

3. You're aware of where I live, If you had to pay for rent and parking on your own, would you consider parking at our place for say $30 a month instead of $150.

     -Heck yes! I mean you know I leave my car there sometimes overnight anyways, but I would never pay that much monthly for a dang parking spot! no way.

4. Would there be any issues with security or fear of anything happening to your car at our lot if we decide to go through with this?

    -Not really... I mean I've left my car there before multiple times and nothings happened. And nothings happened to any of your cars yet right? so yeah I would definitely be interested in saving money through you guys.

                                       Interview 3: Standard parking spot owner

1. What is your current attitude towards parking prices at the standard?

    - Definitely overpriced but its the best option.

2. If I told you were were opening a lot on our property for say 20-25 people for $30 a month would you consider?

    - That definitely sounds like a good idea but my parents pay for my spot and feel safe with it in the standard parking garage.

3. Even if the bill was in your hands you'd still keep it there?
 
    -Most likely, unless I was really hurting for cash then i'd be forced to resort to an alternative, but as long as my funds were sufficient I would stay in the parking garage mainly because of comfort. Ill sleep better with my car in the parking garage than if it were in your lot.


   
                             Interview 4: Friend who we are currently allowing to park in our lot

1. Now I know we're letting park in our lot for free right now, but what if I told you we were turning it into a 20-25 car lot for people who wanna pay less than standards prices say $30 a month?

   -Well I'd hope you guys would let me slide for free but I know thats probably a low possibility. But I mean i'd be down. I'd probably tell my dad I have to park at standard for $150 and month, give you guys thirty of it and pocket the rest.

2. So as far a comfort or trust issues with your car in our lot, you have no worries?

   No... Ive left my car at your place overnight for almost two months now and nothing has happened. Plus I'm always in and out switching out my car and scooter. I think you guys could make this work.

3. Is there anything we could improve on to make sure your as comfortable as possible?

     -You could always install a camera or make the fence more secure and lock it up overnight... But i thinks thats a little overboard but some people may need that extra camera to feel safe and secure with their car staying at your place.


                                              Interview 5: Current homeowner 

1. How do you feel about your current parking situation?

    - Well I live in a house so we have a good size driveway that all four cars can fit into, so good I guess.

2. Have you lived in an apartment complex before that charged for parking?

    -Yesssssss. The place I lived in before here charged hundreds a month for their "fancy" parking spaces. After months of doing that, I couldn't watch my bank account crumble anymore and went and bought a city decal for like $100 bucks. It was a lot cheaper but you didn't have a reserved spot, it just allowed you to park in certain areas in Gainesville. So must of the time I would park far away from my apartment or even worse not find one and keep driving around until I did which was extremely frustrating.

3. Was this a factor when you decided to live in a house instead of an apartment?

    -Oh forsure. That and privacy, I need my privacy and I don't need any unnecessary expenses since I pay for everything on my own.

4. Were thinking about turning our lot into a mini parking lot for people to pay monthly for a way cheaper price than their competitors.. if you were them would you consider?

   -Definitely, I looked into local parking garages that were near my apartment but there weren't many, and the ones that were viable were also very expensive.


                                                                Summary                   
-All in all, It seems the obvious variable here is the impact the parents have on their kids financial needs. This idea of making our own lot available to others, will most likely be directed at a less fortunate group of kids, kids who parents make them pay for everything, or people like interview three who found a way two ways to benefit from our plan. It'll definitely take some serious time and planning but I think were might have something here. For the home game this week were going to put up signs for people to park there during the weekend and use that as kind of a trial run and see what happens.