Team 8: Final Proposal “Pet Guardians” –When You’re Not There, We Care

Motivation and Target Market:
      People in Taiwan who call their pets daughters or sons are no longer regarded as oddities. As the nation ages and its birth rate declines, pets have become the most intimate companions for metropolitan residents. With annual per capita income over US$13,000 it is not surprising that people are lavishing time and money on companion animals. There are at least 2 million pet dogs and over 200,000 pet cats in Taiwan, according to the Council of Agriculture. It is estimated that pet owners spend at least NT$2.3 billion (US$69 million) annually on pet food, veterinary and grooming services as well as accessories. (from an article in the Taiwan Review).  In Hsinchu, many of the professionals work in the IT industry. Typically, this industry requires that professionals travel a lot on business trips. Also, the benefits of these jobs include an adequate amount of vacation time. In Taiwan, very few people have their own home with a yard. So they tend to choose housedogs rather than yard dogs. House dogs, usually special breeds, require more care and attention.
Mission Statement:
       We decided to do a “click and mortar” business that focuses on services, rather than products. This business model incorporates both online and offline presences. Click and mortar businesses have the advantages of both .com and physical stores. When a bricks and mortar firm goes online it is able to use this core competency more intensively and extensively.The business that we will make up is a pet care business that uses technology to enhance customer service to clients. The name of the business is “Pet Guardians” and the core competence of the business is to provide care for pets when the owner is away. Technology will be used for customers to monitor their pets and make schedules for their pets, as well as to get to know who is taking care of their animal while they are away. On the back end, the company will use user information to maximize the customization of their services to their clients. Also, they will monitor the progress of their performance. The website will be made using content management system (CMS) , html and VirtueMart are written in PHP and made for use in a PHP / MySQL environment. It will also involve extensive design work and attractive digital imaging. The website is intended to be very interactive and user friendly. We offer the total pet care solution for busy pet owner professionals in the Hsinchu area who take business trips, vacations, or commute. The online and physical services as follows:
Online Services:
1)      Web cam monitoring of pet
2)      Pet schedule and updates
3)      Upload pet information
4)      Upload customer information
5)      Choose a caregiver
6)      Easy online payment methods
7)      Receive online updates on the condition of your pet
Physical Services:
1)      Feeding your pet the meals of your choice
2)      Pick up your pet from your residence and take them to comfortable, spacious kennels
3)      Walking your pet
4)      Trips to the vet
5)      Shampoo
6)      Grooming
7)      Provide Toys
We will put a disclaimer that says that the company is not liable for any damage to the pet during their stay at “Pet Guardians” and have customers agree to this legal clause using a form.
Problem definition:
1)      Design and develop the proper business model to suit the website and our business
2)      How to do the personalized services for our customers and their pets?
3)      How can we earn money (even online shop and services)? What is the benefit for online environments (including Content Management System for e-commerce)?
4)      How we design our price online and physical environment?