B. price
C. people
D. practice
E. promise
Refer to the scenario below to answer the following questions.
Most people laughed when Evelyn Ringler explained her product idea: a solar-powered
vacuum cleaner. But the concept was practical and the technology used in the vacuum
was the same as that used in many children’s toys. After setting up a demonstration
booth in a mall in a Chicago suburb, Evelyn felt more assured than ever that her idea
would be a hit. Consumers seemed receptive and offered helpful pieces of advice, such
as how much they would pay for the vacuum, what colors they would prefer, and why
they would not buy the vacuum.
The vacuum itself was dome-shaped, something like a small saucer, with a filter bag on
top and sensory nodes along the edges. After being charged in the sunlight, the vacuum
could run for 10 hours, covering a floor area of 600 square feet. As the apparatus lightly
bumped into table legs, chairs, and so on, the sensory nodes allowed the vacuum to
move around the objects in various directions. This is the same type of technology used
in the manufacturing of children’s race cars and walking dolls.
Evelyn knew that the solar-powered vacuum would be especially helpful to both elderly
consumers, who may have a more difficult time with vacuuming, and on-the-go
consumers who lead busy lives. The price would be above average but would likely
drop after Evelyn recouped some of her costs.
After a 500-unit production run and a substantial financial investment, Evelyn Ringler
set up a test market in a Chicago mall and in an appliance store in New Jersey. “It’s such
a novel idea,” Evelyn added. “People will notice it, even if they don’t buy it right away.”
The financial savings in reduced electricity costs that customers of Ringler’s
solar-powered vacuum can expect to experience are part of the ________.