Hello,

I've appreciated your help so far. As you know, I require extra help with Buhi's proposal as it is more complex than the others. I am expecting you will choose multiple methodologies to answer the research questions, and I ask that you consider Buhi's budget and timeline.

Background & Research Objective

Buhi Supply Co$.$ is a mid$-$market, e$-$commerce, and retail bag supplier. It specializes in backpack, purse, wallet, satchel, and duffel products. Buhi prides itself in providing high$-$quality products with unique and detailed elements inspired by global designs. Buhi's most successful product is its line of backpacks. With the thought of capitalizing on that success, the company is interested in exploring the viability of a new product line: luggage.

Buhi is interested in obtaining research to help guide concept development of this potential product line. Before proceeding with a concept, the company would like to better understand the competitive environment, optimum features, and unique or preferred design elements to include for the market.

Buhi's target market for this new luggage line is predominantly male, $21-28$ years old, single, and earning a yearly income between $$45,000-$$$55,000.$

Research Questions

Search existing reports to discover what the competitive landscape looks like for the high$-$quality, mid$-$market luggage market. Who are the players? What are their market shares? Is there room for Buhi to enter this market?

Gather qualitative data on the most desirable functions and features that should be built into this line of luggage.

Learn from category users about their experiences with luggage in general$($pros and cons$)$ to uncover unique features and functions that may not yet be available in the marketplace.

Along with the top$-$of$-$mind features gathered, Buhi would also like to obtain interest ratings on ergonomic handles, unbreakable shells, and antimicrobial interior fabric.

Gather ratings on the most desirable aesthetic elements $($e$.$g$.,$ colors, design, material, etc.$).$

What are consumers willing to pay for such a product in small, medium, and large sizes $($price range$)?$

What marketplace segmentation would require product variations $($e$.$g$.,$ business travelers, vacationers, world travelers, domestic travelers, etc.$)?$

Budget and Timeline

The budget allocated for this research project is $$45,000-$$$60,000$P$,$ and all deliverables are due eight weeks from project launch.

Please respond to their RFP with the methodologies you propose to address these questions along with your estimated cost and timing. I look forward to evaluating your proposal.